Technical Researcher

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 SIE Technical Strategy Research, based in London, a team of technical researchers and product strategists that define pioneering strategies for future technical activities across the company.

Role Overview:

As a technical researcher, you will work on different phases of research such as data collection and data analysis. You will ideate possible routes to take based on the data and refine product strategies.

The role involves interacting with stakeholders from product, engineering and research backgrounds; understanding their needs and providing simple and straightforward solutions that can be logically explained.

Our focus is always changing to experiment in new areas and generate new ideas, so you will need a wide range of experience and willingness to try new things.

You will be expected to collect and analyse data with a great attention to detail, be able to apply lateral thinking and bring innovative ideas, have intermediate knowledge in at least one technical domain, and feel comfortable being challenged.

According to our ‘Flex Modes’ policy, you will be expected to go to the office only if work requires: for networking opportunities, specific presentations, meetings, or events.

What we are looking for:

This is a mid-level role (Radford Level equivalent: P3). You’ll need to be passionate about video games and their related technologies, 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.
• Deep root cause analysis skills - can derive a deep understanding of problems and clearly articulate and document proposed solutions.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders in formal and informal contexts, including presentation skills, and skilled in facilitating, influencing, and negotiating.
• Able to quickly acquire a high level of understanding in new technologies.
• Fluent in English.

Nice to have:

Understanding of, and experience in, specific key areas such as:

•  Sociology
• Cognitive science
• Network infrastructure and technology, particularly in cloud systems
• AI/ML architectures, including (but not limited to) LLMs, Computer Vision, behavioural modelling
• Hardware components, including (but not limited to) CPUs, GPUs, embedded and real-time systems, memory management
• General knowledge on game / console development such as:
• Knowledge on platform peripherals and their components
• Familiarity with console title development and publishing processes
• Familiarity with game engine technologies (e.g. Unreal, Unity)
• Understanding of technologies used in building games and game platforms
•  Experience of working with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with applied research projects.
• Previous experience working with teams across multiple regions.
• Japanese language qualification.

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