Data Scientist II - Decision Science

Sonyinteractiveentertainmentglobal; California (MO); On-site; USD 156,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

Sony Interactive Entertainment is seeking a Data Scientist II to drive decision science initiatives and deliver impactful insights for platform engagement, product features, and games.

The role emphasizes applying advanced ML methods, experimental design, and causal inference to solve complex business problems, with collaboration across cross-functional teams and strong data storytelling skills.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Applied Math, Economics, Statistics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field, plus at least 2 years of relevant industry experience, ideally in entertainment, gaming, technology, or a related consumer‑facing industry.
• Advanced knowledge and experience applying ML methods using Python and SQL.
• Familiarity with development tools and practices including version control (Git) and workflow management (Airflow).
• Excellent communication and data storytelling skills, able to explain technical concepts to non-technical partners.
• In-depth understanding and experience with supervised and unsupervised ML techniques.
• Understanding of Online Experimentation and Causal Inference methods for estimating causal relationships.
• Knowledge of the gaming industry and Gen AI tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced statistical and ML techniques to analyse large and complex datasets, extracting actionable insights in a commercial setting.
• Apply knowledge of Experimentation, Causal Inference, ML, and statistical modelling to develop predictive models and identify causal relationships.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define business problems, formulate hypotheses, and design experiments to test them.
• Independently extract and integrate data from multiple data systems, including writing complex SQL queries, to support analytical efforts.
• Support the delivery of results and presentations to stakeholders, translating analyses into actionable recommendations.
• Stay up to date on latest advancements in Data Science, including Causal Inference, Gen AI, and ML, and share knowledge with the team.

Skills

ML methods

Python

SQL

Data storytelling

A/B testing

Causal Inference

Communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Applied Math, Economics, Statistics, Engineering

BA/BS with relevant experience

Tools

Git

Airflow

Job description

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.

Data Scientist II - Decision Science

Using data, you will play a crucial role in driving decision‑making and delivering impactful insights to our stakeholders. You will apply advanced analytical techniques, build Machine Learning (ML) models, and use experimentation and causal inference methods to solve sophisticated business problems related to platform engagement, product features, and games.

What you’ll be doing:

• Apply advanced statistical and ML techniques to analyse large and complex datasets, extracting actionable insights in a commercial setting.
• Apply your knowledge of Experimentation, Causal Inference, ML, and statistical modelling to develop robust predictive models and identify causal relationships.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define business problems, formulate hypotheses, and design experiments to test them.
• Independently extract and integrate data from multiple data systems, including writing complex SQL queries, to support analytical efforts.
• Support the delivery of results and presentations to stakeholders, translating complex analyses into clear and actionable recommendations.
• Stay up to date on the latest advancements in Data Science, including Causal Inference, Gen AI, and ML, and share knowledge and new ideas with the team.

What we’re looking for:

• Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Applied Math, Economics, Statistics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field, plus at least 2 years of relevant industry experience, ideally in entertainment, gaming, technology, or a related consumer‑facing industry. A BA/BS Degree may also be considered based on additional relevant industry experience.
• Advanced knowledge and experience applying ML methods using Python and SQL.
• Familiarity with common development tools and practices, including version control systems (e.g., Git) and workflow management tools (e.g., Airflow).
• Excellent communication and data storytelling skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to non‑technical partners.
• In‑depth understanding and experience using supervised and unsupervised ML techniques.
• Understanding of Online Experimentation (large‑scale A/B tests) and Causal Inference methods, such as propensity score matching, synthetic control methods, and difference‑in‑differences, for accurately estimating causal relationships.
• Knowledge of the gaming industry and relevant gaming titles is a plus.
• Familiarity with Gen AI tools and pipelines is a plus.

At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location. Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job‑related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this role is eligible for SIE’s top‑tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package.

The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.

$156,300 — $234,500 USD

Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.

Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights.

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 respond.

Sony Interactive Entertainment is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.