Senior Gameplay AI Engineer — Remote

Skydance; California (MO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Skydance is seeking a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer to lead the design, architecture, and implementation of core gameplay AI systems and NPC frameworks. You will drive technical direction for AI features and own large-scale systems from concept through ship, partnering with design, animation, audio, and production to shape key AI goals.

You should have 7+ years of professional gameplay/AI experience, deep knowledge of AI techniques (Behavior Trees, FSMs, Utility AI), and strong collaboration and

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional gameplay/AI engineering experience.
• Experience owning large gameplay or AI systems in a production environment.
• Experience architecting and implementing AI simulation systems and features from scratch using a combination of C++, Blueprints, and other tools.
• In-depth knowledge of industry standard gameplay AI simulation systems, techniques and frameworks (e.g, Behavior Trees, FSMs, Utility AI).
• Demonstrated collaboration with designers, artists, and audio developers to iterate on and refine key AI behaviors and system tunings.
• Ability to take ownership of major systems, maintain development schedules, and drive major implementation tasks.
• Extensive experience with Unreal Engine, using and understanding the different gameplay AI authoring tools, modifying and creating custom tech to extend the base engine feature sets.
• Experience with animation techniques driving AI characters (e.g, Animation Blueprints, Montages, Control Rig, MotionMatching).
• Self-motivated and self-directing, willing to pitch in areas of development beyond direct responsibilities.
• A passionate eye towards delivering quality and highly-tuned game feel.
• Experience mentoring and supporting other engineers through code reviews, technical guidance, and best practices – helping them stay on track and trueto the overall vision of the game.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, architecture, and implementation of core gameplay AI systems.
• Drive technical direction for NPC gameplay systems and AI frameworks.
• Own large-scale AI features from concept through ship.
• Identify and resolve performance, scalability, and technical design challenges across gameplay systems.
• Partner closely with Design, Animation, Audio, and Production to define and drive AI feature goals.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance across cross-functional gameplay initiative.
• Help establish engineering standards and improve team-wide AI development workflows.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Collaboration

Problem solving

Self-motivation

Tools

Unreal Engine

C++

Blueprints

Job description

Skydance is seeking a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer to lead the design, architecture, and implementation of core gameplay AI systems and NPC frameworks. You will drive technical direction for AI features and own large-scale systems from concept through ship, partnering with design, animation, audio, and production to shape key AI goals.

You should have 7+ years of professional gameplay/AI experience, deep knowledge of AI techniques (Behavior Trees, FSMs, Utility AI), and strong collaboration and