Staff System Validation Engineer

1743 Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Board-Level Hardware Validation Engineer to define and execute the validation and verification of complex electronic systems throughout the product lifecycle. This role is responsible for defining validation strategies, developing test plans, executing hands-on testing, analyzing failures, and working directly with ODM partners to ensure products meet performance, reliability, quality, and compliance requirements before mass production. The ideal candidate combines strong electrical engineering fundamentals with practical lab expertise and is comfortable personally performing validation activities while coordinating with cross-functional teams and manufacturing partners. This position is in Austin, Texas.   Key Responsibilities Validation Strategy & Planning * Define comprehensive board-level and inter-board level validation plans based on product requirements, design specifications, and customer use cases. * Develop validation methodologies covering functional, electrical, thermal, power, signal integrity, reliability, and stress testing. * Establish test coverage, acceptance criteria, and qualification requirements. * Review hardware architecture and schematics to identify validation risks and test requirements early in the design cycle. Hands-On Validation Execution * Personally develop, automate, and execute validation tests on prototype and production-intent hardware. * Perform board bring-up, functional verification, electrical characterization, and system-level validation. * Use oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power analyzers, environmental chambers, and other laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data. * Create custom test fixtures, scripts, and tools to improve test efficiency and coverage. ODM & Manufacturing Collaboration * Work directly with ODM partners to align validation plans, test procedures, and qualification activities. * Review ODM validation reports and ensure consistency with internal quality standards. * Drive issue resolution across ODM, design engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams. Debug & Root Cause Analysis * Investigate hardware failures and validation escapes through systematic root-cause analysis. * Drive corrective actions with hardware design, firmware, manufacturing, and supplier teams. * Validate fixes and verify closure of identified issues. * Maintain detailed failure analysis documentation and lessons learned. Documentation & Reporting * Author test plans, validation procedures, test reports, and qualification summaries. * Track validation status, risks, defects, and corrective actions. * Present validation results, recommendations, and readiness assessments to engineering leadership and stakeholders. * Ensure traceability between requirements, test coverage, and validation outcomes. Required Qualifications * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field. * 7+ years (or appropriate level) of board-level hardware validation experience. * Strong understanding of digital and mixed-signal electronic systems. * Experience validating high-speed interfaces such as PCIe, USB, Ethernet, DDR, MIPI, SPI, I2C, UART, or similar technologies. * Hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation and measurement techniques. * Experience working with ODMs, contract manufacturers, or external engineering partners. * Strong hardware debugging and root-cause analysis skills. * Experience developing test automation using Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar tools. * Excellent technical documentation and communication skills. * International and domestic travel as needed. Preferred Qualifications * Experience with server, networking, embedded, AI/ML hardware, or datacenter platforms. * Experience supporting NPI and manufacturing ramp activities. * Experience with schematic review and PCB design fundamentals. Key Competencies * Ownership and accountability * Strong analytical and debugging skills * Hands-on laboratory expertise * Cross-functional collaboration * ODM/vendor management * Data-driven decision making * Attention to detail * Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution   USA Benefits In addition to a competitive salary, Graphcore offers flexible working and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing and financial future. Our benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), disability and life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, commuter benefits, wellness services and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). We welcome people of different backgrounds and experiences; we're committed to building an inclusive work environment that makes Graphcore a great home for everyone. We offer an equal opportunity process and understand that there are visible and invisible differences in all of us. We can provide a flexible approach to interview and encourage you to chat to us if you require any reasonable adjustments.

ABOUT US 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 a best-in-class 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 a diverse group of 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 enjoys a culture of continuous learning and constant innovation. JOB SUMMARY We are seeking a senior validation lead engineer to lead at-scale rack validation efforts for next-generation AI hyperscale systems. This role focuses on post-silicon system validation across the full lifecycle, ensuring functional, electrical, and thermal performance meets product objectives. You will own end-to-end blade and rack validation including planning, development, execution, and debug while collaborating across firmware, systems, and hardware teams. THE TEAM The Rack Validation team is responsible for ensuring system readiness and quality at scale. The team works cross-functionally with firmware, silicon, and system engineering teams to validate complex AI compute platforms. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES * Lead post-silicon validation of AI compute blades and racks including test planning, development, and automation. * Drive provisioning and integration of system components (SoC FW, BMC, RMC, OS) for rack-level readiness. * Own execution against program achievements and report validation progress and risks. * Triage test failures, collect debug data, and collaborate on root cause analysis. * Track validation coverage and continuously improve test processes and infrastructure. * Collaborate with ODM/JDM partners on validation and quality. * Mentor engineers and drive engineering excellence. CANDIDATE PROFILE Essential: * Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. * Proven track record in system, rack, or embedded validation with leadership experience. * Strong experience in large-scale hardware validation environments. * Expertise in CPU/GPU, memory, IO, and firmware validation. * Experience with Linux/server OS and automation using Python/Bash. * Knowledge of IPMI, Redfish, PLDM. * Experience with CI/CD pipelines and hardware interfaces. Desirable: * Experience in hyperscale environments. * Familiarity with OpenBMC and processes for verifying firmware functionality.   * Knowledge of firmware security and HIL testing. * Experience with test management tools. USA Benefits In addition to a competitive salary, Graphcore offers flexible working and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing and financial future. Our benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), disability and life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, commuter benefits, wellness services and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). We welcome people of different backgrounds and experiences; we're committed to building an inclusive work environment that makes Graphcore a great home for everyone. We offer an equal opportunity process and understand that there are visible and invisible differences in all of us. We can provide a flexible approach to interview and encourage you to chat to us if you require any reasonable adjustments.