Senior Gameplay Programmer - AI

CD PROJEKT RED; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CD PROJEKT RED in Vancouver, Canada, is seeking a Senior Gameplay Programmer - AI to help build believable, open-world NPCs and AI systems for the next Cyberpunk title. You will work with designers and engineers to turn ideas into scalable, performant gameplay features.

You should have extensive C++ experience, deep knowledge of Unreal Engine, and a passion for cutting-edge navigation, pathfinding, and multi-threaded architectures that drive immersive player experiences.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional programming experience in games.
• Strong C++ skills and Unreal Engine knowledge.
• Deep expertise in pathfinding, navigation, and avoidance.
• Experience with current-gen console hardware.
• Good understanding of geometric algorithms and data structures.
• Experience in writing multi-threaded systems.
• Experience profiling and optimizing code at system level.
• Strong 3D math skills.
• Creative and strategic thinker with strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with designers and developers to build efficient AI systems.
• Create and maintain major AI behavior systems for open world.
• Develop debug tools, designer tools needed for the systems.
• Write high-quality code that is optimised, bug-free, and aligned with project goals.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration to ensure tools support all game systems and components.

Skills

C++

Pathfinding

Open world

Multi-threaded systems

Code optimization

3D math

Communication

Tools

Unreal Engine

Job description

To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers — this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company’s culture? Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel and Beyond the Game Blog where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!

Job Description

CD PROJEKT RED is looking for a Senior Gameplay Programmer - AIto join our team to work on Cyberpunk 2, the follow-up to Cyberpunk 2077. In this role, you will help the team develop believable worlds by creating systems and features that aid our designers create highly advanced AI behaviours. This role will be responsible for core navigation, pathfinding, and avoidance systems, with a focus on scalability and open world performance.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with designers and other developers to understand their needs and ensure they have the ability to create smart and efficient AI systems.
• Build and maintain major systems that define AI behaviour in an open world.
• Develop debug tools, designer tools needed for the systems.
• Write high-quality code that is optimised, bug-free, and aligned with project goals.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration to ensure the tools contribute effectively to all game systems and components.

Qualifications

• At least 5+years of professional experience as a programmer within the games industry.
• Strong proficiency in C++ programming and knowledge of Unreal Engine.
• Deep expertise with pathfinding, navigation, and avoidance, ideally in an open world game.
• Experience with current-gen console hardware.
• A good understanding of geometric algorithms and data structures.
• Experience in writing Multi Threaded systems.
• Experience profiling and optimizing code at the systems level.
• A deepunderstanding of 3D mathematics.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically to overcome technical challenges and drive innovation in technology.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Nice to have

(Please note that these skills are not required to apply for the position)

• Professional experience with Mass AI in Unreal 5.
• Experience with ECS or Mass Framework.
• Experience with navigation in 3D.