Test Development Engineer
Job description
About the role
The role focuses on building and maintaining validation systems for next-generation AI hardware. You will ensure advanced silicon is ready for production through rigorous test development. In this capacity, you will own the entire test development lifecycle from initial specification to final production release. You will collaborate closely with design and systems engineers to translate architectural requirements into concrete test methodologies and executable scripts. The position demands rigorous analytical thinking to isolate faults within complex silicon and define deterministic test procedures. You will be responsible for creating frameworks that automate the validation of hardware behavior under diverse operating conditions. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying gaps in existing test flows and implementing robust solutions to close them. Ultimately, you will ensure that only hardware meeting the highest standards of quality and performance reaches the production floor.
Key facts
What you'll do
You will architect and implement automated test systems that validate system-level and board-level product functionality for AI processors. These systems will be designed to verify hardware behavior in preproduction environments, ensuring readiness before any high-volume manufacturing commences. You will expand test coverage by leveraging deep product knowledge, enabling robust solutions to flow directly into production workflows without delay. The role requires scripting proficiency to create automated test sequences and sophisticated analysis pipelines using languages such as Python and LabVIEW. You will utilize hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation, including oscilloscopes, BERTs, and VNAs, to diagnose and resolve intricate hardware issues efficiently. You will plan test work, improve coverage metrics, and communicate progress clearly to internal stakeholders and external partners to maintain alignment. Strong ownership, teamwork, and communication skills will bridge internal teams and third-party support organizations effectively. You will contribute to defining the standards and best practices that govern hardware validation within the organization.
Requirements
Experience in developing and automating test systems for complex electronic systems forms the foundational requirement for this position. Knowledge of Ethernet and/or PCIe testing, including high-speed hardware debug and signal integrity concepts, is a strict requirement for success. Fluency in test scripting languages, including Python and LabVIEW, is essential for creating automated test sequences and analysis. The ability to plan test work, improve coverage, and communicate progress clearly serves internal stakeholders and external partners on a regular basis. Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, BERTs, and VNAs is necessary to diagnose and resolve hardware issues accurately. Strong ownership, teamwork, and communication skills bridge internal and third-party support teams effectively. You must possess a Bachelor's degree as a minimum educational qualification for this role. You must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom to be considered for this position.
Nice to have
The source documentation does not specify any preferred or nice-to-have qualifications beyond the core requirements.
Practical notes
Typical interview steps
Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.
Good to know
Hardware validation relies on rigorous test methods and extensive automation to handle complex compute systems. Success in this field depends heavily on scripting ability, measurement instruments, and collaboration with design and production teams. Clear communication, evidence-based decisions, and proactive ownership of test solutions define effective performance in advanced hardware environments.
Questions to ask
Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.
Career growth
Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.
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.