AI Engineer (Gameplay)

Sledgehammer Games; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 119,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

Sledgehammer Games seeks an AI Engineer (Gameplay) to advance AI systems across a cross‑platform codebase in a hybrid Toronto role. You will collaborate with engineering, design and content teams to create compelling AI for flagship titles.

The position requires strong C++ programming, 5+ years in games or real‑time AI, and at least one shipped game. This Toronto studio hybrid role combines in‑studio and remote workdays.

Qualifications

• Excellent C++ programming skills with knowledge of algorithms and data structures.
• 5+ years of experience in games or real-time AI.
• 1+ shipped games, Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/Math.

Responsibilities

• Work with AI engineering teams to push the limits of AI technology.
• Develop new AI characters and behaviors with design/content teams.
• Implement, debug and optimize major AI systems in a large cross-platform codebase (C/C++).
• Design and implement optimized AI systems for gameplay.
• Mentor less experienced engineers.

Skills

C++

3D math

Algorithms

Data structures

Gameplay AI

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering/Math

Tools

None

Job description

Job Title: AI Engineer (Gameplay)

Requisition ID: R027997

Job Opening Type: New Position / Headcount

Your Platform

Sledgehammer Games is a leading developer in the video game industry, best known for its work on the Call of Duty franchise. Since its founding in 2009, the studio has delivered iconic titles like "Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare," "Call of Duty: WWII," and most recently, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.” We combinecutting-edgetechnology withcreativevision to produce games that resonate with players worldwide. With a focus on creating high-quality multiplayer experiences and captivating single-player campaigns, we continue to shape the future of first-person shooters.

We are looking for passionate and talented individuals to join our studio team in Toronto, Canada. In this role you will partner closely with our teams at our other studio locations in the United States and Australia in the creation of epic content for some of the biggest games in the world. If you"re ready to be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your skills can make a real impact, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us.

Please note: This is not a remote role. This is a hybrid position based in our Toronto Studio, offering flexibility with a combination of in-studio and remote workdays. Permanent remote work is not available for this position.

Sledgehammer Games is part of the Activision family and is wholly owned by Microsoft. To learn more about our studio, please visit us at www.sledgehammergames.com or search for Sledgehammer Games on your favorite social media platform.

Your Mission

Our team is seeking a dedicated and passionate AI Engineer who will work closely with other engineers and content teams to expand our AI systems to create new and exciting experiences for our players. This is an excellent opportunity to work with a passionate engineering team on the world’s most popular game franchises! We'd like to speak with you!

• Work with AI engineering teams to expand our AI technology to push the limits of what our AI can currently do
• Work alongside our design and content teams to develop new AI characters and behaviors
• Implement, debug and optimize major systems in C/C++ and other languages in the context of a large cross platform codebase
• Design and implement optimized AI systems
• Provide mentorship to less experienced engineers

Player Profile

• Excellent C++ programing skills, with knowledge of algorithms and data structures
• Fluency in 3D math and algebra, related to game programming
• Strong design sensibilities and outstanding communication skills.
• A passion for making video games
• Validated debugging skills
• Experience extending an established code base
• 5+ years of experience in games or real-time AI
• 1+ shipped games
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering or Math related field

Bonus Points

• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• AI systems in a networked environment
• Animation – blend trees, IK, motion matching
• AI navigation mesh generation and pathfinding
• AI controlled vehicles
• Optimization
• Experience with scripting languages
• Console development experience

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! At Activision Blizzard, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.

Our World

At Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We’re driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, and Guitar Hero. As a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products, our “press start” is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences.

We’re not just looking back at our decades-long legacy; we’re forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We have bold ambitions to create the most inclusive company as we know our success comes from the passionate, creative, and diverse teams within our organization.

We’re in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community to enjoy. And our future opportunities have never been greater — this could be your opportunity to level up.

Ready to Activate Your Future?

Rewards
We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

• Extended health plan, including medical, dental, vision, lif
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company.

The standard base pay range for this role is $119,278.00 - $157,642.00 CAD. These values reflect the expected annualized base pay range of new hires in Ontario, Canada. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for discretionary incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed.