At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop innovative AI systems for the next Mafia game using Unreal Engine 5.
- Company: Join Hangar 13, the creative force behind the acclaimed Mafia franchise.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, competitive salary, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of storytelling in games.
- Why this job: Shape the future of narrative-driven gaming and leave your mark on a legendary franchise.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in AI engineering and expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Thank you for your interest in joining Hangar 13. We are the award-winning studio behind the critically acclaimed Mafia franchise, a team united by a singular passion: delivering rich narrative storytelling through cinematic presentation and world-class AAA craft. We are currently looking for a visionary Lead AI Engineer to join our Brighton-based team and help us shape the next generation of narrative-driven experiences.
As we embark on a new chapter of the Mafia franchise, you will be at the forefront of technical innovation, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 to create living, breathing worlds populated by intelligent, reactive, and engaging characters. This is a role for a seasoned professional who balances high-level architecture with hands-on coding and empathetic leadership.
Location: Brighton, England, UK (Hybrid Options Available)
Reporting To: Technical Director
Core Technology: Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) / C++
Industry Focus: AAA Narrative-Driven Action/Adventure
Who We Are: The Hangar 13 Philosophy
Hangar 13 is a global collective of developers with a shared love for story, style, and adventure. We believe that the most memorable gaming moments are those that bridge the gap between cinema and interactivity. Our studio environment is collaborative and creative, designed for professionals who want to work with like-minded peers to push the boundaries of what a “narrative game” can be.
By joining our Brighton studio, you become part of a culture that prizes diversity, technical rigor, and artistic ambition. We are not just building games; we are building a legacy within the Mafia universe.
Hangar 13 is seeking a seasoned and passionate Lead Engineer who thrives in a collaborative work environment. In this role, you will develop, write, plan, and orchestrate the codebase for AI systems on the next generation of Unreal Engine. You will lead a dedicated team of engineers, ensuring that the AI behaviours not only challenge the player but also enhance the cinematic storytelling that defines the Mafia brand.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership & UE5 Development: You will serve as the primary architect for AI systems within Unreal Engine 5. This involves more than just standard implementation; it requires a deep understanding of how to bend the engine to meet the specific needs of a high-fidelity AAA title. Lead the development of sophisticated AI systems and algorithms. Optimize AI performance to ensure smooth gameplay across multi-platform environments. Maintain a clean, scalable, and well-documented C++ codebase. AI does not exist in a vacuum. You will work at the intersection of engineering and design to ensure the “feel” of the game matches the technical output. Partner with Game Designers to translate creative visions into functional AI behaviours. Implement challenging and engaging enemy archetypes and immersive NPC behaviours. Evaluate and incorporate successful techniques from previous Mafia titles, evolving them for a new generation of hardware.
- Tooling & Infrastructure: To empower our creative teams, you will oversee the creation of the “workspace” for AI. Develop and maintain specialized AI tools that allow designers to iterate on behaviours without constant engineering intervention. Ensure the AI pipeline is efficient, from navigation mesh generation to behaviour tree debugging. As a Lead, your success is measured by the growth of your team. Manage a team of AI engineers, providing regular feedback and career development guidance. Assist in the recruitment process, identifying and hiring new talent to bolster our engineering department. Work closely with the Production team to ensure development stays on track, aligning with project timelines and budgetary constraints.
Essential Skills, Attributes, and Experience
- Leadership Track Record: Proven experience leading and inspiring a team of engineers through the complexities of a full production cycle.
- Industry Experience: At least one shipped AAA title where you served in a Lead or Senior AI Engineering capacity.
- C++ Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of C++ and modern software architecture principles.
- Unreal Engine Proficiency: Significant experience with Unreal Engine, including an intimate familiarity with its built-in systems and, crucially, an understanding of its shortcomings and how to overcome them.
- Decision-Making Systems: Comprehensive knowledge of decision-making frameworks, specifically including (but not limited to) Behavior Trees, Utility AI, or GOAP.
- Hardware Knowledge: A firm grasp of multi-platform technical requirements (PC and Next-Gen Consoles).
- Communication: The ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders (Design, Art, Production) clearly and effectively.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Hangar 13 prides itself on the diversity of its team members, partners, and communities. We remain committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all aspects of the employment relationship, from recruitment and hiring through to compensation and benefits. We are also dedicated to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and interview process. If you require assistance, please reach out to our recruitment team.
Important Security Notice
We have recently been made aware of bad actors posing as company HR personnel to gain information from “potential candidates” through fraudulent job interviews. Note: Hangar 13 and 2K never use instant messaging apps (such as Telegram, WhatsApp, or Discord) to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews. All official communication will come from an @2k.com or @hangar13games.com email address.
How to Apply
If you are ready to lead a team of talented engineers and help us write the next chapter of the Mafia story, we want to see your portfolio and professional history. We look forward to hearing how your expertise can contribute to our Brighton studio.
Lead AI Engineer required at Hangar 13 in Brighton employer: Festybay
At King, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. As a Principal VFX Artist in our New Games Studio, you'll have the opportunity to lead innovative projects while benefiting from our commitment to employee growth, competitive compensation, and a supportive environment that encourages work-life balance. Located in dynamic cities like London, our studios are designed to inspire, providing you with the resources and community to push the boundaries of mobile gaming.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead AI Engineer required at Hangar 13 in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the gaming industry, especially those at Hangar 13. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might help you get your foot in the door!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work with Unreal Engine 5 and C++. Include projects that demonstrate your ability to create engaging AI systems. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and visually appealing – first impressions matter!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your past experiences leading teams and how you’ve tackled challenges in game development. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms – it’ll impress the non-techies!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Hangar 13. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with our mission of creating narrative-driven games!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead AI Engineer required at Hangar 13 in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for gaming and storytelling shine through. We want to see how your love for narrative-driven experiences aligns with our mission at Hangar 13.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead AI Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Unreal Engine 5 and C++, and don’t forget to mention any previous AAA titles you've worked on. We love seeing relevant experience!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your skills and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Festybay
✨Know Your Unreal Engine 5 Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Unreal Engine 5 skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific features and how you've used them in past projects, especially in relation to AI systems. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the engine but can also leverage it for high-fidelity AAA titles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Since this role involves leading a team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed and inspired engineers in previous positions. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as well as how you fostered a collaborative environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions about C++ and AI decision-making frameworks like Behaviour Trees or Utility AI. Brush up on your knowledge and be ready to explain complex concepts clearly, as you'll need to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders too.
✨Align with Hangar 13's Philosophy
Familiarise yourself with Hangar 13’s focus on narrative-driven experiences and their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to building a legacy within the Mafia universe.
