Lead AI Programmer

Lead AI Programmer 

Job Summary

As a Lead AI Programmer in Stormind Games, you will define the architectural vision for the game's Artificial Intelligence. You will lead a team of AI programmers, collaborating intimately with Combat Designers and Animators to create responsive enemies, believable NPCs, and immersive systemic behaviors. You will ensure that our AI is not just "smart," but robust, performant, and most importantly fun to play against.

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.
  
  

Requirements

• 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 Qualifications

• 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).

Soft Skills

• Inspire and motivate team members, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.


• Ability to analyze and resolve complex technical challenges efficiently.


• Clear articulation of technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.


• Thrive in fast-paced environments and adapt to changing project requirements.


• Work seamlessly with cross-disciplinary teams, including designers, artists, and producers.

We kindly ask you to apply by sending your resume and a short cover letter in English.