Principal Cloud Engineer

About the job Build the cloud platform that powers Graphcore’s next generation AI systems. As a Principal Cloud Engineer, you will help develop, deploy and operate cloud services across Graphcore’s AI infrastructure. You will work on private and public cloud systems used by internal teams and customers. Your work will shape how high-performance AI systems are integrated, validated, benchmarked and optimised. You will help keep complex infrastructure reliable, observable and ready for demanding workloads. You will own significant technical initiatives, from OpenStack-based services to Infrastructure-as-Code automation. You will also mentor engineers and turn user needs into services that perform at scale. This role puts you close to pre-release hardware, advanced systems and real product challenges. The Team and Culture The Cloud Platform Team sits within Software Platform and works closely with Software Platform, Datacentre Operations and Product Development. The team builds systems for internal users and customers, often using new components before they are proven. Work moves through practical engineering, clear ownership and fast feedback from users. You will be expected to take responsibility, speak up early and lead critical infrastructure work without close oversight. Decisions are grounded in evidence from benchmarks, observability data and operational performance. The team values engineers who can think big, act fast and bring others with them. What we’re looking for • Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in a relevant subject. • Strong infrastructure or IT background, with private-cloud or on-premises cloud experience. • Expert Linux system administration and scripting skills, including bash and Python. • Hands-on experience with Infrastructure-as-Code tools such as Terraform/OpenTofu, Ansible or Packer. • Experience with CI or testing pipelines, version control and cloud service deployment. • Strong communication skills, with the judgement to lead critical work and support end users. While we have outlined a set of requirements, we value transferable skills and diverse experiences. If you meet most of our essential criteria, we encourage you to submit an application and showcase how your background makes you a strong candidate. Benefits • Flexible working: Balance your work and personal life with greater flexibility • Generous leave: Take time to rest, recharge and enjoy life outside of work • Retirement planning support: Up to 5% matched pension • Phantom equity: Share in Graphcore’s success • Workplace experience: Enjoy thoughtfully designed office spaces for collaboration, with free food and an on-site barista to support your day • Peace of mind protection: Income protection and life assurance to provide financial security for you and your loved ones • Flexible benefits: Tailor your benefits package with a choice of additional options, including private medical insurance and dental cover • Optional benefits: Dental cover, health cash plan, private medical insurance, cycle to work scheme, give as you earn 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 recognise that everyone brings different strengths and perspectives. If you need any adjustments during the interview process, just let us know - we’re happy to support you. Sponsorship Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or support visa applications for this role. Join the Team at Graphcore Graphcore is one of the world’s leading innovators in Artificial Intelligence compute. It is developing hardware, software