Director of Characterisation

Overview

Take charge of the team responsible for verifying the reliability of our artificial intelligence silicon before delivering products to customers. You will spearhead the development and leadership of Graphcore's characterisation capabilities for upcoming silicon and system platforms, ensuring consistent product performance under practical conditions.

Key Responsibilities

Define strategies for device bring-up and characterisation, oversee technical execution, and design the necessary laboratory infrastructure. Collaborate closely across multiple disciplines including silicon design, hardware engineering, manufacturing, architecture, and product teams to solve advanced engineering challenges. This role requires hands-on leadership with the opportunity to influence both product design and the validation processes for next-generation AI systems.

Team and Culture

This is a newly established team within Manufacturing Operations, providing a unique chance to shape team processes while fostering strong collaboration with engineering and operations departments. You will collaborate daily with architecture, silicon, hardware, production test, and product groups, making data-driven, technically guided decisions supported by open communication and ownership.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated success managing and delivering complex technical projects either as an individual contributor, manager, or project manager, with a capacity to work independently and drive outcomes.
• Expertise in digital silicon device design, bring-up, characterisation, and understanding of silicon process technologies and their influence on transistor and system performance.
• Deep knowledge of high-performance processors, SoC architectures, and high-speed digital interfaces including PCIe, Ethernet, and DDR.
• Proficiency in automation of measurements, data analysis, and scripting or coding to develop workflows for automated testing and analysis, including familiarity with automated test equipment (ATE) systems.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management capabilities supported by a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with PCBA and system-level technologies.
• Experience in project management.

Benefits

• Unlimited annual leave
• Up to 5% matched pension contributions
• Phantom equity participation reflecting company success
• Flexible working arrangements both in terms of location and hours
• Office environments designed to encourage collaboration
• Complimentary food and onsite barista services
• Health cash plan coverage
• Income protection and life assurance policies
• Choice among additional benefits including private medical insurance and dental plans

Diversity and Inclusion

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We value individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences and provide support throughout our recruitment process to accommodate different needs.

About Graphcore

Graphcore is pioneering computational platforms for next-generation AI, combining advanced silicon technology with intelligent software to enable breakthroughs across multiple industries. Supported by the SoftBank Group, we collaborate with leading AI innovators aiming to advance artificial superintelligence responsibly and globally. Our teams consist of AI researchers, chip designers, software developers, and systems experts united by curiosity, ownership, and a drive to make impactful technological progress.

Invitation

If you aspire to lead the effort validating transformative AI technologies, we encourage you to join our team at Graphcore.