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# Gameplay AI Engineer

- **Company:** Skydance
- **Location:** Los Angeles, CA, United States (Remote available)
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $150,000.0 - $180,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computer Animation, Artificial Intelligence, Code Review, Unreal Engine
- **Published:** September 4, 2026
- **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/senior-gameplay-engineer-skydance-8758721

## About the Role

* 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.

## Description

* 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 initiative
 * Help establish engineering standards and improve team-wide AI development workflows


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