NPC AI Engineer

Location: Remote within the UK or based in the West Midlands

Company

hirify.global is an independent game developer based just outside Birmingham, working on proprietary projects and AAA titles with studio and publisher partners.

What you will do

• Design, implement, and iterate NPC AI behaviours and systems from prototype through production.
• Develop decision-making, navigation, perception, combat, reactions, and other gameplay behaviours.
• Collaborate with Design, Engineering, Animation, and other disciplines to translate gameplay requirements into robust AI systems.
• Debug, profile, and optimise AI systems that affect behaviour, performance, and player experience.
• Playtest and refine AI to make it fun, readable, believable, and appropriate for the intended gameplay experience.
• Contribute to reusable AI tools and systems supporting multiple features and projects.

Requirements

• Strong programming skills and experience developing gameplay or AI systems.
• Good understanding of game AI principles, including behaviour trees, state machines, navigation, perception, and decision-making.
• Experience implementing, testing, and debugging NPC behaviours in a real-time game environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop practical, maintainable solutions to complex technical challenges.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with technical and creative disciplines.
• Passion for video games and interest in creating compelling player experiences through AI.

Nice to have

• Experience with Behaviour Trees, EQS, State Machines, Utility AI, or similar AI technologies.
• Experience developing combat AI, squad behaviours, companion AI, or complex NPC interactions.
• Experience with AAA, co-development, multiplayer, open-world, or live-service projects.
• Experience optimising and profiling AI in large or complex game worlds.
• Experience developing reusable AI frameworks, tools, or debugging solutions.

Culture & Benefits

• Friendly, supportive environment within an independent game studio.
• Opportunity to work on market-leading AAA titles and IP with reputable studio and publisher partners.
• Exposure to a wide range of internal and external projects and development opportunities.
• Full-time contractor arrangement with the option to work from home within the UK.

Hiring process

• Submit a portfolio and cover letter.
• Portfolio links are preferred; showreels may be shared through Dropbox or another secure platform.
• Examples created for another studio must be cleared for release by the copyright owners.