Department Overview:

As part of the Gaming, Developer and Future Technology (GDFT), Applied Research Engineering team, you will manage and work with research, engineering, platform, and PlayStation Studios teams to incubate promising technical ideas into robust, reusable engineering capabilities.

GDFT is focused on the future development of PlayStation. We’re looking for people who want to make a difference, love working with creative, intelligent, and collaborative colleagues. If that sounds like something you would love to do, we want to hear from you!

Role Overview:

We are looking for a Software Engineering Manager to lead and develop a team of approximately 5-8 mid to senior-level engineers in Applied Research Engineering. You will help translate organisational objectives into clear engineering priorities and create the conditions for engineers to perform, grow, and deliver high-quality outcomes.

This is a hands-on technical management role, expected to lean primarily toward management and leadership while retaining meaningful technical engagement. The balance may evolve over time based on team maturity, delivery needs, and organisational priorities.

You will work in partnership with senior technical leads and the TPM, owning people leadership, team effectiveness, delivery health, and local escalation for your areas while staying close enough to the technical work to support good engineering decisions.

You will build effective relationships with internal partners, including PlayStation Studios and globally distributed engineering groups. Occasional travel may be required to support collaboration, planning, or partner engagement.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and support a team of mid-level to senior engineers through regular 1:1s and development conversations 
• Stay close to the technical work so you can support sound engineering decisions and contribute where it helps the team 
• Enable predictable delivery by helping the team clarify scope and address blockers early 
• Help translate agreed objectives into practical team plans in partnership with technical leads and the TPM 
• Represent engineering judgement in planning discussions, so team needs and technical considerations are well understood 
• Provide day-to-day leadership for engineering teams and initiatives with appropriate support from senior managers 
• Help build an inclusive, high-trust culture focused on collaboration, learning, and technical excellence 
• Build strong cross-functional relationships and communicate clearly across teams and locations 
• Support hiring and onboarding so that the team can grow sustainably. 
• Support pragmatic improvements to engineering practices where they help the team deliver better outcomes 
• Communicate engineering progress and recommendations clearly, including the context needed for good decisions

Qualifications:

• 2-3 years pf experience in engineering management or equivalent technical leadership
• Strong software engineering background with the judgement to guide technical teams and balance delivery trade-offs
• Hands-on development experience in C++, C#, Python or comparable technologies
• Experience delivering production-quality software through the development lifecycle
• Ability to understand technical proposals, ask effective questions, and work with technical leads to resolve challenges
• Evidence of coaching others and supporting team effectiveness.
• Good communication skills, including the ability to explain technical and delivery topics clearly
• Experience collaborating across teams, functions, or locations
• Motivation to continue growing as an engineering manager
• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field is desirable

Nice to haves:

• Experience in leading or participating in cross-functional teams and projects is also beneficial
• Exposure to cutting-edge Machine Learning and AI technologies, with a passion for exploring their impact on gaming and software development
• Knowledge and interest in client, server and web technologies
• Knowledge of PlayStation hardware and SDK

Benefits of working in Gaming, Developer and Future Technology:

• Technology development is not constrained by specific games/engines. There is time and space to research and develop cutting edge technologies
• Opportunities to participate in global hackathons
• 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
• 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