Staff Research Engineer – Computer Graphics, Next Generation AI/ML Animation R&D

Sony Corporation of America, located in New York, NY, is the U.S. headquarters of Sony Group Corporation, based in Tokyo, Japan. Sony's principal U.S. businesses include Sony Electronics Inc., Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC, Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Music Publishing and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. With some 900 million Sony devices in hands and homes worldwide today, a vast array of Sony movies, television shows and music, and the PlayStation Network, Sony creates and delivers more entertainment experiences to more people than anyone else on earth. To learn more: www.sony.com/en.

Position Summary

Sony Corporation of America currently has an opening for Staff Research Engineer in our U.S. Research Center located in Culver City, CA.

This position is responsible for leading technical efforts on developing AI/ML based animation core technologies and producing Next Gen. photo-real 3D CG animation content for Sony’s future business and services.

Responsibilities include driving technical requirements for novel animation algorithm R&D in close collaboration with Sony’s professional creators and world-class research scientist teams to analyze, benchmark, validate and develop complex algorithms of novel 3D content creation workflow efficiently.

Finally, you will be responsible for invention disclosures, working with patent attorneys to secure intellectual property.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Technical Lead in fundamental theories, principles and algorithm development in the field of AI/ML 3D CG animation and visualization based on scientific survey, analysis, benchmark and validation.
• Actively engage in project’s new initiatives and strategy. Support, propose and contribute to project plan for new business creation.
• Document all phases of research and development.
• Oversee submission of intellectual property.
• Travel to visit project collaborators in oversea.
• Honesty, trustworthiness and ethical conduct are material requirements for the responsibilities outlined above

QUALIFICATIONS FOR POSITION

Your qualifications and experience should include: 

• PhD in Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering, or related scientific field, is required.
• Solid publication record in AI/ML based 3D CG animation algorithm research, particularly in the field of facial animation, hair or garment modeling/simulation.
• 4+ years of industry experience, preferably in 3D Computer Graphics.
• Excellent communication skills are required.
• Highly proficient with Unreal Engine (MetaHuman), Maya, or related CG platforms.
• All candidates must be authorized to work in the USA.

We are committed to creating an inclusive employee experience for you to thrive as part of Sony’s purpose to “fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology.”

Benefits:    

SCA offers benefits-eligible employees (generally regular employees scheduled to work 20 or more hours a week) a comprehensive benefits program that offers coverage and support for employees and their family’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being.   

 What we offer you: 

• Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage with coverage for spouses/domestic partners and child dependents, including access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)  

• Employee assistance plan and comprehensive behavioral health benefits 

• Fertility benefits, including, surrogacy, and adoption assistance programs   

• Basic and supplemental life insurance for employees as well as supplemental life insurance coverage for their spouses/domestic partners and children  

• Voluntary benefits such as group legal, identity theft protection, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance  

• Short-term & long-term disability plans   

• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental and caregiver leave   

• 401(k) Plan with pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax options and company match with immediate vesting 

• Education assistance and student loan programs    

Other Programs:  

• Flexible Work Arrangements, including remote and hybrid work schedules

• Time off to include vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, Summer Fridays (early release), and a winter break between Christmas and New Year’s Day (based on business needs) 

• Referral bonuses (subject to eligibility)   

• Matching gift program   

• A wide variety of employee business resource groups (EBRGs)   

• Special discounts on Sony products, offered exclusively to Sony employees 

• Employee stock purchase plan (Sony covers commissions and fees for your Sony stock purchases made through after-tax payroll deductions)   

The anticipated annual base salary for this position is $180,000 to $205,000. In addition to the annual base salary, this role has an annual bonus target of 13%. This range does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for. The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

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SCA will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with applicable law.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Sony Corporation of America

Sony Corporation of America provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact us by email at careers@sonyusa.com or by mail to: Sony Corporation of America, People Experience Department, 25 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010. Please indicate the position you are applying for.

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