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

PlayStation; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Sony Interactive Entertainment in San Mateo is seeking a Software Development Engineer in Test Contractor to ensure the quality of PlayStation peripherals and firmware across multiple platforms. You’ll own automated test coverage for specific features, write tests in C for embedded firmware and Python for platform integration, and collaborate with senior engineers to improve stability and performance.

We value thoughtful testing, continuous learning, and strong teamwork as the team delivers

Qualifications

• Strong Python scripting skills with pytest and Appium.
• C/C++ programming experience (modern C++17).
• Git, CI/CD pipelines and Jenkins experience.
• Experience with qTest or TestRail test management.
• Embedded firmware testing knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automated tests for firmware and platform integration.
• Own automation suites for assigned features.
• Support and enhance automation frameworks across hardware and software.
• Collaborate with QA, Development and Product teams.

Skills

Python scripting

pytest

Appium

C/C++

Git

CI/CD

Jenkins

qTest

TestRail

Embedded firmware testing

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

GitHub Actions

Job description

Why Sony Interactive Entertainment?

Sony Interactive Entertainment isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is the company behind the PlayStation brand. As a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, we’re part of a proud legacy of innovation and excellence. SIE is a dynamic technology company, delivering cutting‑edge hardware and network services to more than 100 million people and an entertainment leader, home to some of the most beloved and recognizable intellectual properties (IP) in the world. Our role at SIE is to create and nurture the experiences under the PlayStation brand, a name synonymous with entertainment excellence and creativity.

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.