Signal Integrity Engineer

About Graphcore

How often do you get the chance to build a technology that transforms the future of humanity?

Graphcore products have set the standard in made-for-AI compute hardware and software, gaining global attention and industry acclaim. Now, we are developing the next generation of artificial intelligence compute with systems that will allow AI researchers to develop more advanced models, help scientists unlock exciting new discoveries, and power companies worldwide as they put AI at the heart of their business.

Graphcore recently joined SoftBank Group – bringing large and ongoing investment from one of the world’s leading backers of innovative AI companies.

Job Summary

As a hardware signal integrity engineer, you will develop, extract, and simulate PCB structures to ensure that the high-speed SERDES (112Gbps) and DDR interfaces perform correctly within the system budget.

You will work closely with PCB and package substrate CAD engineers to design component signal launches from BGA components and connectors, layer transition via structures, and cable interconnects. You will define the low-loss materials to be used for future designs and work closely with Graphcore’s system architecture team and suppliers to ensure optimal performance.

This role requires expertise in high-speed PCB simulation tools and familiarity with industry best practices in high-speed digital system design.

The Team

Graphcore’s Hardware Engineering Team creates both products for volume production and hardware test and validation systems based on Graphcore’s IPU processor.

These systems allow customers to develop leading-edge machine-learning solutions for training and inference.

Responsibilities and Duties

As a signal and power integrity specialist, you will work on developing production systems and test boards for Graphcore’s family of processors, including:

• Development of printed circuit board structures for high-frequency (112Gbps, 16Gbps) SERDES interfaces and DDR interfaces
• PCB stack-up definition
• System, PCB, and substrate-level simulation and analysis of signal and power integrity
• Graphcore integrated circuit device interface requirements definition, tool and vendor relationships
• PCB design requirement and constraint definition, PCB layout supervision
• Prototype bring-up, evaluation, validation, and system test

Candidate Profile

• 5+ years of experience in high-speed digital circuit development, with a deep understanding of signal and power integrity
• Knowledge of high-speed circuit design requirements to ensure signal integrity and robust rejection of interference and crosstalk
• Experience in high-frequency (tens of GHz) SERDES design and validation
• Proficiency with ANSYS SIWave, HFSS, and Mentor HyperLynx signal and power integrity tools
• High-speed processor system design experience with interfaces such as SERDES, PCI, DDR, and Ethernet
• Design expertise in BGA and connector pad launches, via structures, and transmission lines for GHz signals
• Extensive lab experience, including debugging, validation, and system testing
• Expertise in using vector network analyzers, high-speed digital oscilloscopes, and signal generators
• A rigorous approach to ensuring first-time design success
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a small team
• Experience in all parts of the development cycle, from concept to manufacturing support

Benefits

Graphcore offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, including:

• Flexible working and a generous annual leave policy
• Private medical insurance, a health cash plan, and a dental plan
• Pension matching up to 5 percent, life assurance, and income protection
• Parental leave policy and an employee assistance program including mental well-being support
• A range of healthy food and snacks at our central Bristol office, plus an in-house barista bar

We are committed to building an inclusive work environment and offer equal opportunities for all candidates. We also provide flexible interview arrangements to accommodate individual needs.