Senior AI Programmer

Cloud Imperium Games; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cloud Imperium Games in Manchester seeks a Senior AI Programmer to design and implement AI systems for our space sim titles. You will work with a custom engine, collaborating with designers, artists, and QA to create lifelike AI agents and behaviors.

You will mentor junior to mid-level programmers, tackle technical challenges, and ensure high performance in a large, shared codebase. Join a veteran team building Star Citizen and Squadron 42 experiences.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in AI game development and shipping titles.
• Expert-level proficiency in C++ for complex, multi-threaded game systems.
• Strong understanding of 3D mathematics for animation and movement.

Responsibilities

• Implement high-quality, scalable AI systems for immersive gameplay.
• Mentor AI programmers and promote engineering best practices.
• Collaborate with designers, artists, and QA to align AI with game vision.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks using cutting-edge AI techniques.
• Optimise and maintain AI systems for performance and stability in a large codebase.

Skills

C++

AI game development

3D mathematics

Mentoring

Multi-threaded systems

Job description

As a Senior AI programmer you will be working with our custom engine and our internal tools in a multi-disciplinary environment composed by industry veterans, with the goal of creating systems and behaviours for our AI agents.

The goal for the AI of Star Citizen and Squadron 42 is to shape a world that looks highly realistic, vast and very reach in content, this can only be achieved working side-to-side with game designers, level designers, animators, audio programmers and all the members of the cloud imperium family.

Working with the latest PC hardware, technology and APIs, we develop extensive ranges of highly realistic and systemic features to create agent that can realistically and physically interact with the environment and the players to achieve a lifelike space simulation.

Founded in 2012, Cloud Imperium Games creates cutting-edge videogames that defy expectations. We're currently developing Star Citizen, a record-breaking multiplayer online space sim, and Squadron 42, a cinematic single-player adventure set in the same universe. Join us as we break boundaries and make videogame history.

We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the "Best Damn Space Sim Ever".

What do our Senior AI Programmers do?

• Implement high-quality, scalable, and robust AI systems to drive immersive gameplay experiences.
• Mentor AI programmers, driving engineering best practices and fostering technical excellence.
• Collaborate closely with designers, artists, and QAs to align AI behaviors with the game's vision and player experience.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks and challenges, applying cutting-edge AI techniques to push the boundaries of in-game intelligence.
• Optimise and maintain AI systems to ensure efficiency, scalability, and stability in a large, shared codebase.
  

What do we expect from our Senior AI Programmers?

• Extensive experience in AI game development, with a proven track record of shipping successful titles.
• Expert-level proficiency in C++ and its application in complex, multi-threaded game systems.
• Deep understanding of 3D mathematics, including character movement, rotations, and transformations.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve AI-related challenges effectively.
• Strong mentoring abilities, supporting junior and mid-level programmers in AI development.
• Experience integrating and optimising AI within large-scale game engines, ensuring high performance and efficiency.
• Ability to communicate and present technical solutions clearly to cross-disciplinary teams, balancing technical depth with accessibility.
  

Diversity Statement

CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it's our differences that make it special.

Fraud Statement

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