Senior Gameplay Engineer

Role Description

Skydance is looking for a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer skilled in working with creative teams to build key NPC gameplay features and frameworks. Currently for this role, we can hire remote candidates with legal residence in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington.

• 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 initiatives.
• Help establish engineering standards and improve team-wide AI development workflows.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional gameplay/AI engineering experience.
• Proven 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 true to the overall vision of the game.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Requirements

• The annual salary range for this position in Los Angeles is $150,000 – $180,000.
• The salary offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience, and relevant expertise, among other factors.
• The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc.

Benefits

• We realize that skills and expertise can come from many different experiences and paths, and we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements as written in the job description.