Senior Research Engineer in AI Image Processing and Computational Photography at Sony (San Jose, CA)
Job Description
This computational photography research job at Sony Corporation of America’s US R&D Laboratory develops new AI and machine-learning methods for image processing, computational photography and computer vision in Sony’s next imaging products, based in San Jose or Culver City, California, or remote.
At a glance
- Position: Senior Research Engineer, US R&D Laboratory (full time, JR-119618)
- Where: San Jose or Culver City, California (hybrid, 3 days on site), or remote after on-site training
- Pay: Base salary $150,000 to $165,000 a year, plus a 10% annual bonus target
- Apply: open until filled (re-checked 24 October 2026)
What the computational photography research engineer does
- Research and develop AI/ML methods for image processing, computational photography and computer vision
- Set up experiments across dataset creation, network architecture, training and evaluation
- Run feasibility studies and quick prototypes, and benchmark against the state of the art
- Take ideas from research through to product integration with engineering teams
- Write invention disclosures and papers, and meet colleagues in Japan
Why this role matters
Much of what a modern camera produces is decided by software: denoising, demosaicing, HDR merging and more. Sony both makes image sensors and builds cameras, so research here can shape the full chain from sensor to final image. The role covers the whole path from an idea to a product feature, including patents.
What Sony is looking for
- A PhD in computer science, electrical or computer engineering, applied mathematics, physics or a related field; exceptional candidates with an MS and 3+ years may be considered
- Practical experience building deep learning or ML algorithms from scratch, from problem formulation to evaluation
- Experience in at least one of image or video processing, camera ISP, computational photography, low-level vision or computer vision
- A track record of peer-reviewed publications and rigorous experimental design
- Python and PyTorch (or a similar framework), with some C/C++ and Linux
Nice to have
- Signal processing and statistical modelling
Pay and location
The posting states an annual base salary of $150,000 to $165,000 and a 10% annual bonus target. The role is hybrid (3 days in person) in San Jose or Culver City; remote work can be considered after a long period of on-site training and may need monthly trips to the main office. Occasional travel to Japan is expected.
How to apply
Apply through the official Sony job posting. Sony’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 24 October 2026. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.
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Hiring institution: Sony Corporation of America
Official advertisement: sonyglobal.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
How to prepare for this application
- Prepare a project you took from a research idea to a working prototype, with the dataset you built and how you measured quality
- Revise the camera ISP pipeline (black level, demosaicing, white balance, denoising, tone mapping) and where learned models fit in
- Be ready to discuss image quality metrics and their limits, including perceptual measures
- Think about running models on-device: memory, latency and power budgets in a camera
- Bring your publications and a patent idea you could describe clearly
About Sony Corporation of America
Sony Corporation of America, based in New York, is the US headquarters of Sony Group Corporation of Tokyo, Japan. Its US R&D Laboratory researches and prototypes new technology for Sony products.
