Senior AI Programmer, Special Projects

Epic Games; Montreal; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading game development studio in Montreal is looking for a skilled Senior AI Programmer to join their Special Projects team. The role involves driving the development of innovative AI systems for gaming, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and contributing to high-impact projects. Ideal candidates have experience with Unreal Engine and a strong foundation in C++ programming. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

100% benefits coverage for employees and dependents

Retirement savings plan with employer match

Mental well-being program

Qualifications

• Experience developing games, especially with Unreal Engine and shipping AAA titles.
• Experience working with gameplay AI systems such as Behavior Trees and Pathfinding.
• Strong C++ skills to architect AI systems and tools.

Responsibilities

• Drive and maintain core AI systems for Special Projects.
• Collaborate with design and art teams to create gameplay AI features.
• Prototype and iterate on AI features based on feedback.

Skills

Unreal Engine experience

Gameplay AI systems

C++ programming

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Job description

What Makes Us Epic?

At the core of Epic’s success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it’s building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we’re always innovating.

Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We’re constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.

Programming – Special Projects

What We Do

The Special Projects team at Epic is responsible for executing high-impact projects that push the envelope to define the future of real-time graphics and gaming technology (The Matrix Awakens, Lumen in the Land of Nanite). In collaboration with the Unreal Engine team, we strive to put our technology and knowledge into the hands of users, empowering developers and content creators with the most powerful suite of real-time tools in the world.

What You’ll Do

Epic Games is looking for an experienced Senior AI Programmer to join the Special Projects team. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in driving future projects that push boundaries, explore new technology, and help define the future of Unreal Engine. As a Senior AI Programmer, you will define and implement the AI aspects of interactive projects and systems while collaborating with programming teams, artists and designers to create cutting‑edge interactive experiences.

• Drive, create and maintain core AI systems for Special Project, taking a systems-level approach to building a strong performance architecture
• Experiment with game design and use rapid prototyping while ensuring that strong architectural and algorithmic decisions are made
• Prototype and iterate on features and be willing to accept and respond to critical feedback while ensuring that strong architectural and algorithmic decisions are made; write robust, maintainable code
• Work closely with art, animation and design to create and iterate on gameplay AI features
• Collaborate with Fortnite and Unreal Engine teams to improve core AI systems and how they are used in games
• Optimize code and fix bugs in existing gameplay systems
• Contribute ideas toward all aspects of the game’s production and development

What We’re Looking For

• Experience developing games professionally, especially with Unreal Engine, including shipping AAA titles that feature gameplay AI
• Experience working with gameplay AI systems (eg Behavior Trees, Finite State Machines, Hierarchical Task Networks, Pathfinding, etc.)
• Strong C++ skills to architect and build gameplay AI systems and tools
• Fearless when it comes to diving into complex systems and existing code bases
• Well‑versed in games, with the ability to articulate what is strong/weak about the design of existing games (especially online games)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, self‑motivated, and able to work independently
• Creativity in problem‑solving and the ability to think outside of the established solutions
• Knowledge of ML/AI and its potential applications
• Someone who is user‑focused, passionate, solutions‑focused, and innovative. These traits equal success at Epic and influence everything we do

EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE

We pay 100% for benefits for both employees and dependents and offer coverage for supplemental medical, dental, vision, critical illness, telemedicine, Life and AD&D, long term disability insurance as well as weekly indemnity (short term disability) and a retirement savings plan with a competitive employer match. In addition to the EAP (employee assistance program), we also offer a robust mental well‑being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents.

About Us

Epic Games spans across 25 countries with 46 studios and 4,500+ employees globally. For over 25 years, we’ve been making award‑winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award‑winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high‑fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world‑class talent.

Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!

Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.

Note to Recruitment Agencies:

Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.