
Graphcore builds Intelligence Processing Units, AI accelerators designed specifically for machine learning. They're hiring a Graduate SoC Architect in Bristol to work on system-on-chip architecture for future generations of the IPU, in a hybrid pattern. This ASIC role sits within the UK's semiconductor sector.
About the job
Start your architecture career helping shape the AI chips of the future. As a 2026 Graduate SoC Architecture Engineer, you will help define, model and evaluate complex sub-systems for Graphcore’s next-generation AI acceleration hardware.
You will discover how product requirements become architectural choices, develop trade-offs and silicon-ready specifications. Your work will support high-performance, highly integrated SoC designs used in advanced AI compute.
You will contribute to specifications, modelling, simulation, validation and technical analysis. You may also support IP evaluation, silicon bring-up, testing and performance investigations.
You do not need to arrive as an expert. We are looking for graduates with strong fundamentals, curiosity and the aim to learn from real architecture work.
The Team & Culture
The Silicon Architecture team defines how critical SoC sub-systems behave, connect and perform. The team works closely with silicon design, verification, hardware and software engineers.
Work happens through technical discussion, modelling, documentation, review and careful evaluation of design choices. You will learn from experienced architects while taking ownership of well-scoped tasks early.
Decisions are shaped by evidence, system impact and clear engineering judgement. Graduates are encouraged to ask questions, test assumptions and communicate ideas clearly.
What we’re looking for
Benefits
Sponsorship
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or support visa applications for this role.
Inclusion statement
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 one of the world’s leading innovators in Artificial Intelligence compute. It is developing hardware, software and systems infrastructure that will unlock the next generation of AI breakthroughs and power the widespread adoption of AI solutions across every industry.
As part of the SoftBank Group, Graphcore is a member of an elite family of companies responsible for some of the world’s most transformative technologies. Together, they share a bold vision: to enable Artificial Super Intelligence and ensure its benefits are accessible to everyone.
Graphcore’s teams are drawn from diverse backgrounds and bring a broad range of skills and perspectives. A melting pot of AI research specialists, silicon designers, software engineers and systems architects, Graphcore brings together deep expertise to solve complex problems and deliver meaningful progress in AI compute.
Join Graphcore’s Graduate SoC Architect Programme and start building the skills, confidence, and experience to turn your learning into real impact. Apply now.
Graphcore is a Bristol-based AI semiconductor company founded in 2016 by serial semiconductor entrepreneurs Nigel Toon and Simon Knowles. Toon previously led XMOS and Picochip, while Knowles co-founded Element14 (acquired by Broadcom) and Icera (acquired by NVIDIA for $435M). The company developed Intelligence Processing Units (IPUs), novel AI accelerators designed from the ground up for machine learning workloads, alongside the proprietary Poplar graph programming framework. Graphcore raised $767M in total funding, reaching a $2.77B valuation, with backing from Sequoia Capital, Atomico, Amadeus, Microsoft, and others. In July 2024, SoftBank Group acquired Graphcore for approximately $500M to $600M. The company continues to operate from Bristol with plans to expand its UK headcount to 750.