Custom LSI Development and Evaluation Engineer for PlayStation (Audio IP / SoC 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 Group Corporation.

【Job Description】

You will be responsible for the development and evaluation of cutting-edge custom LSI used in our products, including PlayStation.

Upon joining, depending on your career and skill set, you are expected to be in charge of either the Audio IP or SoC Systems domain.

【Specifically】

① LSI Specification Formulation 　While listening to the requests of product planners, hardware, software, and game developers, 　you will decide specifications by imagining the "best LSI (in terms of performance/cost) for several years from now." ② Development and Design 　You will place orders with LSI vendors and perform collaborative design and development. ③ Verification and Evaluation of Prototype Products 　You will confirm whether the prototype chips "meet our desired functions" and "can achieve the intended performance." ④ Mass Production Support ※ In specification formulation and verification/evaluation, you will need to understand Hardware at a low level, such as cache, memory, and bus, and approach problems logically. ※ For LSI verification and evaluation, you will perform programming using C/C++, etc.

In collaboration with many world-class LSI Design Houses, we perform highly competitive LSI development using cutting-edge architectures, IP (CPU, GPU, AI/ML, Codec, high-speed I/F, power control, Security), and semiconductor processes.

We focus on extracting maximum performance at the optimal cost.

【Position Appeal】

■ The architectures of CPUs/GPUs used in PlayStation LSI utilize cutting-edge technology, making our company one of the few in Japan, and the world, where you can touch the forefront of the era. ■ We also actively utilize cutting-edge processes in the semiconductor processes that have been a hot topic in recent years, providing you with the opportunity to work at the "forefront of the era." ■ It is an environment where you can see how the LSI you develop is used in PlayStation and easily perceive how it impacts the world. ■ You can learn the entire development flow from LSI specification formulation, design, and evaluation to mass production, allowing you to expand your career and perspective. ■ By engaging in this work, you can gain rare experience even within Japan.

【Organization / Workplace Introduction】 We develop the custom LSI that forms the core of SIE products such as PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2. The team consists of experts in a wide range of fields, including LSI architecture, LSI design verification, HW design, and SW development, and we proceed with development through many daily discussions and considerations.

【After Joining】 A tutor will be assigned to you. We have a system in place where you can ask your tutor if you encounter any difficulties in your work, allowing you to settle into the team with peace of mind.

【The Appeal of Working at SIE / Employee Voices】 ■ Being able to deliver enjoyment to people while enjoying it yourself through large-scale BtoC service provision. ■ Being entrusted with projects that have a significant impact on products, regardless of your year of entry. ■ Being able to communicate various improvement proposals in a flat manner. ■ High flexibility in remote work, making it easy to adjust schedules. ■ Members from various backgrounds work here, and there is a culture that naturally accepts adjusting work for private events or work-life balance. ■ Because we develop software, hardware, and networks all in-house, you can immediately go and consult the person in charge if there is something you don't understand. ■ There are many sophisticated engineers in residence whom you can aspire to become in the future.

【Required Practical Experience / Skills】 ■ Mandatory (MUST) ・Experience in device control and creating test code using C/C++, as well as actual test operation. ・Experience in low-level development/optimization using Assembly language or Intrinsics (※Those with practical experience or equivalent knowledge). ・Leadership and organizational contribution mindset, with experience as a Tech Lead, Team Lead, or equivalent technical leadership. ・Ability to read English technical specifications and conduct business email correspondence in English.

■ Desirable (WANT) ・Knowledge and practical experience in a wide range of signal processing technologies in audio (※Those who have experienced the entire signal flow, not just specific processing). ・Knowledge of audio codecs. ・Systematic knowledge of computer science (major, or equivalent self-study/practical experience). ・Hardware system knowledge such as CPU/DSP, memory, microcontrollers, SoC system bus technology, etc. ・LSI development experience. ・Experience in collaboration and driving projects across job functions and departments. ・Experience in technical conversations, meetings, design reviews, or discussions in English.

■ Ideal Candidate Profile ・Those who are interested in developing as a united team with passion. ・Those who can plan their own path to achieving goals and propose/execute them. ・Those who can think for themselves regarding challenges and act proactively while involving those around them. ・Those who have the ability to actively lead members as a leader in the future.

■ Related Articles Please also refer to the VP interview of the LSI development department and interview articles of active employees.

The SIE LSI Development Department, where experts with diverse strengths gather - Sony Interactive Entertainment Japan Experienced Hire Interview: LSI Development Engineer ① Experienced Hire Interview: LSI Development Engineer ② New Graduate Interview: LSI Development Engineer

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.