Principal AI Programmer

Founded in 2012, Cloud Imperium Games creates cutting-edge videogames that defy expectations. We are currently developing Star Citizen, a record-breaking multiplayer online space sim, and Squadron 42, a cinematic single-player adventure set in the same universe. Join us as we break boundaries and make video game history.

As a Principal AI Programmer, you will lead the development of advanced AI systems and behaviours for our ground-breaking titles. Working with our custom engine and internal tools, you will guide a multi-disciplinary team of industry veterans, collaborating closely with game designers, level designers, animators, audio programmers, and other key members of the Cloud Imperium family to create a highly realistic and content-rich world.

The goal for the AI of Star Citizen and Squadron 42 is to shape a world that looks highly realistic, vast and very rich in content. This can only be achieved working side-by-side with game designers, level designers, animators, audio programmers, and all the members of the Cloud Imperium family. Working with the latest PC hardware, technology and APIs, we develop extensive ranges of highly realistic and systemic features to create agents that can realistically and physically interact with the environment and the players to achieve a lifelike space simulation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement well-engineered, reliable, scalable, and robust AI code to enhance and maintain the gameplay experience in Star Citizen and Squadron 42.
• Work with the Lead programmer on mentoring AI programmers, discussing problems and scenarios with other departments to propose solutions, driving engineering principles and practices, and promoting innovative and effective development techniques.
• Collaborate across disciplines to develop and refine AI systems, ensuring they interact realistically and physically with the game environment and players.
• Identify and resolve technical and developmental challenges, applying cutting-edge AI techniques and solutions to overcome obstacles and improve performance.
• Develop and extend AI code, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in a high-profile game and ensuring a lifelike space simulation.
• Work closely with QA and other engineers to ensure the stability and quality of AI systems, contributing to a shared vision for captivating AI experiences.

What We Expect:

• Extensive experience in AI game development, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality AI systems in shipped titles.
• Expertise in C++ programming within a large, shared codebase.
• Strong knowledge of 3D mathematics, including character rotation, movement, and translation.
• Exceptional software engineering, problem-solving, and debugging skills, with a creative and proactive approach to overcoming challenges.
• Strong multi-threaded programming skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain and present technical solutions to both programmers and team members from other disciplines.

Diversity Statement: CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it's our differences that make it special.

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