Low-Level Software Engineer for PlayStation

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 Group Corporation.

■Job Description

The Low-Level Software Engineer is a position responsible for developing the OS and lower-level software that fundamentally supports the operation of the PlayStation console. Specifically, you will design, implement, and optimize the bootloader, firmware, hypervisor, kernel, and device drivers that handle everything from power-on to game execution.

In our team, rather than simply repurposing existing OSS, we design and build software optimized for PlayStation's unique hardware architecture with our own hands. Through this, we provide the foundation to realize the entire process from power ON to gameplay quickly and stably, while significantly contributing to establishing an environment where users can enjoy their gaming experiences with peace of mind every day.

PlayStation incorporates SoCs and multiple dedicated processors, and to make these work together seamlessly, advanced hardware control and power management are essential. Therefore, this is a highly challenging yet exciting technical field that requires software development capabilities capable of delving deep into hardware specifications. Additionally, in this position, there are opportunities to be involved in firmware development for PlayStation peripherals, including controllers, contributing to the technological evolution that makes the gaming experience more engaging.

Our work goes beyond simply starting up a system; we play a core role in providing the highest performance, reliability, and safety to users. We welcome engineers who want to cross the boundaries between hardware and software and challenge themselves with technologies that support the next generation of gaming experiences.

■Workplace Introduction

Characteristics:

・PlayStation's low-layer software development is carried out in collaboration with a wide variety of teams both inside and outside the company, as well as domestically and internationally. Especially during the launch phase of new hardware, we work closely with product planning and hardware engineers both internally and externally, being deeply involved from the specification review stage. We are also required to reflect feedback from the market and game developers in a timely manner, and our development structure is characterized by flexibility and speed. It is a dynamic environment where you can be at the forefront of manufacturing while incorporating diverse global perspectives.

Job Content:

・You will be entrusted with software development duties within the aforementioned organization.

・We will consider the optimal team and role based on your experience and preferences.

■Required Skills and Technical Domains

【Required (MUST)】

• Experience in software development using C/C++ languages

• Experience in device driver development or embedded systems development

• Experience in control software development using real-time OS, FreeBSD, or Linux

【Preferred (WANT)】

• Experience in bootloader development

• HW/SW expertise in virtualization technology

• Experience in software development using Rust language

• Software debugging skills in embedded environments using hardware debug tools, etc.

• Experience in development within large-scale software teams

• Experience in network protocol stack development

【Ideal Candidate Profile】

People who love manufacturing and enjoy growing as a software engineer.

People who especially want to write code.

People who want to take on new challenges.

People who want to develop while interacting with SIE engineers and customers around the world.

【Required Language Skills】

There are many positions ranging from tasks requiring essential English communication to tasks requiring only minimum reading and writing, and placement will be considered based on your English level and preferences. The higher your English level, the wider the range of possible placements.

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 or maternity, 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.