Senior AI Programmer

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, invites a Senior AI Programmer to join our client’s on-site team. You will design, implement, and optimize NPC AI, including pathfinding, behavior trees, and decision-making logic, tackling challenging gameplay scenarios.

You will mentor junior programmers, collaborate with designers, and drive the studio's AI strategy, leveraging machine learning where applicable to create believable, adaptive characters and responsive environments.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of AI programming in games.
• Expert proficiency in C++ and object-oriented programming.
• Strong knowledge of AI algorithms for games (pathfinding, A*, flocking, behavior trees, FSMs).
• Experience with game AI middleware or engines.
• Knowledge of AI for animation, combat, and strategy gameplay.
• Experience with ML concepts and libraries is a plus.
• Excellent debugging and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork in a studio setting.
• A portfolio showcasing significant AI programming contributions is required.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize NPC AI systems, including pathfinding, behavior trees, state machines, and decision-making logic.
• Develop advanced AI techniques for enemy combat, group tactics, and environmental interaction.
• Integrate AI systems with animation, physics, and gameplay components.
• Collaborate with designers and writers to define and implement AI behaviors that serve the narrative and gameplay goals.
• Profile and debug AI systems to ensure performance and stability.
• Research and implement cutting-edge AI technologies, including machine learning, to enhance NPC intelligence and adaptability.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented C++ code.
• Mentor junior AI programmers and provide technical guidance.
• Contribute to the overall AI strategy and technical direction of the studio.
• Ensure AI behaviors are robust, scalable, and adhere to project quality standards.

Skills

C++

AI algorithms

Pathfinding

Behavior trees

Finite state machines

Machine learning

Debugging

Teamwork

Portfolio

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in CS/AI or related field

Tools

Game engines

AI middleware

TensorFlow/PyTorch

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in creating immersive and intelligent game worlds, is seeking a highly skilled Senior AI Programmer to join their dedicated team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . This on-site position is crucial for developing sophisticated artificial intelligence systems that drive believable character behavior, adaptive challenges, and dynamic world interactions. We are looking for a passionate programmer with extensive experience in AI algorithms, pathfinding, decision-making, and machine learning applications in games. You will work at the forefront of AI technology, contributing to games that offer unparalleled player experiences through intelligent and responsive non-player characters. This role demands a strong C++ background, a keen understanding of AI principles, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a tight-knit development team.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize AI systems for non-player characters (NPCs), including pathfinding, behavior trees, state machines, and decision-making logic.
• Develop advanced AI techniques for enemy combat, group tactics, and environmental interaction.
• Integrate AI systems with other game engine components, such as animation, physics, and gameplay.
• Collaborate with designers and writers to define and implement AI behaviors that serve the narrative and gameplay goals.
• Profile and debug AI systems to ensure optimal performance and stability.
• Research and implement cutting-edge AI technologies, including machine learning, to enhance NPC intelligence and adaptability.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented C++ code.
• Mentor junior AI programmers and provide technical guidance.
• Contribute to the overall AI strategy and technical direction of the studio.
• Ensure AI behaviors are robust, scalable, and adhere to project quality standards.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience as an AI Programmer in the video game industry.
• Expert proficiency in C++ and strong object-oriented programming skills.
• In-depth knowledge of AI algorithms and techniques relevant to games (pathfinding, A*, flocking, behavior trees, finite state machines).
• Experience with game AI middleware or engines.
• Solid understanding of AI for animation, combat, and strategic gameplay.
• Experience with machine learning concepts and libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) is a significant plus.
• Excellent debugging and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with experience working in a studio environment.
• A portfolio showcasing significant AI programming contributions is required.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Benefits

• This position offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and substantial paid time off.
• Our client provides a stimulating work environment with opportunities for professional growth and skill development, including access to internal training and external conferences.
• Enjoy a collaborative atmosphere with a team passionate about creating intelligent and memorable gaming experiences.