Senior Manager, Machine Learning in London

Why Sony Interactive Entertainment? Sony Interactive Entertainment isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is the company behind the PlayStation brand. As a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, we’re part of a proud legacy of innovation and excellence. SIE is a dynamic technology company, delivering cutting‑edge hardware and network services to more than 100 million people and an entertainment leader, home to some of the most beloved and recognizable intellectual properties (IP) in the world. Our role at SIE is to create and nurture the experiences under the PlayStation brand, a name synonymous with entertainment excellence and creativity.

Role Description: We are looking for an independent, dedicated Lead or Senior Lead: Machine Learning to join the Visual Computing Group (VCG). This role contributes to redefining gameplay and live streaming through advanced R&D. VCG’s mission is to design and deploy advanced neural networks and machine learning (ML) for game rendering and streaming systems of SIE that exceed the state‑of‑the‑art in runtime efficiency, visual quality and latency.

Who Are You? Demonstrated ability in managing high‑performance research teams in the field of ML or Graphics. A dynamic and visionary leader with a passion for building and leading high‑performance teams. A clear communicator, inspirer, and empathic manager who motivates and empowers the team. Advocate for personal and professional growth, ensuring every team member feels valued and heard. Proactive, adaptable, and driven by a deep commitment to the success of both the team and the organization. Experience in coaching and mentoring team members, fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment. Courage to speak up and take smart risks. Strong, well‑formed technical ideas that are open to discussion and passionate debate. Experience managing team communications in a large organization.

What Do You Do? Lead a multidisciplinary team of machine learning engineers and researchers focused on neural‑assisted game rendering. Coordinate the build, prototyping, development and integration of brand new visual computing technologies into our products. Manage project timelines, ensuring high‑quality work, and collaborate with multi‑functional teams to drive innovation. Align the team’s work with overall strategic objectives, balancing ongoing projects with continuous improvement and technical debt management. Build partnerships and establish positive, trustworthy relationships with collaborators.

What Knowledge Do You Have? Domain Expertise: Extensive technical experience and track record of accomplishments in areas such as intelligent systems, visual computing, real‑time graphics processing within game engines, or graphics; proven track record in managing and delivering sophisticated projects. Technical Skills: Proficiency in programming languages and tools relevant to visual computing (e.g., C++, Python, OpenGL, DirectX). Familiarity with machine learning frameworks and their application in visual computing. Computer Vision & Machine Learning: Advanced neural network architectures applied to image analysis and video processing (diffusion models, transformers, distribution alignment, advanced loss functions for computer vision problems). Game Engine Rendering: Knowledge of the stages of the game rendering pipeline, examples in UE5 or similar, knowledge of ray‑tracing or path‑tracing, advanced machine learning methods for global illumination, path‑tracing, frame interpolation and super‑resolution in game rendering. Educational Background: A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience; advanced degrees are a plus. Industry Knowledge: Up‑to‑date with the latest trends and technologies in one or more of: machine learning, computer vision, game engine rendering. Experience in the interactive entertainment industry or a related field is highly desirable.

Benefits: Discretionary bonus opportunity, Hybrid working (within Flexmodes), Private medical insurance, Dental scheme, 25 days holiday per year, On‑site gym, Subsidised café, Free soft drinks, On‑site bar, Access to cycle garage and showers.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to apply. Sony Interactive Entertainment is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.