Research Engineer - Distributed Systems

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. Part of FTG is the Connected Content Group, based in London, whose function is 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 and network infrastructure, ensuring scalability, reliability and efficiency
• Participating in design reviews and ideation sessions, providing input on improvements, optimizations and new possibilities
• Developing and implementing system components, including backend services, APIs, and data processing pipelines
• Conducting research on emerging technologies and methodologies
• Proposing and prototyping innovating 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 Engineering/Physics/Maths-related qualification.
• Experience in building, testing and maintaining distributed systems in a professional or open-source setting
• Experience with network infrastructure and technology
• Strong technical background in Machine Learning, Maths, or Computer Science
• Familiarity with containerization (e.g. Docker), and orchestration (e.g. Kubernetes) systems.
• Familiarity with source control systems (e.g. git, Perforce).
• Deep familiarity with Linux kernel and CLIs
• 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 a related field.
• Familiarity with the AWS cloud platform (or other major provider).
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines
• Familiarity with game engine technologies (e.g. Unreal, Unity).
• Familiarity with console title development and publishing processes.
• Experience of working with multi-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