Senior AI Programmer, Special Projects

PROGRAMMING - SPECIAL PROJECTS

What We Do

The Special Projects team at Epic is responsible for executing high-impact projects that push the envelope to define the future of real-time graphics and gaming technology (The Matrix Awakens, Lumen in the Land of Nanite). In collaboration with the Unreal Engine team, we strive to put our technology and knowledge into the hands of users, empowering developers and content creators with the most powerful suite of real-time tools in the world.

What You'll Do

Epic Games is looking for an experienced Senior AI Programmer to join the Special Projects team. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in driving future projects that push boundaries, explore new technology, and help define the future of Unreal Engine. As a Senior AI Programmer, you will define and implement the AI aspects of interactive projects and systems while collaborating with programming teams, artists and designers to create cutting-edge interactive experiences.

In this role, you will

• Drive, create and maintain core AI systems for Special Project, taking a systems-level approach to building strong performant systems
• Experiment with game design and use rapid prototyping while ensuring that strong systems-level and algorithmic decisions are made
• Prototype and iterate on features and be willing to accept and respond to critical feedback while ensuring that strong systems-level and algorithmic decisions are made; write robust, maintainable code
• Work closely with art, animation and design to create and iterate on gameplay AI features
• Collaborate with Fortnite and Unreal Engine teams to improve core AI systems and how they are used in games
• Optimize code and fix bugs in existing gameplay systems
• Contribute ideas toward all aspects of the game’s production and development

What we're looking for

• Experience developing games professionally, especially with Unreal Engine, including shipping AAA titles that feature gameplay AI
• Experience working with gameplay AI systems (eg Behavior Trees, Finite State Machines, Hierarchical Task Networks, Pathfinding, etc.)
• Strong C++ skills to design and build gameplay AI systems and tools
• Fearless when it comes to diving into complex systems and existing code bases
• Well-versed in games, with the ability to articulate what is strong/weak about the design of existing games (especially online games)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, self-motivated, and able to work independently
• Creativity in problem-solving and the ability to think outside of the established solutions
• Knowledge of ML/AI and its potential applications
• Someone who is user-focused, passionate, solutions-focused, and innovative. These traits equal success at Epic and influence everything we do

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).