Director of Characterisation
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Sep 26, 2026. First seen by Alion on Jul 29, 2026. Graphcore scores B on the Alion truth index.
About the job
Lead the team that proves our AI silicon performs reliably before it reaches customers.
You will build and lead Graphcore's characterisation capability for next generation silicon and system platforms. Your work will help ensure our products perform consistently across real world conditions.
You will define bring up and characterisation strategies, lead technical execution, and shape the lab infrastructure needed for success. You'll work across silicon, hardware, manufacturing, architecture and product teams to solve complex engineering challenges.
This is a hands on leadership role with the opportunity to influence both product design and how Graphcore validates future AI systems.
The team and culture
This is a newly formed team within Manufacturing Operations. You'll have the opportunity to establish how the team works while building strong partnerships across engineering and operations.
Day to day, you'll work closely with architecture, silicon, hardware, production test and product teams. Decisions are driven by data, technical evidence and close collaboration across disciplines.
We value ownership and clear communication. You'll be trusted to lead technical direction, remove blockers and help teams make progress with confidence.
What we're looking for
Essential
- Proven track record of delivering complex technical projects as an individual contributor, manager, or project manager, with the ability to work independently and drive execution.
- Strong expertise in silicon digital device design, bring-up, characterisation, and silicon process technologies, with an understanding of their impact on transistor- and system-level performance.
- In-depth knowledge of high-performance processors, system-on-chip (SoC) architectures, and high-speed digital interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, and DDR.
- Experience with measurement automation, data analysis, and scripting/coding to develop automated test and analysis workflows, with familiarity of ATE systems and their capabilities.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, supported by a bachelor's degree (or equivalent practical experience).
Desirable
- Knowledge of PCBA and system level technologies.
- Project management experience.
Benefits
- Unlimited annual leave
- Up to 5% matched pension
- Phantom equity - share in Graphcore'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
- Life assurance
- Along with other benefits you can choose from (private medical insurance, dental plan etc)
We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can do their best work.
We're an equal opportunity employer and recognise that everyone brings different strengths and perspectives. If you need any adjustments during the interview process, just let us know. We're happy to support you.
Join the team at Graphcore
Graphcore is building the compute platform for the next generation of artificial intelligence. From advanced silicon to intelligent software, our technology is designed to unlock breakthroughs in AI and bring its benefits to every industry.
As part of the SoftBank Group, we're backed by one of the world's most ambitious technology investors, working alongside companies shaping the future of AI. Together, we share a bold goal: to help enable artificial superintelligence and ensure it delivers meaningful impact at a global scale.
At Graphcore, you'll work with people who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Our teams bring together AI researchers, chip designers, software engineers and systems experts from a wide range of backgrounds. It's an environment where we take on big challenges with curiosity and focus, move quickly and decisively, take real ownership of our work, and speak up to challenge ideas, stepping up to support each other and lead through action.
If you want to lead the team that validates the technology powering the next generation of AI systems, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to join Graphcore.