Senior Software Engineer (Gameplay AI & Systems)

TL;DR

Senior Software Engineer (Gameplay AI & Systems): Develop and evolve gameplay AI systems for NPC characters in an unpublished R&D product with an accent on scalable frameworks, performance, multiplayer integrity, and designer empowerment. Focus on designing combat and coordination behaviors, partnering with designers on exploration, and mitigating technical risks in AI systems.

Location: Flexible work schedules at a US-based company (references to California, Los Angeles, San Francisco Fair Chance laws).

Company

Game development studio focused on creating player-centric experiences and putting players first.

What you will do

• Design and implement scalable gameplay AI systems for enemies and player challenges, ensuring performance, multiplayer integrity, and content scalability.
• Extend existing AI frameworks to support combat, coordination, and challenge features.
• Collaborate with designers and technical designers to enable gameplay exploration while maintaining system integrity.
• Identify AI and gameplay technical risks and implement sustainable architectural solutions with technical leaders.
• Contribute to adjacent domains like dynamic level systems and core gameplay as needed.
• Mentor peers across disciplines in gameplay AI, systemic design, and problem-solving.

Requirements

• 5+ years professional experience in game development.
• 3+ years developing gameplay AI systems.
• Strong C++ programming and computer science fundamentals.
• Experience with Unreal Engine AI systems.
• Building scalable gameplay systems that empower designers over hard-coded behaviors.
• Strong debugging, optimization, and performance-tuning skills.
• Effective collaboration in cross-disciplinary teams with product sense and player empathy.

Nice to have

• Experience shipping multiplayer or networked games.
• Familiarity with physics or middleware integrations.
• Building encounter or dynamic level interaction systems.
• Working on mid-sized engineering teams in live or in-development games.

Culture & Benefits

• Open paid time off policy and flexible work schedules for work/life balance.
• Medical, dental, life insurance, parental leave for you, spouse/domestic partner, and children.
• 401k with company match.
• Collaborative teams empowered to bring unique perspectives daily.
• Focus on player empathy, craft expertise, and cross-team objectives.