Stormind Games · 8 hours ago
Lead AI Programmer
United States
Full-time
Remote
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
5+ years expStormind Games is seeking a Lead AI Programmer to define the architectural vision for the game's Artificial Intelligence. The role involves leading a team of AI programmers to create immersive and responsive AI behaviors while collaborating with Combat Designers and Animators.
Console GamesOnline GamesPC GamesVideo Games
Responsibilities
Design, implement, and maintain the core AI framework using C++ and Unreal Engine. Choose the right architectural approach (Behavior Trees, State Machines, or custom solutions like Utility AI/GOAP) to drive complex behaviors
Take full ownership of the UNavigationSystem. Go beyond standard movement by implementing custom NavLinkProxy logic for traversal actions (jumping, climbing, vaulting) and using NavModifierVolumes for dynamic area costs. Deeply customize the Recast/Detour pipeline to handle complex 3D environments
Architect the systems that drive enemy encounters. Implement individual logic as well as Group Coordinator systems (using token/slot based approaches) to manage enemy aggression, flanking, and tactical positioning, ensuring combat remains readable
Build robust sensory systems using and extending the AIPerceptionComponent and AISense classes. Ensure NPCs react naturally to visual, auditory, and damage stimuli, enabling stealth mechanics and emergent gameplay
Collaborate closely with the Animation team to bridge AI logic and animation graphs, ensuring grounded movement (e.g., using Motion Warping or custom travel modes) to eliminate 'sliding' and robotic turns
Mentor and guide the AI programming team. Conduct code reviews, assign tasks, enforce coding standards, and foster a culture of technical excellence
Profile and optimize AI systems (using Unreal Insights) to run efficiently within strict CPU budgets, managing tick intervals and significance management for large numbers of agents
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
5+ years of professional game development experience, with a specific focus on AI Programming, and at least one shipped AA or AAA multiplatform title in a Senior or Lead role
Deep knowledge of Unreal Engine's AI framework. You must be proficient with: Behavior Trees & Blackboards (creating custom Decorators, Services, and Tasks in C++). EQS (Environment Query System) for tactical reasoning. Navigation System: RecastNavMesh, NavMeshBounds, and FNavigationQueryFilter
Expert-level modern C++ skills, with a focus on performant, memory-efficient code
Strong grasp of academic and practical game AI concepts (Pathfinding algorithms like A*, spatial reasoning, Finite State Machines, Steering Behaviors)
Excellent knowledge of linear algebra and 3D math required for spatial queries, vectors, and navigation logic
Experience creating custom Visual Logger entries and gameplay debug tools to visualize AI decision-making processes for designers
Proven ability to lead a team, communicate complex technical concepts to designers, and translate high-level design goals into technical roadmaps
Preferred
Experience with Unreal Engine 5's MassEntity or similar Data-Oriented designs for simulating crowds
Experience optimizing AI for multi-core console architectures (PS5/Xbox Series)
Specific experience implementing stealth mechanics (detection meters, last known position, search patterns)
Experience integrating AI with dialogue systems and scripted sequences (e.g., using Level Sequence actors)
Company
Stormind Games
Stormind Games is the video game studio specialized in the development of intense stories for PC and consoles.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
Marsa Holding
2025-10-29Series Unknown
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