Sr. Research Engineer – AI/ML Image Processing & Computational Photography

Sony•San Jose, CA

24d•Hybrid

About The Position

Sony Corporation of America currently has an opening for a Senior Research Engineer in our U.S. R&D Laboratory located in San Jose, CA, Culver City, CA, or as a remote employee. This position is responsible for researching and developing novel AI / ML -based image processing, computational photography, and computer vision algorithms for Sony’s next-generation imaging products. In this role, you will apply advanced engineering and mathematical principles to develop core technologies that power Sony's digital imaging products. You will tackle problems of diverse scope, exercising strong judgment in selecting methods and techniques to reach solutions. You will take concepts from initial research through product integration, collaborating with product development and engineering teams to uphold the high standards that define Sony’s imaging technologies. This role is being offered as a hybrid position (3 days in person) in San Jose, CA, Culver City, CA, or fully remote. Remote work can be considered after an extensive period of on-site training and may require monthly business trips to the main office.

Requirements

PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related field.
Exceptional candidates with an MS and 3+ years of related experience may be considered
Strong fundamentals and practical experience developing deep learning, machine learning, and/or AI algorithms from the ground up, including problem formulation, dataset design, architecture development, training, and evaluation
Demonstrated experience in at least one of the following: image and/or video processing, camera ISP, computational photography, low-level computer vision, or computer vision
Exceptional research skills, including a track record of peer-reviewed publications, and the ability to critically evaluate the latest published works
A rigorous approach to experimental design and hypothesis testing
Ability to rapidly prototype new ideas to assess their technical merit
Proficient in Python and PyTorch, or a similar ML framework.
Familiarity with C/C++ and Linux
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to tackle challenging problems

Nice To Haves

Strong fundamentals in signal processing and statistical modeling is a plus

Responsibilities

Research, design, and develop novel AI/ML methods for image processing, computational photography, and computer vision applications that advance Sony’s portfolio of digital imaging products
Formulate research problems and apply sound experimental design across dataset creation, neural network architecture development, model training and evaluation
Conduct feasibility studies and rapidly prototype ideas to validate new concepts and assess their potential for commercialization
Benchmark algorithm performance against state-of-the-art methods and iteratively improve accuracy, efficiency, and robustness
Conduct literature reviews, attend academic and industry conferences, and report on emerging trends to identify promising areas for technology development
Document methodology, experimental results, and technical designs throughout all phases of research and development.
Regularly communicate findings to researchers and engineers in the US and Japan.
Draft invention disclosures and collaborate with patent attorneys to secure intellectual property
Draft and submit professional articles for technical journals

Benefits

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
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)