2026 Graduate Firmware Engineer

About the job

Start your firmware career working on the code that brings AI hardware to life. As a 2026 Graduate Firmware Engineer, you will help develop the low-level software that starts, monitors and supports Graphcore products.

You will learn how firmware connects silicon, hardware, drivers and datacentre systems. Your work will help our products boot correctly, communicate clearly and run reliably.

You will contribute to code, tests, reviews and technical discussions with firmware, drivers, hardware and partner teams. You will build practical skills in C, Python, embedded systems, debugging, build systems and continuous integration.

You do not need to arrive as an expert. We are looking for graduates who want to learn deeply, solve hard problems and grow into confident firmware engineers.

The Team & culture 

The Firmware team writes the software that enables Graphcore hardware and silicon to boot, communicate and operate reliably. The team works closely with drivers, hardware, silicon and partner teams.

Work happens through agile planning, code reviews, design discussions and hands-on debugging. You will own well-scoped tasks, get clear feedback and build confidence through real product work.

Decisions are made through evidence, practical trade-offs and open technical discussion. Graduates are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas and improve how the team works.

What we’re looking for

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Maths, Machine Learning, Data Science, or a related field
• Introductory experience with C or Python, gained through study, projects, internships, hobbies or work experience
• Understanding of continuous integration, build systems or software packaging fundamentals
• Interest in embedded software, hardware bring-up, device drivers, operating systems or server platforms
• Ability to learn through debugging, code reviews, technical feedback and practical problem solving
• Curiosity, ownership and motivation to start your career close to hardware and AI compute

Benefits 

• Flexible working: Balance your work and personal life with greater flexibility 
• Generous leave: Take time to rest, recharge and enjoy life outside of work 
• Retirement planning support: Up to 5% matched pension  
• Phantom equity: Share in Graphcore’s success  
• Workplace experience: Enjoy thoughtfully designed office spaces for collaboration, with free food and an on-site barista to support your day 
• Peace of mind protection: Income protection and life assurance to provide financial security for you and your loved ones 
• Flexible benefits: Tailor your benefits package with a choice of additional options, including private medical insurance and dental cover 
• Optional benefits: Dental cover, health cash plan, private medical insurance, cycle to work scheme, give as you earn 

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 Firmware Engineering Programme and start building the skills, confidence, and experience to turn your learning into real impact. Apply now.