Remote Senior AI Gameplay Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,996,000 - 2,994,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Gameplay Programmer with a specialization in AI to join a remote-first game studio. You will design, implement, and refine AI systems for characters, delivering believable behavior, pathfinding, and decision-making that empower immersive worlds.

You will collaborate with designers and artists, optimize AI performance, mentor junior programmers, and research cutting-edge techniques to create emergent gameplay across shipped titles.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in game development with strong AI focus.
• Proven track record of shipped AI systems.
• Expertise in C++ and major game engines.
• Knowledge of pathfinding, behavior trees, utility AI, ML basics.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement AI systems for characters including pathfinding and decision logic.
• Optimize AI algorithms for robust NPC behavior and performance.
• Collaborate with designers and artists to translate gameplay into AI.
• Integrate AI with animation, physics, and networking.
• Mentor junior programmers and participate in code reviews.
• Research cutting-edge AI techniques for emergent gameplay.
• Provide technical insights to game design and AI tooling.

Skills

AI programming

C++

Problem solving

Remote work

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Gameplay Programmer with a specialization in AI to join a remote-first game studio. You will design, implement, and refine AI systems for characters, delivering believable behavior, pathfinding, and decision-making that empower immersive worlds.

You will collaborate with designers and artists, optimize AI performance, mentor junior programmers, and research cutting-edge techniques to create emergent gameplay across shipped titles.