Director of Characterisation

Director of Characterisation Overview

Graphcore is seeking a highly skilled leader to head the team responsible for verifying the performance and reliability of their AI silicon products before they are delivered to customers. This role involves building and expanding Graphcore’s silicon characterization capabilities for next-generation chips and system platforms, ensuring that products perform consistently under real-world conditions. The successful candidate will define strategies for silicon bring-up and testing, lead the technical execution of these plans, and develop the necessary laboratory infrastructure to support these activities.

As a key part of the Manufacturing Operations team, this role offers the opportunity to shape how the team functions while establishing strong collaborative relationships across engineering and operational departments. Daily interactions will involve close work with teams focused on architecture, silicon, hardware, production testing, and product development. The role requires a hands-on leadership approach, with influence over both product design and validation processes for future AI systems.

The Team and Culture

This is a newly formed team within the manufacturing division. The successful applicant will have the chance to define team workflows and build partnerships across disciplines. Decision-making is driven by data, technical evidence, and collaborative effort. The company values ownership, clear communication, and technical leadership. Leaders are trusted to set direction, remove obstacles, and support teams in making steady progress.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Demonstrated success in delivering complex technical projects, either as an individual contributor, manager, or project leader, with the ability to work autonomously and ensure project execution.
• Extensive knowledge of silicon digital device design, bring-up, characterization, and manufacturing processes, with an understanding of their impact on transistor and system performance.
• Strong familiarity with high-performance processor architectures, system-on-chip (SoC) designs, and high-speed digital interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, and DDR memory.
• Experience in measurement automation, data analysis, and scripting or coding to develop automated testing workflows, with knowledge of Automated Test Equipment (ATE) systems.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, supported by at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.

Preferred Skills and Additional Experience

• Knowledge of PCBA and system-level technologies.
• Experience in project management.

Benefits and Perks

• Unlimited annual leave policy.
• Up to 5% matched pension contributions.
• Phantom equity, providing a stake in the company’s success.
• Flexible working options to suit individual preferences.
• Office spaces designed for collaboration and creativity.
• Free food and an on-site barista to support staff wellbeing.
• Health cash plan to assist with healthcare expenses.
• Income protection insurance and life assurance coverage.
• Additional benefits such as private medical insurance and dental plans, available as options.

Work Pattern

The specific working arrangement (remote, hybrid, or onsite) is not explicitly detailed in the job listing.

Visa Sponsorship

We offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

Visa Sponsorship May be