Expert AI Software Engineer

WorkinGames; Burnaby; Hybrid; CAD 114,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

Small Axe seeks an Expert Gameplay AI Software Engineer to craft the intelligence behind a next AAA sports title in Vancouver. You will design team-based decision systems, play selection, and spatial reasoning for AI players within Unreal Engine 5.

Ideal candidates have 8+ years in game development, deep C++/UE5 knowledge, strong algorithms, and a passion for sports. Collaboration with designers, animators, and engineers is essential.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of software engineering experience in game development.
• Proficiency in C++ and Unreal Engine 5.
• Strong algorithm and data structure design skills.
• Experience with multi-threaded programming in performance-critical environments.
• Deep understanding of team-based sports and competitive game dynamics.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Architect and build AI systems for team-based sports gameplay in UE5.
• Design decision-making frameworks for play selection, formations, and tactics.
• Develop positional awareness and spatial reasoning for AI-controlled players.
• Optimize AI performance for multi-threaded, performance-critical environments.
• Partner with designers, animators, and gameplay engineers to deliver features.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to team-wide technical growth.
• Write clean, performant, and well-tested C++ code.
• Conduct code reviews to uphold quality and consistency.

Skills

C++

Unreal Engine 5

Algorithms

Multi-threaded programming

Team sports knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Job description

Small Axe Founded in 2023, Small Axe is the newest stand‑alone studio at 2K looking to push game development boundaries to bring 2K’s next groundbreaking sports franchise to life. We’re building a world‑class team at our new Vancouver, BC location where our goal is to deliver an exceptional experience through bold ideas, technical excellence, and creative collaboration. We’re seeking passionate and driven professionals across all areas of game development to help shape this ambitious vision.

What We Need

We’re looking for an Expert Gameplay AI Software Engineer to help build the intelligence behind our next AAA sports title. You’ll design and implement AI systems that drive team‑based decision‑making, play selection, positional awareness, and realistic athletic behavior in Unreal Engine 5. We need someone who combines deep algorithm expertise with a passion for team sports and a collaborative approach to working with designers, animators, and gameplay engineers.

What You Will Do

• Architect and build AI systems for team‑based sports gameplay in UE5
• Design decision‑making frameworks for play selection, formations, and tactics
• Develop positional awareness and spatial reasoning for AI‑controlled players
• Optimize AI performance for multi‑threaded, performance‑critical environments
• Partner with designers, animators, and gameplay engineers to deliver features
• Mentor engineers and contribute to team‑wide technical growth
• Write clean, performant, and well‑tested C++ code
• Conduct code reviews to uphold quality and consistency

What Will Make You A Great Fit

• 8+ years of software engineering experience in game development
• Expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine 5
• Strong algorithm and data structure design skills
• Experience with multi‑threaded programming in performance‑critical environments
• Deep understanding of team‑based sports and competitive game dynamics
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across disciplines
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience
• Passion for playing or watching sports

Beneficial Qualifications

• Track record of shipping AAA sports or simulation titles
• Familiarity with modern console hardware and optimization techniques

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided suitable accommodations to enjoy equal employment opportunities, including the ability to participate in the job application or interview process. Please contact us if you need an accommodation as part of your application process or otherwise have questions about the Company’s accommodation policy and review process.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

The pay range for this position in British Columbia at the start of employment is expected to be between $114,300 and $169,140 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.