Senior Research Engineer - AI/ML for Speech Synthesis and Processing

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 (SCA) currently has an opening for full-time Senior Research Engineer - AI/ML for Speech Synthesis and Processing in our R&D U.S. Laboratory located in San Jose, San Mateo, and Los Angels, CA.  This position is responsible for researching and developing in the areas of speech synthesis and processing, with an emphasis on state-of-the-art AI & Machine Learning technology for new Sony products and services.

The Senior Research Engineer will be responsible for investigating and utilizing complex engineering and mathematical principles to develop core technologies and algorithm structures, while also identifying and implementing solutions to engineering problems. This role involves analyzing and establishing system standards and testing procedures. The engineer will write invention disclosures for developed algorithms and collaborate with patent attorneys to secure intellectual property. Additionally, the individual will tackle a variety of problems that require data analysis and evaluation of identifiable factors, demonstrating sound judgment in selecting appropriate methods and techniques for effective problem-solving.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. degree, Ph.D. candidate, or MS degree with a minimum of 3 years of related experience in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, is required.

• Research background in AI/Machine Learning, Speech Synthesis, and related areas are required.

• Excellent skills of neural network modeling and analysis, formulate optimization flow using PyTorch, TensorFlow, or equivalent deep learning framework is essential

• Excellent programming skills in Python and/or modern C++ for rapid algorithm prototyping are required

• Knowledge of zero-shot and/or few-shot learning are required.

• Knowledge and experience in natural language processing is a plus.

• Knowledge and experience in image processing, computer vision, or a related field is a plus.

• Ability to work independently and/or in a team environment

• Ability to work remotely and/or onsite flexible to the situation changes.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research, develop and evaluate state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms for use in the next generation of speech technologies.

• Implement and optimize such algorithms for Sony’s future products and services.

• Document all phases of research and development.

• Create new technical and domain expertise and apply to products and problems.

• Offer advanced technical expertise to design and develop algorithms and software applications.

• Assess and write code to improve or extend algorithms and software applications.

• Collaborate with Sony-related groups such as overseas research laboratories, game/picture/music business, consumer electronics businesses, etc.

• Learn, collaborate, and network alongside world-class researchers and creators; present your findings and contribute to the industry-leading entertainment technology community.

• Author papers and write invention disclosures for developed algorithms and systems.

• Establish and participate in academic collaborations.

• Draft and submit intellectual property.

• Draft and submit professional articles for technical journals as required.

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”. 

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   

• 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)   

• Annual incentive bonus 

The anticipated annual base salary for this position is $140,000 to $165,000 . In addition to the annual base salary, this role has an annual bonus target of 10%. 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.  

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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 careers@sonyusa.com or by mail to: Sony Corporation of America, Human Resources Department, 25 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010. Please indicate the position you are applying for.

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