AI Programmer

Epic Games; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & dental

Vision HRA

401k match

Unlimited PTO

Sabbatical

Mental health program

Job summary

Epic Games in Cary, NC is seeking an experienced AI Programmer to join the Fortnite Battle Royal AI team. You will work with designers and artists to drive future gameplay AI features, balancing performance and player experience.

The role emphasizes collaboration, rapid prototyping, and robust AI systems in a live service game, with strong C++ skills and a passion for creating engaging gameplay.

Qualifications

• Experience shipping AAA games with AI features.
• Strong knowledge of AI systems (behavior trees, finite state machines, pathfinding).
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and iterate gameplay AI features with design and art teams.
• Prototype quickly while ensuring solid architecture.
• Build and maintain core AI systems for Fortnite AI ecosystem.
• Collaborate with engine AI developers to improve AI systems.
• Ensure high-quality user experiences across platforms.

Skills

C++

Gameplay AI

Pathfinding

Team collaboration

Tools

Unreal Engine

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.

ENGINEERING - GAMES

What We Do

Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We’re always improving on the tools and technology that empower content developers worldwide.

What You’ll Do

Epic Games is looking for an experienced AI Programmer to join the Fortnite Battle Royal AI team. We believe that the best gameplay experiences are driven by collaboration and iteration between gameplay programmers, designers, and artists. You will play a critical role in driving future gameplay AI features in Fortnite.

In this role, you will

• Work closely with art and design to create and iterate on gameplay AI features
• Experiment with game design and use rapid prototyping while ensuring that strong architectural and algorithmic decisions are made
• Drive, build and maintain core AI systems in the Fortnite AI ecosystem
• Collaborate with engine AI developers to improve AI systems
• Ensure high-quality user experiences across all platforms we support
• Optimize and fix bugs in existing gameplay AI systems

What we’re looking for

• Experience developing games professionally, and shipping AAA titles with AI experience
• Experience working with AI systems (Behavior Trees, Finite State Machine, Pathfinding, etc.)
• Strong C++ skills and the ability to code and architect AI gameplay mechanics and tools
• Well-versed in games and the ability to articulate what is strong/weak about the design of existing games (an interest in online games is preferred)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience working on a live service game is a plus
• Self-motivated, strong work ethic, and able to work independently
• Creativity in problem-solving and the ability to think outside of the established solutions

EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE

Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company‑wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.

ABOUT US

Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 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.