About the Company & Graduate Programme
ARM is at the vanguard of the technology revolution, defining the architecture that powers billions of devices globally. From the smartphones in our pockets to the supercomputers driving climate research and the IoT sensors in our homes, ARM’s intellectual property is the fundamental building block of modern digital life. Our UK presence is the heartbeat of our R&D strategy, where world-class engineers collaborate to solve the most complex computational challenges of the 21st century. We cultivate a culture that prizes curiosity, technical excellence, and ethical integrity, ensuring that every engineer has the autonomy to innovate within a supportive, inclusive ecosystem.
Our Graduate Programme is a pivotal intake for the next generation of architects and hardware pioneers. We view our graduates not as trainees, but as key contributors to our product roadmap. By joining ARM, you become part of a multi-disciplinary community that bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world silicon implementation. This programme is designed to transition high-potential talent into core engineering roles, providing the exposure, training, and professional network required to navigate a successful career in the global semiconductor industry.
What You'll Do & Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with senior architecture teams to define and refine next-generation CPU instruction sets and performance specifications.
- Utilize industry-standard hardware description languages (SystemVerilog/Verilog) to design, verify, and document RTL modules.
- Execute performance simulation and benchmarking studies to identify bottlenecks in micro-architectural designs.
- Work alongside physical design and verification teams to ensure the integrity of designs from RTL through to netlist synthesis.
- Engage with global stakeholders across our ecosystem to address customer-specific compute challenges and optimize power, performance, and area (PPA).
- Contribute to the automation of testing frameworks, utilizing Python and C++ to streamline development pipelines.
- Participate in technical design reviews, contributing your unique perspective to help shape the future of energy-efficient computing.
- Access state-of-the-art EDA tools and internal hardware emulation platforms to validate complex logic before silicon production.
Who We Are Looking For & Candidate Eligibility
- A minimum of a 2:1 degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a closely related STEM discipline.
- A profound passion for computer architecture and a deep understanding of digital logic and embedded systems.
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-specialist stakeholders.
- Demonstrable experience with programming or scripting languages (e.g., C, C++, Python, or SystemVerilog) gained through university projects or internships.
- Strong teamwork capabilities; you will be expected to thrive in a collaborative environment where cross-functional communication is vital.
- A mindset geared towards continuous improvement and a drive to challenge the status quo of processor design.
- Right-to-work in the UK without the requirement for sponsorship at the point of application, though we support the Graduate Route visa for eligible candidates.
Graduate Training, Rotations & Mentorship
Our 24-month structured programme is designed to provide breadth and depth through three distinct rotational placements. Each rotation offers exposure to different parts of the business, ranging from Architecture and Verification to Systems-on-Chip (SoC) design. This rotational model ensures that you gain a holistic understanding of how ARM IP flows from an abstract concept to a physical silicon product. We believe that learning is a lifelong commitment, which is why we provide dedicated time and budget for internal workshops, conference attendance, and preparation for industry certifications relevant to your specific stream.
Support is a cornerstone of our early careers philosophy. Upon joining, you will be paired with a 'buddy'—a recent graduate who can help you navigate your first few months—and a senior mentor from the engineering leadership team. Your mentor will provide career guidance, facilitate technical learning, and assist you in setting long-term development goals. Whether you are aiming for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or seeking to specialize in niche hardware domains, our mentorship framework provides the structure and professional advocacy needed to reach your potential.
Salary, Bonus & Benefits Package
- Competitive base salary of £38,000 per annum, subject to annual review.
- Annual performance-based bonus scheme, typically ranging from 5% to 10% of base salary.
- Employer pension contribution up to 10% when matched with employee contributions.
- 25 days of annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and an extra 'ARM day' for personal wellbeing.
- Comprehensive private medical insurance and enhanced dental/optical coverage for you and your family.
- Hybrid working allowance to support your home office setup, along with flexible remote work policies.
- Generous relocation assistance for candidates moving to the London area.
- Access to an extensive range of learning platforms, including LinkedIn Learning and specialist technical journals.
Recruitment Stages & How to Apply
- Online Application & CV: Submit your CV and a brief cover letter through our portal. Ensure your technical projects are highlighted.
- Gamified Cognitive & Situational Judgement Tests: A digital assessment designed to evaluate your problem-solving capabilities and alignment with our company values.
- On-Demand Video Interview: A short, recorded session where you will answer competency-based questions and discuss your interest in ARM.
- Virtual Assessment Centre & Technical Presentation: The final stage includes a group exercise, a competency-based interview with a hiring manager, and a technical deep-dive where you will present on a project or topic of your choosing.
Applications are processed on a rolling basis; we encourage candidates to submit their materials as early as possible as positions are filled throughout the cycle.