Validation Engineer

Staff Embedded Software/Firmware Engineer – Silicon Bring-up

• Minimum 8+ years of experience in Silicon Validation / Post-Silicon Validation
• Strong hands-on experience in Embedded C/C++ programming

About Graphcore

Graphcore is a globally recognised leader in Artificial Intelligence computing systems. The company designs advanced semiconductors and data-centre hardware that provide the specialised processing power required to drive AI innovation, while delivering the efficiency needed for broader AI adoption.

As part of the SoftBank Group, Graphcore belongs to a family of companies responsible for some of the world’s most transformative technologies.

We are expanding our presence in India and launching a new AI Engineering Campus in Bengaluru, which will play a central role in building the future of AI computing.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Staff Embedded Software/Firmware Engineer (Bring-up) to join our Post-Silicon Bring-up team. In this role, you will contribute to the validation of cutting-edge AI chips and platforms, developing low-level software used to configure and exercise new silicon devices.

You will play a key role in bringing first silicon to life, enabling new product introductions, and supporting post-silicon validation. The role offers opportunities to collaborate with cross-functional teams and lead technical initiatives, mentor engineers, and improve validation infrastructure and processes.

The Team

The Post-Silicon Bringup team sits within the Architecture and Validation team. We are responsible for bringup and validation of new silicon when it returns from manufacture, enabling and supporting the production SW and FW teams to bring up their software and supporting the Silicon Characterisation team.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Plan, design, develop and debug silicon bringup sequences and test in bare metal C/C++ on FPGA/Emulator prior to first silicon
• Deploy configuration sequences and validation tests on first silicon and debug them
• Develop automated test framework and regression test suites in Python to optimize validation efficiency
• Collaborate closely with engineers from many other disciplines on a variety of topics
• Work with Validation and Production Test engineering peers to implement best practices and continuous improvements to test methodologies
• Analyse test results, identify and debug failures/defects
• Contribute to shared test and validation infrastructure
• Provide feedback to architects

Essential

• Strong experience in Bare metal / embedded C/C++
• Good knowledge of digital ASICs
• Be highly motivated, a self-starter, and a team player
• Ability to work across teams and programming languages to find root causes of deep and complex issues
• Experience with the post-silicon validation process applied in digital ASIC environments
• Python, Linux
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with others to solve problems
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical & diagnostic skills

Desirable

Driver-level experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:

• PCIe
• Ethernet
• Memory technologies (LPDDR, DDR, HBM, …)
• Other peripherals such as I2C, I3C, SPI, …

Additional desirable skills:

• Good knowledge of mixed-signal building blocks such as PLLs, high-speed PHYs and IC control/communication protocols
• Experience with Arm CPUs, System IP and debug tools
• Experience with AMBA protocols
• Understanding of ML applications and their workloads
• Experience in Characterization, Failure Analysis, Test Development, Statistical Analysis, and Customer Support

Benefits

Graphcore offers a competitive compensation package along with comprehensive benefits.

We welcome people from diverse backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive. We provide an equal opportunity hiring process and are happy to accommodate reasonable adjustments during the interview process.