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

Sony•Culver City, CA

21h•$175,000 - $200,000

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

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.

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.
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
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)
Annual incentive bonus