Sony Corporation

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

Sony Corporation$175K — $200K *
Consumer Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field required.
  • Strong publication record in AI/ML 3D CG animation algorithms, especially facial animation, hair, or garment modeling.
  • 4+ years of industry experience in 3D Computer Graphics preferred.
  • Excellent communication skills required.
  • Highly proficient with Unreal Engine (MetaHuman), Maya, or related CG tools.
  • Authorization to work in the USA is necessary.

Responsibilities

  • Lead development of AI/ML algorithms for 3D CG animation and visualization.
  • Engage in project initiatives, proposing plans for new business creation.
  • Document all phases of research and development.
  • Oversee intellectual property submissions.
  • Travel internationally to collaborate with project partners.
  • Exhibit honesty, trustworthiness, and ethical conduct.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents including HSA and FSA options.
  • Employee assistance plan and behavioral health benefits.
  • Fertility benefits, including surrogacy and adoption assistance programs.
  • Basic and supplemental life insurance for employees and their families.
  • Short-term and long-term disability plans available.
  • Up to 12 weeks of paid parental and caregiver leave.
  • 401(k) plan with matching and immediate vesting options.
  • Flexible work arrangements including remote work options.
  • Generous paid time off including vacations and holidays.
  • Referral bonuses and employee discounts on Sony products.
Full Job Description

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 $175,000 to $200,000. 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.  

#LI-AS1

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

 

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a multinational conglomerate that produces a wide range of products and services, including consumer electronics, gaming, entertainment, and financial services. The company was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Sony has operations in over 190 countries and employs approximately 111,700 people worldwide. The company's mission is to inspire and fulfill people's curiosity and creativity through the power of technology, entertainment, and innovation.
Learn more about Sony Corporation
Size
111,700 employees
Market Cap
$96 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1,077.4 billion
Founded
1946
5 Year Trend
+5.5%
Revenue
$8,527.6 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Consumer Technology Jobs

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