Performance Engineer

About the job

Start your engineering career optimizing the performance of large-scale AI compute systems.

As a Graduate Performance Engineer, you will help design, bring up and validate complex server and rack-level systems. You will join in September 2027 and work from Austin, Texas.

You will learn how performance is shaped across hardware, software and system design. Your work will help engineering teams identify bottlenecks, test improvements and build more efficient AI compute platforms.

You will support modeling, integration, debug and evaluation across the complete hardware and software stack. You will also work with experienced engineers to turn data into practical design decisions.

This is a strong first role for graduates who want broad technical exposure early. You will build skills across architecture, performance analysis, system bring-up and scale out engineering.

The team and culture

The Performance Engineering team works across the full system, from component behavior to server and rack-level performance. Engineers use modeling, test data and hands-on debug to understand what limits performance.

You will work with hardware, software, validation and systems teams to investigate issues and test improvements. Decisions are guided by evidence, clear analysis and direct communication.

The team values engineers who think big, ask sharp questions and take responsibility for their work. You will get support, but you will also be trusted to learn quickly and contribute.

What we’re looking for

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or a related field, completed before the role begins.
• Foundational knowledge of software development, hardware architecture and performance implications.
• Hands-on experience from coursework, labs, internships, research, student projects or personal projects.
• Ability to analyze technical problems, document your work and communicate findings clearly.
• Curiosity, sound engineering judgment and a strong desire to learn across engineering disciplines.
• Familiarity with PCIe, DDR memory, Ethernet or performance-focused hardware and software architecture.

While we have outlined a set of requirements, we value transferable skills and diverse experiences. 

Benefits

• Flexible working: Balance your work and personal life with greater flexibility
• Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, dental and vision coverage to help keep you and your family healthy
• Phantom equity: Share in Graphcore’s success
• Tax-advantaged healthcare savings: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to help you make the most of your healthcare spending
• Peace of mind protection: Disability and life insurance to provide financial security when you need it most
• Retirement planning support: A 401(k) plan to help you invest in your future
• Commuter benefits: Help cover the cost of your daily commute
• Wellbeing resources: Access to wellness services that support your physical and mental health
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential advice and support for you and your family across a range of personal, financial and wellbeing matters

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 recognize that everyone brings different strengths and perspectives. If you need any accommodations 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.

If you want to start your engineering career improving the performance of advanced AI compute systems, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to join Graphcore as a Graduate Performance Engineer.