Software Development Engineer in Test (Firmware and Driver SDET Contractor)

Sony Playstation; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 71,635 - 107,452; Full time

Job summary

Sony Interactive Entertainment is seeking a Software Development Engineer in Test Contractor to help ensure the quality of PlayStation peripherals and firmware, delivering automated test solutions for PlayStation Link devices.

You will own automation coverage for features, work with senior engineers across hardware and software, and test across PS5, PS Portal, and Windows, focusing on reliability and performance.

Qualifications

• Strong Python scripting skills and pytest/Appium experience.
• C or C++ (modern C++ e.g., C++17) experience.
• Git version control and CI/CD with Jenkins.
• Experience with qTest or TestRail.
• Embedded firmware testing and hardware/software integration.
• Design and troubleshoot automated tests with minimal supervision.
• Cross-functional collaboration and clear communication.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automated tests in C for embedded firmware and Python for platform integration.
• Own automation suites for assigned features, ensuring test reliability and comprehensive coverage.
• Support and enhance automation frameworks used across hardware and platform‑level testing.
• Perform firmware integration testing on PS5, PS Portal, and Windows.
• Monitor test infrastructure, troubleshoot automation failures, and improve performance and stability.
• Analyze test execution data to identify flaky or slow tests and contribute to runtime optimization.
• Evaluate and integrate new tools and methodologies to improve testing efficiency and scalability.
• Collaborate with QA, Development, and Product teams to align on test coverage and integration.

Skills

Python

Pytest

Appium

C/C++

Git

Jenkins

TestRail

Embedded testing

Automation design

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Jenkins

qTest

TestRail

Job description

Software Development Engineer in Test Contractor (Firmware and Driver SDET Contractor)

Summary

Would you like to help ensure the quality of PlayStation® peripherals and firmware? Join the team delivering innovative test solutions for PlayStation® Link™ devices, where your work will directly impact performance, stability, and the player experience.

Sony Interactive Entertainment has a great opportunity in the Quality Engineering department! We are seeking a self-motivated engineer who focuses on quality, consistency, and thoughtful testing practices to develop and maintain automated tests that support the performance and reliability of our products.

As a Software Development Engineer in Test Contractor, you’ll work hands‑on with our peripherals, independently own and drive automated test coverage for specific features, and collaborate with senior engineers and development teams to ensure system quality across multiple platforms.

We value collaboration, thoughtful testing, and continuous learning as a team.

Responsibilities

In this role, you’ll contribute to both the strategic and practical aspects of test automation across platforms.

• Develop and maintain automated tests in C for embedded firmware and Python for platform integration
• Own automation suites for assigned features, ensuring test reliability and comprehensive coverage
• Support and enhance automation frameworks used across hardware and platform‑level testing
• Perform firmware integration testing on PlayStation® 5, PlayStation® Portal, and Windows
• Monitor test infrastructure, troubleshoot automation failures, and improve performance and stability
• Analyze test execution data to identify flaky or slow tests and contribute to runtime optimization
• Evaluate and integrate new tools and methodologies to improve testing efficiency and scalability
• Collaborate with QA, Development, and Product teams to align on test coverage and integration

Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who enjoys solving tough problems and collaborating with others to build high‑quality systems.

• Strong Python scripting skills and hands‑on experience with automation tools like pytest and Appium
• Experience programming in C or C++ (modern C++ preferred, e.g., C++17)
• Solid experience using Git for version control and working with CI/CD pipelines in Jenkins, including configuring jobs and troubleshooting failures
• Experience using test case management tools like qTest or TestRail
• Understanding of embedded firmware testing and hardware/software integration
• Ability to design and troubleshoot automated tests with minimal supervision
• Effective communication and collaboration skills in a cross‑functional team
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Nice to Have

If you bring any of these, we’d love to hear about them!

• Experience with GitHub Actions
• Experience testing or interacting with Windows‑based drivers
• Familiarity with PlayStation® SDK development
• Familiarity with basic electrical concepts such as current draw, voltage levels, battery diagnostics, and microcontroller‑based measurements
• Curiosity about PlayStation® products and games

At SIE, working with our partners, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.

Please note that the individual base pay range may vary based on job‑related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

In addition, this role is eligible for benefit offerings that include medical, dental, and vision.

The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below, this is an hourly rate.

$52 — $78 USD

Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.

Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights.

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.

Sony Interactive Entertainment is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.