Principal AI Programmer

Summary

Join nDreams, a leading VR game developer, as a Principal AI Programmer. You will play a key role in developing innovative AI systems for VR games, collaborating with designers and engineers. Responsibilities include implementing and developing game AI systems tailored to VR, optimizing AI for performance, researching emerging technologies, and mentoring junior team members. This permanent, full-time, fully remote (UK) position requires 5+ years of professional AI programming experience, C++ expertise, and a deep understanding of AI systems. Successful candidates will have shipped a game title with engaging AI and possess strong communication skills. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional AI programming experience, with a minimum of one shipped title on a current-generation console, PC, VR headset or mobile
• A thorough knowledge of C++ including high-performance programming and good 3D maths skills
• Thorough knowledge of underlying AI systems including state machines, behaviour trees, perception/navigation systems and animation/physics requirements
• Experience delivering compelling AI combat with believable navigation, cover, tactical enemy squad coordination, and strategic high-level AI planning
• Shipped game title(s) with believable and engaging AI behaviour using a modern game engine, delivering a balanced, enjoyable player experience
• A passion for working with level design, animation and other disciplines, clearly communicating AI needs and best practice, enabling the creation of challenging and satisfying player experiences
• Strong English communication skills with a focus on positive cross discipline teamwork and an ability to communicate complex technical information to non-technical staff
• A committed team player, recognizing the importance and value of people within a technology environment

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of our AI systems, pipelines and set-ups, delivering cutting edge AI character behaviour in VR
• Develop the perception, behaviour and planning systems that underly NPC and creature AI, integrating with Unreal 5 and custom code
• Develop the controlling logic for NPC character behaviour, utilizing standard Unreal AI systems, your own code and new UE5 AI tech like Mass Entity and State Trees
• Ensure AI systems and data are robust, maintainable and well documented, and AI workload is consistently performant for a stable VR framerate
• Work alongside other disciplines, planning AI alongside animation, gameplay, art, audio and design requirements for best player experience
• Help guide the design teams when making combat areas and other AI-driven experiences
• Help with project planning for your areas of work, liaising with project management for best outcomes and predictable timely feature delivery
• Self-develop your own knowledge of state-of-the-art AI techniques and the inner nuances of Unreal 5’s AI systems
• Be a positive behavioural and mental role model for the team and studio
• Help with staff development, departmental structure, mentoring and hiring

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience of VR game development
• Professional experience developing AI using Unreal 4 or 5
• Prior experience with Perforce and Visual studio
• Experience developing for Meta/Oculus, Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox

Benefits

• Flexible hours
• Duvets days
• Your birthday off
• Dedicated personal development time and support
• Regular socials
• Excellent holiday offering
• Pension scheme
• Health insurance
• Life cover