Senior AI Programmer

Epic Games; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 166,195 - 243,752; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% health benefits for employees and dependents

Mental health support via Modern Health

Retirement savings plan with employer match

Job summary

Epic Games in Cary, North Carolina is seeking a Senior Gameplay AI Programmer to join its growing team. You'll be integral in developing innovative AI features and collaborating with programmers and designers to create compelling gameplay experiences.

The ideal candidate has extensive game development experience, particularly with AI systems, and strong C++ skills. This role also comes with comprehensive benefits, including full health coverage and mental well-being programs.

Qualifications

• Professional game development experience, including shipping AAA titles with AI systems.
• Excellent C++ skills with experience developing AI gameplay mechanics and tools.
• Strong knowledge of games with the ability to articulate design strengths and weaknesses.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with art, design, and engine AI teams to create and improve gameplay AI features.
• Drive, build, and maintain core AI systems shared in the Fortnite AI ecosystem.
• Optimize gameplay AI systems for high-quality experiences across platforms.

Skills

Game development experience

AI systems (Behavior Trees, Finite State Machines)

C++ skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

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.

PROGRAMMING - GAMES

What We Do

Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of programming 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 Programmer, 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

We pay 100% for benefits for both employees and dependents and offer coverage for supplemental medical, dental, vision, critical illness, telemedicine, Life and AD&D, long term disability insurance as well as weekly indemnity (short term disability) and a retirement savings plan with a competitive employer match. In addition to the EAP (employee assistance program), we also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents.

Pay Transparency Information

The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position are detailed below. Each base pay range is relevant only for individuals who are residents of or will be expected to work within the specified locale. Compensation varies based on a variety of factors, which include (but aren’t limited to) things such as skills and competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. In addition to base pay, most employees are eligible to participate in Epic’s generous benefit plans and discretionary incentive programs (subject to the terms of those plans or programs).

British Columbia Base Pay Range

$166,195 — $243,752 CAD

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.