Principal Hardware System Test Engineer

Principal Hardware System Test Engineer Overview

In this role, you will shape the testing processes for advanced AI hardware before it reaches customers. As a Principal Hardware System Test Engineer, you will lead the technical direction for manufacturing test solutions for Host Processor Modules, Server Blades, and multi-node rack systems. Your contributions will ensure that every system meets the highest quality standards prior to deployment.

You will be responsible for owning the architecture of the test executive software and developing manufacturing test content that validates complex hardware at scale. Collaborating with hardware, firmware, and software teams, you will enable reliable and efficient testing throughout the production process. This position offers a wide scope for technical influence, allowing you to tackle complex engineering challenges, enhance manufacturing quality through data, and help shape the future of Graphcore’s production testing capabilities.

Team and Culture

You will join the Product Test and Diagnosis team within Manufacturing Operations. This team is responsible for defining and delivering test strategies across silicon, boards, server systems, and rack-scale platforms. In your daily work, you will collaborate closely with engineers from hardware, firmware, software, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Decisions within the team are driven by technical evidence, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. You will have the opportunity to lead technically, mentor other engineers, and influence the evolution of manufacturing testing across globally distributed teams.

Requirements

• Extensive experience developing and deploying manufacturing test solutions for high-performance servers, accelerators, or comparable large-scale compute hardware.
• Proven technical leadership as an individual contributor, owning architecture and driving alignment across multiple teams without direct line management responsibility.
• Deep technical understanding across silicon, board, and system design sufficient to define effective manufacturing test coverage and lead complex debug/root-cause analysis.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience driving requirements and delivery with internal software/firmware/platform teams to enable testability and diagnosability.
• Hands-on experience using Linux, OpenBMC, and vendor-specific test tools, diagnostics, and system-level utilities to test hardware in lab and manufacturing environments.
• Strong software engineering skills with scripting and automation (e.g., Python, Bash, or similar), including building reliable test infrastructure and integrating heterogeneous test content.

Desirable Qualifications

• Familiarity with rack-scale/multi-node systems, high-speed interconnects, and production qualification of complex assemblies.
• Experience improving manufacturing KPIs (yield, test time, false fail reduction) through data-driven test optimization and robust statistical/diagnostic approaches.
• Knowledge of open-source tools commonly used for manufacturing test, system bring-up, and hardware diagnostics.
• Experience designing testability/diagnosability features into products in partnership with design teams.

Benefits

• Unlimited annual leave.
• Up to 5% matched pension contributions.
• Phantom equity options to share in the company’s success.
• True flexibility in how and where you work.
• Office spaces designed for collaboration.
• Free food and an on-site barista.
• Health cash plan.
• Income protection and life assurance.
• Along with other benefits you can choose from, including private medical insurance and dental plans.

Graphcore is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and experiences and are dedicated to building a diverse workplace. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know, and we will be happy to assist you.

If you are interested in leading the engineering behind manufacturing testing for advanced AI hardware and ensuring quality at scale, we encourage you to apply now to join Graphcore.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

Visa Sponsorship May be