Principal Datacenter Technologist

About the job

About Graphcore

Graphcore is a leading innovator in artificial intelligence computing. We develop hardware, software, and data center infrastructure that provide the specialized processing and systems capabilities needed to advance AI while improving the efficiency required for broad adoption.

As part of SoftBank Group, Graphcore works alongside companies developing advanced technologies. Our teams bring together AI researchers, silicon designers, hardware and software engineers, and systems architects to solve complex technical problems across the computing stack.

The Opportunity

As Principal Datacenter Technologist, you will turn new platform architectures into repeatable operating models for Graphcore's AI data centers. You will lead the technical definition of how Graphcore introduces, deploys, services, and sustains new compute, networking, storage, memory, power, and cooling technologies at scale.

Working within Advanced Architecture, you will connect platform design with data center engineering and site reliability operations. You will define new-product-introduction workflows, readiness criteria, diagnostics, and cross-functional handoffs so that new systems can move from architecture through deployment with clear ownership, supportability, and operational feedback.

What You Will Do

• Own the technical operating model and new-product-introduction framework for new hardware and infrastructure technologies entering Graphcore data centers.

• Define end-to-end workflows for installation, configuration, validation, deployment, service, repair, upgrade, and sustained operation across the product lifecycle.

• Translate architecture requirements into data center readiness criteria covering software, firmware, compute, networking, storage, memory, rack integration, power, cooling, space, and site operations.

• Create clear runbooks, interface definitions, ownership models, acceptance criteria, and escalation paths that align architecture, engineering, data center, and site reliability teams.

• Lead operational readiness reviews and identify gaps in tooling, diagnostics, telemetry, serviceability, spares, documentation, and training before deployment.

• Serve as a senior escalation point for complex platform issues, ensuring that teams collect the right logs, telemetry, failure evidence, and environmental data to support root-cause analysis and disposition.

• Define and guide the deployment of automated diagnostic and telemetry systems that identify systemic hardware, software, quality, handling, and site-integration issues across the fleet.

• Establish quality and operational metrics for new technologies, analyze field trends, and feed findings back into architecture, design, supplier, and deployment decisions.

• Coordinate cross-functional resolution of issues spanning hardware, firmware, software, networking, storage, facilities, and site operations, with clear owners, decisions, and follow-through.

• Provide technical leadership, review implementation plans, mentor engineers, and communicate readiness, risks, tradeoffs, and recommendations to engineering and operations leaders.

What You Will Bring

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in information technology, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• Extensive experience in data center infrastructure build, infrastructure operations, platform deployment, or related technical fields, including leadership at Principal, Staff, or Lead Engineer scope.

• Demonstrated experience defining processes, workflows, and readiness criteria for new-product introduction in large-scale data center or infrastructure environments.

• Broad systems knowledge across compute, networking, storage, memory, firmware, operating systems, racks, power distribution, cooling, and data center operations.

• Hands-on Linux experience, including scripting or automation used to collect diagnostics, telemetry, configuration, and health information.

• Experience with failure analysis and validation of AI compute, server, networking, or other complex data center equipment.

• Ability to define telemetry, diagnostic coverage, quality metrics, and fleet-level signals that distinguish product issues from deployment, handling, or environmental problems.

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical work across architecture, hardware, software, facilities, data center engineering, and site reliability teams without relying on direct authority.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce precise technical workflows and explain operational risks and decisions to engineering leaders.

Preferred Qualifications

These qualifications are helpful, not required. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification.

• Experience leading data center engineering, platform introduction, or infrastructure readiness initiatives.

• Experience operating or supporting high-density AI or high-performance computing systems at fleet scale.

• Experience with telemetry platforms, automated diagnostics, serviceability tooling, and quality metrics for compute and networking equipment.

• Experience with rack-as-a-system architectures, direct liquid cooling, high-power racks, and the operational controls required for safe deployment and service.

• Experience working with suppliers, field-service teams, manufacturing, or logistics partners on equipment lifecycle, quality, repair, or failure-disposition processes.

• United States Benefits Overview

Graphcore offers compensation and benefits designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, work-life needs, and professional growth. Benefits and programs for eligible U.S. employees may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with options that may extend to eligible dependents.

• Mental health, wellness, and employee assistance resources.

• Retirement savings benefits and company contributions where applicable.

• Paid vacation, sick time, company holidays, and parental or family leave in accordance with applicable plans and policies.

• Life insurance and short-term or long-term disability coverage.

• Flexible working hours and hybrid working arrangements where compatible with the role and team requirements.

• Professional development resources, learning programs, office amenities, and team-led activities.

Benefits vary by work location, employment status, scheduled hours, and plan eligibility and are subject to the terms of the applicable plans and company policies. This overview is not a contract or guarantee of benefits.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations

Graphcore is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Graphcore is committed to an inclusive and accessible hiring process. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please let the recruiting team know.

Candidate Privacy

Personal information submitted during the recruiting process will be handled in accordance with Graphcore's applicable candidate privacy notices.