Lead AI Programmer

Creative Assembly; Horsham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading gaming studio seeks an AI Engineer Lead to spearhead AI development for their upcoming title. This role involves leading a team, collaborating with various departments, and ensuring the delivery of top-quality AI systems. The position offers a hybrid work model and numerous benefits, including flexible work options and comprehensive health coverage.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Enhanced holidays

Comprehensive health coverage

Relocation packages

Participation in Diversity and Inclusion Network

Qualifications

• Extensive professional C++ programming experience in AI.
• Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 on AAA titles.
• Proven ability to develop sophisticated AI systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of AI engineers in developing AI capabilities.
• Collaborate with design and production teams to scope AI work.
• Plan and create high-performance AI code.

Skills

C++ programming

AI system development

Communication

Tools

Unreal Engine 4

Unreal Engine 5

Job description

Based at our well-established studio in Horsham, in the heart of West Sussex, you will be working as a key member of the team on our upcoming Survival title, the sequel to Alien: Isolation. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on our games by bringing your knowledge and experience to push genre boundaries through collaboration with the wider development team. The position is hybrid, requiring a minimum of 2 days per week in our Horsham studio.

Key Responsibilities

You will lead a small team of AI engineers in developing top-quality AI capabilities for our project. Your daily tasks will include:

• Acting as the technical owner and primary contact for AI engineering on the project.
• Collaborating with design, production, and technical directors to define, plan, and scope AI engineering work.
• Planning, estimating, and creating high-performance AI code with your team.
• Ensuring timely delivery and quality of features.
• Documenting AI systems and implementing auto-tests.
• Debugging, diagnosing, and resolving issues.
• Mentoring team members in their technical and professional growth.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Essential

• Extensive professional C++ programming experience in AI.
• Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 on AAA titles.
• Proven ability to develop sophisticated AI systems.
• Strong communication skills for effective collaboration.

Desirable

• Previous leadership experience.
• Development experience on consoles.
• A passion for gaming and solving technical challenges.

About Creative Assembly

Creative Assembly creates deep, detailed games that entertain millions worldwide for decades. We value our team’s contributions and support skills development and growth. Our locations include Horsham, UK, and Sofia, Bulgaria.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible work options, including remote work for a period each year (subject to visa restrictions).
• Enhanced holidays, maternity/paternity leave, flexible hours, and no-notice holidays.
• Relocation packages for you and your dependents.
• Comprehensive health coverage, including private medical/dental insurance, life insurance, and more.
• Generous holidays, studio closure during Christmas/New Year, and bank holidays.
• Participation in our Diversity and Inclusion Network.
• Travel loans, cycle schemes, wellbeing support, and community activities.
• Accessible studio sites.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background. Note: We do not accept unsolicited candidate introductions from third parties without an agreement in place.