At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build systems for AI-driven digital actors in interactive media.
- Company: Join a pioneering tech company revolutionising gaming with AI.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with exciting challenges and career advancement.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking team shaping the future of interactive storytelling.
- Qualifications: Strong software engineering skills and a passion for games and AI.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
About Iconic: We’re building digital actors: AI-driven characters that don’t just talk, but act; shaping the world, responding to the player, and driving stories that evolve through both words and actions.
The Mission: We believe games and interactive media are on the verge of a fundamental shift. Today’s experiences are largely scripted, characters follow predefined paths, and player choice is limited. We’re building systems that change that: digital actors that can think, communicate, and take action in real time. Our goal is to create worlds that are truly alive—where stories emerge from interaction, and every player experience is unique. Recent advances in AI make this possible for the first time. The challenge now is turning that potential into real, scalable systems that people can play.
The Role: We’re looking for a Software Engineer to help build the systems powering our digital actors and interactive worlds. This is a highly hands-on role working across gameplay systems, AI infrastructure, tools, runtime systems, and product features. You’ll collaborate closely with engineers, researchers, designers, and artists to help turn emerging AI capabilities into real player experiences. This is not just an implementation role. You’ll be contributing to the foundations of a new kind of interactive medium helping shape how intelligent characters behave, respond, and interact with players in real time. A background in games is not required, but a strong interest in games, simulation, and interactive systems is essential.
What You’ll Do:
- Design, build, and maintain production systems across multiple areas of the stack
- Contribute directly to gameplay systems, AI integrations, runtime infrastructure, and developer tooling
- Collaborate with researchers to help bring experimental systems into real products
- Work closely with product and design to build compelling interactive experiences
- Write clean, maintainable, and performant production code
- Help improve engineering practices, tooling, and workflows as the team grows
- Contribute ideas and experimentation around how AI can create new forms of gameplay and interaction
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong software engineering fundamentals
- Experience building and shipping production software
- Comfortable working across different languages, tools, and systems
- Strong problem-solving ability and willingness to learn new technologies quickly
- Interest in AI systems and how they can be applied to games and interactive experiences
- Interest in games, simulation, or emergent systems
- Collaborative mindset and comfort working in cross-functional teams
- Strong understanding of engineering quality and maintainability
Nice to Have:
- Experience with game engines (Unity, Unreal, or similar)
- Experience working on gameplay systems or real-time applications
- Familiarity with AI/ML systems, APIs, or tooling
- Experience in startups or small, fast-moving teams
- Personal projects, mods, prototypes, or game jams
Software Engineer employer: Kindredventures
At Iconic, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that fosters a collaborative and creative work environment. Our team is passionate about pushing the boundaries of interactive media, offering employees the chance to work on groundbreaking projects that shape the future of gaming. With a strong emphasis on personal growth and development, we provide ample opportunities for our engineers to expand their skills in AI and game design while contributing to a mission that truly transforms player experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the gaming and AI industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially if they involve AI or game development. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your problem-solving skills. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss how you’d tackle real-time systems and AI integration.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gaming:When writing your application, let your love for games and interactive media shine through. We want to see how your interests align with our mission of creating unique player experiences. Share any personal projects or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm!
Highlight Your Technical Skills:Make sure to showcase your software engineering fundamentals and any relevant experience you have with different languages and tools. We’re looking for someone who can jump right in, so don’t hold back on detailing your technical prowess!
Collaborate and Communicate:Since this role involves working closely with various teams, emphasise your collaborative mindset. Mention any past experiences where you’ve successfully worked in cross-functional teams, as we value strong communication skills just as much as technical abilities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kindredventures
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re familiar with the languages and tools mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of game engines like Unity or Unreal, and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past projects or personal endeavours.
✨Show Your Passion for AI and Games
Since the role involves AI-driven characters, demonstrate your enthusiasm for AI systems and interactive experiences. Share any relevant projects or ideas you have about how AI can enhance gameplay, as this will show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
This position requires a collaborative mindset, so expect questions about teamwork. Think of examples where you’ve worked closely with others, especially in cross-functional teams, and be ready to discuss how you contributed to successful outcomes.
✨Think Outside the Box
The company is looking for innovative thinkers who can contribute new ideas. Be prepared to brainstorm on the spot about how to create unique player experiences or improve existing systems. This will showcase your creativity and problem-solving skills.
