Director of Software Architecture

About the role

Graphcore stands at the forefront of AI computing, dedicated to developing the essential hardware and software frameworks needed for the future of machine learning. As part of the SoftBank Group, the organization is committed to pushing the boundaries of Artificial Super Intelligence. In this pivotal role, you will guide the architectural vision for the software stack that powers Graphcore's machine learning accelerators, ensuring that it meets the evolving demands of the industry.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Define and advocate for a comprehensive long-term technical strategy that shapes the software architecture for Graphcore's products.
• Develop and oversee the frameworks and guidelines that govern the software stack, ensuring consistency and quality across all projects.
• Act as the primary technical champion for the product vision, collaborating across various departments to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Focus on enhancing user experience, ensuring that the software stack is both user-friendly and highly functional.
• Proactively identify potential architectural risks related to technical and project challenges, implementing strategies to mitigate them.
• Work closely with product management, leadership, and external stakeholders to ensure that business objectives are effectively integrated into technical designs.
• Mentor and nurture the growth of the architecture team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Clearly communicate the implications of architectural decisions, helping the organization understand their impact on overall strategy.
• Stay informed about trends and advancements in the software and machine learning landscape, adapting strategies as necessary to maintain a competitive edge.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in a leadership role, showcasing your ability to guide teams and projects effectively.
• Background in collaborating with silicon and hardware engineering teams, ensuring seamless integration between software and hardware.
• Technical expertise in software development for machine learning accelerators, with a deep understanding of relevant technologies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, enabling you to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Proven ability to influence and engage stakeholders through a collaborative and inclusive approach.
• Strong decision-making capabilities, particularly in evaluating technical trade-offs and making pragmatic choices.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following areas: Firmware, Drivers, ML frameworks (such as PyTorch and Triton), Collectives, High-Performance Computing (HPC), Tooling, C, C++, or CPU architectures.

Nice to have

• Previous experience in a dedicated architecture role, providing insights into best practices and industry standards.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in AI and machine learning that could influence architectural decisions.
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex software solutions.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in Firmware development
• Experience with Drivers
• Familiarity with ML frameworks, particularly PyTorch and Triton
• Understanding of Collectives and their application in distributed systems
• Knowledge of High-Performance Computing (HPC) principles
• Tooling expertise for software development and deployment
• Strong programming skills in C and C++
• Insight into CPU architectures and their implications for software design

Practical notes

• Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• The role offers a competitive salary along with a range of benefits, including flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, private medical insurance, a health cash plan, a dental plan, and a pension scheme with a matching contribution of up to 5%.
• Additional benefits include life assurance, income protection, parental leave, and access to an employee assistance program. The Bristol office also features amenities such as healthy snacks and a barista bar for employees.
• Graphcore is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and will provide reasonable adjustments during the interview process upon request.

Join Graphcore and be part of a revolutionary journey in AI computing, where your expertise will help shape the future of machine learning technology.

About the company

Graphcore has built a new type of processor for machine intelligence to accelerate machine learning and AI applications for a world of intelligent machines