Senior Gameplay AI Programmer
Epic Games
Job Overview
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Job Description
What Makes Us Epic?
At the core of Epic’s success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it’s building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we’re always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We’re constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
Engineering - Games: What We Do
Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We're always improving on the tools and technology that empower content developers worldwide.
What You'll Do as a Senior Gameplay AI Programmer
Epic Games is seeking an experienced Senior Gameplay AI Programmer with an interest in Machine Learning (ML) / Large Language Models (LLMs) to join the Fortnite Game Foundations team. Our group develops new technology for Unreal Engine 6, with a focus on adapting Fortnite's systems to it. Using Scene Graph and Verse, you will help redefine Fortnite's systems in this new framework. This is a rare opportunity to help shape Epic's game engine while contributing to one of the world's most acclaimed games.
In this role, you will:
- Drive initiatives with minimal oversight to build strong, performant foundations that will last for years
- Analyze current Fortnite LLM systems and develop a strategic plan to unify them into NPC systems
- Improve current Reinforcement Learning strategies to target
- Ensure high-quality user experiences across all supported platforms, with attention to usability for developers new to UEFN
What We're Looking For
- Professional game development experience, including shipping AAA titles featuring gameplay AI
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, self-motivated, and able to work independently
- Strong understanding of gameplay AI systems such as Behaviour Trees, Finite State Machines, and Pathfinding
- Strong C++ skills for building efficient gameplay AI systems and tools
- Empathy for creators new to programming and game development, with a drive to make AI easy to use without losing flexibility or power
- Experience with live service games and consoles is a plus
- Experience in Machine Learning or LLM technologies; prior exposure through work, courses, or personal projects
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.
About Us
Epic Games spans across 25 countries with 46 studios and 4,500+ employees globally. For over 25 years, we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Key skills/competency
- Gameplay AI
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- C++ Programming
- Unreal Engine
- Behaviour Trees
- Finite State Machines
- Pathfinding
- Reinforcement Learning
- Live Service Games
How to Get Hired at Epic Games
- Research Epic Games' culture: Study their mission, values, recent news, and employee testimonials on LinkedIn and Glassdoor.
- Tailor your resume: Highlight AAA AI programming, ML/LLM experience, C++ expertise, and Unreal Engine proficiency.
- Showcase your portfolio: Demonstrate gameplay AI projects, particularly those involving advanced systems or UEFN.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Focus on C++, AI algorithms like pathfinding and behavior trees, and game architecture.
- Emphasize innovation and collaboration: Discuss your passion for game development, problem-solving, and working within a creative team environment.
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