Research Engineer - Distributed Game Technology

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 PlayStation5, PlayStation4, PlayStationVR, PlayStationPlus, acclaimed PlayStation software titles from PlayStation Studios, and more. PlayStation also strives to create an inclusive environment that empowers employees and embraces diversity.

Department Overview: The Gaming, Developer and Future Technology Group (GDFT) 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 GDFT 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.
• 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 and parallel computing (e.g. non-uniform memory access).
• Strong technical background in game development, rendering or Computer Science.
• Familiarity with source control systems (e.g. git, Perforce).
• 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:

• 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 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.

Benefits of working in Gaming, Developer and Future Technology:

• 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 of working at PlayStation:

• Competitive salary.
• Discretionary bonus opportunity.
• Excellent in-house training opportunities.
• BUPA Private Medical Insurance.
• Dental Scheme.
• 25 days holiday per year plus national holidays and wellness breaks.
• Free eye test and glasses voucher.
• Cycle to work scheme.

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.