Principal Engineering Program Manager

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 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 enjoys a culture of continuous learning and constant innovation.

Job Summary

Reporting to an Engineering leader, the Principal Engineering Program Manager is responsible for driving the planning, coordination, execution, and delivery of complex engineering programs across multiple teams and disciplines. This role partners closely with engineering, product, and business stakeholders to align priorities, manage dependencies, mitigate risks, and ensure successful delivery of strategic initiatives. The position serves as a key operational leader, enabling effective decision-making, communication, and execution across a dynamic engineering organization.

The Team

The Engineering Program Management team works across Graphcore’s engineering organization to support the successful delivery of complex technology initiatives. The team provides leadership in program planning, execution management, cross-functional coordination, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. By working closely with technical and business stakeholders, the team helps ensure alignment, visibility, and predictable execution of critical engineering objectives.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead complex cross-functional engineering programs from initiation through delivery.
• Develop and maintain integrated program plans, schedules, milestones, and delivery roadmaps.
• Coordinate activities across engineering, product, operations, and business functions to achieve program objectives.
• Identify, assess, and manage program risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
• Drive alignment across stakeholders and facilitate effective decision-making processes.
• Establish and maintain program governance, reporting mechanisms, and operational reviews.
• Track execution against plans and provide clear communication of progress, challenges, and key decisions.
• Support prioritization activities and help balance competing business and engineering objectives.
• Facilitate planning cycles, program reviews, retrospective activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop scalable processes and frameworks that improve program execution and organizational effectiveness.
• Build strong partnerships with engineering leaders and technical teams to enable successful delivery outcomes.
• Prepare and present program status, recommendations, and strategic insights to senior stakeholders.
• Drive accountability for commitments and ensure timely resolution of blockers impacting delivery.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of program management best practices across the organization.
  
  

Candidate Profile

Essential

• 12 years of experience leading large, complex engineering or technical programs in a technology-focused environment.
• Strong program management expertise with a track record of delivering cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience managing multiple stakeholders across engineering, product, operations, and business functions.
• Demonstrated ability to drive alignment and influence outcomes without direct authority.
• Strong risk management, dependency management, and execution planning skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience creating executive-level reporting, program reviews, and delivery metrics.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience leading process improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

Desirable

• Experience working within semiconductor, AI, high-performance computing, cloud infrastructure, or advanced technology organizations.
• Familiarity with hardware and software product development lifecycles.
• Experience supporting globally distributed engineering teams.
• Knowledge of Agile, Scrum, Kanban, or hybrid program delivery methodologies.
• Experience implementing program management tools, frameworks, and governance models.
• Relevant program management certification or equivalent professional qualification.

 

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.