Research Engineer - Distributed Systems

Why PlayStation?

PlayStation isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Today, we’re recognized as a global leader in entertainment producing The PlayStation family of products and services including PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®VR, PlayStation®Plus, acclaimed PlayStation software titles from PlayStation Studios, and more.

PlayStation also strives to create an inclusive environment that empowers employees and embraces diversity. We welcome and encourage everyone who has a passion and curiosity for innovation, technology, and play to explore our open positions and join our growing global team.

The PlayStation brand falls under Sony Interactive Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation.

Department Overview:

The Future Technology Group (FTG) are PlayStation’s technology experts. We research and develop innovative technologies that push the boundaries of play, helping game developers make the best games on PlayStation. Within FTG is the SIE Connected Content Group, based in London, whose function is future feature prototype exploration & validation.

Role Overview:

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, researching and implementing distributed systems and service architecture utilising a wide range of technologies. You will be developing proof-of-concepts, exploring impacts on game and platform feature development, supporting multiple research teams, and collaborating on new concepts.

Our focus is always changing to experiment in new areas and with new ideas, so you will need a wide range of experience and a willingness to try new things. We expect you to be able to develop and apply distributed system frameworks, build prototypes, and understand network protocols and data analysis.

What you’ll be doing:

• Contributing to the design and architecture of distributed systems, exploring distributing game experiences and rendering across multiple devices, and exploring network infrastructure and enhancements to ensure scalability, reliability and efficiency.
• Participating in design reviews and ideation sessions, providing input on improvements, optimizations and new possibilities.
• Developing and implementing system components within game prototypes, extending game engines and networking/backend services.
• Conducting research on emerging technologies and methodologies.
• Proposing and prototyping novel & innovative solutions to complex problems.

What we are looking for:

This is a mid-level role, but we are open to consider less experienced candidates that can demonstrate the below skills with a portfolio/github repo. You’ll need to be passionate about video games and software design, and you’ll need to have some (not all) of the following:

• Bachelor's-level degree in Computer Science or relevant games industry professional experience.
• Familiarity with game engine technologies (e.g. Unreal, Unity).
• Experience of performance optimization.
• Strong technical background in game development, rendering or Computer Science.
• Familiarity with source control systems (e.g. git, Perforce).
• Deep familiarity with customising and extending the Linux kernel and with the Linux development environment generally.
• Deep root cause analysis skills - can derive a deep understanding of problems and clearly articulate and document proposed solutions.
• Strong communication skills.
• Be proactive in identifying and addressing issues and opportunities arising from your day to day activities.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and to innovate and produce new ideas and concepts without needing direct management.
• Be curious and willing to challenge the status-quo.

Nice to have:

• Master’s in Computer Science, Engineering, or other Master’s in a related field.
• Experience in building, testing and maintaining distributed systems in a professional or open-source setting.
• Experience with RDMA technologies, particularly open source technologies.
• Experience with networking programming.
• Experience with network infrastructure and technology, particularly in cloud systems.
• Experience with cloud rendering or 3D graphics.
• Familiarity with the AWS cloud platform (or other major provider).
• Familiarity with containerization (e.g. Docker), and orchestration (e.g. Kubernetes) systems.
• Familiarity with console title development and publishing processes.
• Fundamentals of system security.
• Experience of working with cross-functional teams.
• Academic experience in distributed systems or concepts (e.g. consensus algorithms, ML accelerators).

Benefits of working in the Future Technology Group:

• Opportunities to participate in global hackathons, and explore innovation opportunities
• Opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills by learning about the latest techniques in a team of experts with a wealth of industry experience
• Relaxed working environment with high level of trust and autonomy. All staff are encouraged to express their views and challenge the status quo

Benefits:

• Discretionary bonus opportunity
• Hybrid Working (within Flexmodes)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Dental Scheme
• 25 days holiday per year
• On Site Gym
• Subsidised Café
• Free soft drinks
• On site bar
• Access to cycle garage and showers

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond. 

PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.