Research Engineer – Computer Graphics, 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 Play Station Network, Sony creates and delivers more entertainment experiences to more people than anyone else on earth.

To learn more: .

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.

• Drive 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.
• Actively engage in the project’s new initiatives and strategy, supporting, proposing and contributing to the project plan for new business creation.
• Document all phases of research and development.
• Oversee submission of intellectual property and invention disclosures, working with patent attorneys to secure intellectual property.
• Travel to visit project collaborators overseas.

Your qualifications and experience should include:

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a 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 (Meta Human), Maya, or related CG platforms.
• All candidates must be authorized to work in the USA.

In addition to competitive pay and benefits, we offer an environment and culture that promotes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 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”.

• Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage for employees, 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 spouses/domestic partners and children.
• Voluntary benefits such as group legal, identity theft protection, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Short‑term and 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.

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…