Custom SSD Evaluation Software Developer

About this role

This role develops software used to evaluate custom SSD hardware and firmware for PlayStation products. Day-to-day work includes implementing custom Linux device drivers, building evaluation and performance-benchmarking software, and creating automated test systems for environments containing many test devices. The software is developed and maintained to verify the function, performance, and reliability of custom SSD controllers while accounting for the physical characteristics of NAND memory.

Responsibilities include defining SSD controller specifications by considering industry trends, product planning, and requirements from hardware, software, and game development stakeholders. The role also involves placing orders with LSI vendors and carrying out joint design and development, checking prototype chips against required functions and expected performance, evaluating SSD firmware, and assessing NAND reliability. Firmware evaluation covers latency and throughput, including whether those targets can be maintained consistently. The position also provides production support, and may expand into work from custom LSI specification through mass-production support depending on suitability.

The work requires a low-level understanding of hardware such as cache, memory, and buses, together with a logical approach to specification and verification tasks. C and C++ programming are used for LSI verification. Knowledge of NAND memory and SSD controllers, hardware systems involving CPUs, DSPs, memory and microcontrollers, high-speed interfaces such as PCIe, USB, HDMI and DisplayPort, and LSI development is welcomed. Technical conversation and discussion in English can broaden the scope of work; reading English specifications and exchanging email in English are required.

The team develops custom LSIs that form the core of SIE products including PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2. Its members include specialists in LSI architecture, LSI design verification, hardware design, and software development, who collaborate across these areas.

The posting states that remote work has a high degree of flexibility and that schedules can be adjusted easily. A tutor is assigned after joining to help the person become familiar with the work and integrate into the team. The role is based in Tokyo, Japan. The posting also seeks someone who can plan, propose, and execute a path toward goals independently, work as part of a development team, and potentially guide other members as a future leader.