Sr. Research Engineer – AI/ML Image Processing & Computational Photography
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.
Department Overview
At the Sony Corporation of America US R&D Laboratory, we transform bold ideas into extraordinary realities. Our engineers and scientists push boundaries through creativity and innovationto investigate emerging ideas, build prototypes, and advance solutions that reflect Sony’s high standardsfor quality, performance, and design. Through thiswork we strive to evoke Kando-the profound sense of excitement and satisfaction that comes from encountering something truly exceptional.
Position Summary
Sony Corporation of Americacurrently has an opening for a Senior Research Engineer in our U.S. R&D Laboratorylocatedin San Jose, CA, Culver City,CA, or as a remote employee. This position is responsible forresearching and developing novel AI/ML-based image processing, computational photography, and computer visionalgorithms for Sony’s next-generation imagingproducts.
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 initialresearchthrough product integration,collaborating with product developmentand engineeringteamsto uphold the high standardsthat 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 consideredafter an extensiveperiod of on-site trainingand may require monthly business tripsto the main office.
Responsibilities:
Research, design, and develop novel AI/ML methods for image processing, computational photography, and computer vision applications that advanceSony’s portfolio of digital imaging products
Formulate research problemsand apply sound experimental design acrossdatasetcreation, neural network architecturedevelopment, model trainingand evaluation
Conduct feasibility studies and rapidly prototypeideasto validatenew concepts and assess their potential for commercialization
Benchmark algorithm performance against state-of-the-artmethods and iteratively improve accuracy, efficiency, and robustness
Conduct literature reviews, attend academic and industry conferences, and report on emerging trends to identifypromising areas for technology development
Document methodology, experimental results, and technical designs throughout all phases of research and development. Regularly communicate findings to researchersandengineers in the US and Japan.
Draft invention disclosures and collaborate with patent attorneys to secure intellectual property
Draft and submitprofessional articles for technical journalsas required
Occasional travel to Japan to conduct in-person meetings
Qualifications:
PhD inComputer 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 developingdeep learning, machine learning, and/or AI algorithms from the ground up,including problem formulation, dataset design, architecture development, training, and evaluation
Strong fundamentals in signal processing and statistical modeling is a plus
Demonstrated experience in at least one ofthe following: image and/or video processing, camera ISP,computational photography, low-level computer vision,orcomputer vision
Exceptionalresearch skills, includinga track recordofpeer-reviewedpublications,and the ability to critically evaluate the latest published works
A rigorous approach to experimental design and hypothesis testing
Ability to rapidlyprototype new ideasto assess their technical merit
Proficient in Python and PyTorch, or a similarMLframework. Familiarity with C/C++ and Linux
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to tackle challenging problems
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 regularemployees 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 coveragewith coverage for spouses/domestic partners and child dependents, including access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Employee assistanceplan and comprehensive behavioral health benefits
Fertility benefits, including, surrogacy, and adoption assistanceprograms
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 weeksof paid parental and caregiver leave
401(k) Plan with pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax options and company match with immediate vesting
Education assistanceand 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 discountson 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 anticipatedannual base salary for this position is $150,000 to $165,000. In addition to the annual base salary, this role has an annual bonus target of 10%.Thisrange 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.
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 [email protected] 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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