Senior Gameplay Programmer - AI Specialist

Placements24; Gauteng; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-friendly

Health benefits

Generous vacation

Home office support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Gameplay Programmer specialized in AI to join a fully remote team. You will design, implement, and refine AI systems that drive character behavior, decision-making, and emergent gameplay across platforms.

The role requires deep expertise in C++, experience with major game engines (Unreal Engine or Unity), and a track record of shipped titles with sophisticated AI. Remote work flexibility is offered.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in game development with a strong focus on AI.
• Proven track record designing and implementing complex AI systems in shipped titles.
• Strong math and algorithmic foundation; excellent debugging skills.
• Experience with Unreal Engine or Unity.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and iterate AI systems for characters (pathfinding, behavior trees, state machines).
• Develop and optimize AI algorithms for robust enemy and NPC behaviors.
• Collaborate with designers and artists to translate gameplay into AI implementations.
• Integrate AI with animation, physics, and networking systems.

Skills

C++

Unreal Engine

Unity

AI concepts

Pathfinding

Tools

NavMesh

Behavior Trees

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious game development studio known for its immersive worlds and compelling narratives, is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Gameplay Programmer with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to join their fully remote team. In this critical role, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and refining the AI systems that bring our game worlds to life. You will craft intelligent, believable character behaviors, complex decision-making processes, and dynamic emergent gameplay. This is a remote-first position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while collaborating with a world-class team. We are passionate about creating groundbreaking interactive experiences and are looking for a top-tier talent to help us achieve that vision. Your expertise in AI will be paramount in delivering unforgettable player experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and iterate on AI systems for characters, including pathfinding, behavior trees, state machines, and decision-making logic.
• Develop and optimize AI algorithms to ensure robust and performant enemy and NPC behaviors.
• Collaborate closely with designers and artists to translate gameplay requirements into effective AI implementations.
• Integrate AI systems with other game engine systems, such as animation, physics, and networking.
• Identify and address performance bottlenecks within AI code, ensuring efficiency across target platforms.
• Mentor junior programmers and contribute to code reviews, promoting best practices and maintaining high code quality.
• Research and implement cutting-edge AI techniques to enhance gameplay and create emergent experiences.
• Contribute to the overall game design process by providing technical insights and creative solutions related to AI.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in game development programming, with a strong focus on AI.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing complex AI systems in shipped titles.
• Expertise in C++ and familiarity with game engine architecture (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Deep understanding of AI concepts such as pathfinding algorithms (A*, navigation meshes), behavior trees, utility AI, and machine learning basics.
• Strong mathematical and algorithmic foundation.
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a remote setting.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly.
• Experience with AI tool development is a plus.

Benefits

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the intelligence and behavior of characters in groundbreaking games, all from the convenience of your home office. Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, generous vacation time, and a supportive, collaborative remote work environment. You will have access to the latest development tools, opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth, and the chance to make a significant impact on globally recognized gaming franchises.