Senior AI Engineer

Epic Games; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Medical and Dental coverage

Unlimited PTO

401k with competitive match

Mental well-being program

Job summary

Epic Games is seeking a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer in Cary, North Carolina, to drive the development of core AI features for innovative gameplay experiences. You'll collaborate with talented teams to optimize AI systems and enhance player experiences.

This role requires strong C++ skills and experience in AAA game development, particularly with AI systems. Epic Games offers competitive benefits including health coverage, unlimited PTO, and a supportive work culture focused on well-being.

Qualifications

• Professional game development experience with AAA titles.
• Experience with AI systems like Behavior Trees and Finite State Machines.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to create and improve gameplay AI features.
• Drive and maintain core AI systems in Fortnite.
• Optimize and debug gameplay AI systems for quality experiences.

Skills

C++ development

Game AI systems

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Job description

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

We are a new and growing team at Epic, aiming to build innovative new experiences and technology. As a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer, you'll play a critical role on a small, focused team. You'll own core AI features and drive collaborative development between programmers, designers, and artists, working with cutting‑edge technologies and talented teams to build impactful experiences from concept to delivery.

In this role, you will

• Collaborate with art, design, and engine AI teams to create, iterate on, and improve gameplay AI features
• Experiment with game design and iterate rapidly, making strong technical and algorithmic decisions
• Drive, build, and maintain core AI systems shared in the Fortnite AI ecosystem
• Optimize, debug, and maintain gameplay AI systems to deliver high-quality experiences across all supported platforms

What we're looking for

• Professional game development experience, including shipping AAA titles with AI systems
• Experience working with AI systems (Behavior Trees, Finite State Machines, Pathfinding, Animation, etc.)
• Excellent C++ skills with experience developing AI gameplay mechanics and tools
• Strong knowledge of games with the ability to articulate design strengths and weaknesses
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities with minimal direction
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to find solutions beyond established approaches
• Experience working on a live service game is a plus
• Interest in online games is a plus

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.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.