Console platforms are always evolving, and manufacturers often look into pushing the envelope by providing their developers with the best tools to create the best games, but also to make their life easier. Sony seems to be planning to do just that, as revealed by a career opportunity ad seeking a Senior Java Engineer.

SCEA's Tools and Technologies Group (TNT) provides tools, infrastructure services and run-time technology to a broad set of Sony Computer Entertainment divisions. We work closely with all of our Vita, PS3 and PS4 game teams, and with QA groups from all regions. We have an immediate need for an expert/lead Java/Web/Server software engineer. The successful candidate will be a key contributor in the creation of technologies used to improve PlayStation's competitive advantage.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Design, specify and implement new features for mission critical crash-reporting systems

Work directly with the game teams, group tech leads, and group managers to define and implement optimized tools, system libraries and drivers, protocols, and more as needed

Lead a team of senior engineering staff

Work directly with SCEI in Japan (liaison services available, some travel required)

Considering that, at least for what PS4 is concerned, PlayStation's competitive advantage seems to be pretty deep, it's interesting to see that Sony isn't resting on its laurels. Unfortunately we're probably never going to know the actual impact this will make on PlayStation consoles, as low level improvements aren't normally publicly announced.