Staff Software Engineer - DPDK

Sony Playstation; Aliso Viejo (CA); On-site; USD 198,200 - 297,400; Full time

Job summary

A leading gaming company is seeking a Staff Software Engineer in California to lead firmware development for DPUs. The successful candidate will utilize their extensive C/C++ experience, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and innovate in high performance systems. A background in Nvidia BlueField DPU technology and PCIe communication is preferred. Competitive salary range of $198,200 — $297,400 USD.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant work experience.
• 8+ years of experience in C/C++.
• Strong understanding of PCIe peer-to-peer communication.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop firmware for DPUs.
• Optimize PCIe communication between DPUs.
• Collaborate across hardware and software teams.

Skills

C/C++ proficiency

Firmware development

Debugging skills

Networking protocols

Education

BS in Computer Science / Software Engineering

Tools

Nvidia BlueField DPUs

Open vSwitch/Sonic

Job description

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.

About the Role

At PlayStation, our Gaming, Developer & Future Technology (GDFT) Group is leading the cloud gaming revolution by putting console-quality video games on any device from TVs to consoles to mobile devices and beyond! Would you like to use your skills, time, and passion on meaningful projects that are building the future? We're looking for a Staff Software Engineer with a strong background in DPU software/firmware development , who loves designing and building innovative hardware and software, wants to make an impact, and enjoys working with creative, intelligent and collaborative teammates. If that sounds like you, come help us build world class technology capable of delivering fun and unique gaming experiences to millions of players!

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain firmware for DPUs in high performance systems.
• Implement and optimize peer-to-peer PCIe communication between DPUs and other bus devices, minimizing latency and host CPU involvement.
• Manage network device queues across PCIe peers and handle doorbell interrupts to process them.
• Architect innovative solutions and drive alignment across teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate across hardware, drivers, system software and network cross functional teams.
• Use hardware and software debugging tools to diagnose PCIe and DPU issues.
• Document key technical areas and share knowledge through technical presentations.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science / Software Engineering or 10+ years of relevant work experience.
• 8+ years of combined experience in C/C++.
• Expert level proficiency developing software/firmware on Nvidia BlueField DPUs, or similar technologies.
• Strong understanding of PCIe peer-to-peer communication, including memory-mapped I/O, queue management, and device-to-device signaling.
• Ability to debug, profile, and optimize firmware performance.
• Working knowledge of networking protocols: TCP/IP, UDP and L2 layer protocols.
• Proven track-record of solving ambiguous problems with minimal direction.
• Strong debugging / analysis / troubleshooting skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with P4.
• Experience with Open vSwitch/Sonic.
• EVPN-VXLAN knowledge.
• Network driver development experience on Linux or embedded OS or similar.
• Experience with storage offload engines and computer networking domains.
• A track record of technical leadership guiding teams without hard authority.

Additional Skills

• Motivated self-starter.
• Experience with Rust.
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Knowledge of Japanese language and culture is a plus.

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Base Pay Range

$198,200 — $297,400 USD

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.

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