At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop advanced AI systems for an exciting boxing game using Unreal Engine.
- Company: Join Steel City Interactive, a passionate team creating the first major boxing video game in over a decade.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 23+ days annual leave, private healthcare, and a vibrant office environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal growth and a healthy work-life balance.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team shaping the future of gaming with innovative AI technology.
- Qualifications: Proven AI programming experience in Unreal Engine and a passion for game development.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 € per year.
Amiqus is working in partnership with Steel City Interactive as they look to attract an experienced AI Gameplay Programmer to the team.
About Steel City Interactive
SCI was born out of passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. What started as a fun prototype has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade. SCI is a welcoming place for expression and open communication, where everyone has a voice. We’re a diverse bunch, consisting of people with decades of games industry experience, graduates and talented individuals who come from other industries. We all bring knowledge and learn from each other. Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.
The Role
You are a highly experienced AI Programmer, having worked on AAA titles within Unreal Engine, where you showcased your skills in NPC controls. We're looking for a Senior AI Programmer to help shape the future of our game. In at the start as we pivot to UE5 you'll be responsible for the development of new character AI for our game, optimising and maintaining the AI systems of our product to AAA fidelity. You will be working in collaboration with a highly talented, diverse team to create world-class character-based gameplay.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain our AI systems using UE's native tools (State Trees, Blackboards, Perception systems) as appropriate, and extending them when needed.
- Create believable boxing opponents with advanced decision-making for attack, defence, ring movement, stamina management, and adaptive strategies.
- Integrate AI systems with the existing controls of the game to provide a balanced, responsive, and controlled challenge.
- Collaborate with designers to define, implement, and refine AI designs into manageable tools and reliable outcomes.
- Collaborate with the Gameplay, Tools, and Networking teams to ensure seamless integration with animation, physics, networking, and replay functionalities.
- Optimize and balance AI systems to deliver reactive, efficient, and fair opponents across difficulty levels and game modes.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to AI systems.
- Prototype new design ideas with the design team to prove the value of possible updates.
- Contribute to code reviews, best practices, and documentation for the combat / gameplay teams.
- Stay current with Unreal Engine updates and emerging technologies in Character / AI Control (e.g. Behaviour & State Trees/Mover 2.0 / Motion Matching).
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in AI programming for games.
- Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 AI systems (Behaviour/State Trees, Perception strongly preferred).
- Familiarity with multiplayer AI considerations (e.g. determinism for rollback/match replays) is desirable.
- An eye for realistic opponent behaviour – the ability to discuss with designers and animators what makes a fight feel authentic.
- Proven experience with engine-level debugging and performance optimisation (Unreal Insights experience a must).
- Strong understanding of the underlying (UE) engine structures and techniques.
- Solid understanding of software architecture and engineering best practices.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills.
- Self-driven with a proactive mindset and attention to detail.
- A genuine passion for games and game development.
- Experience in combat, fighting, or sports titles is a plus.
What we offer
- Healthy work-life balance: 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), that increases 1 day per year of service, up to a maximum of 30 days.
- Christmas shut down.
- Holiday exchange programme.
- Flexible working hours & pattern (Certain Hybrid models available).
- Great office environment: Studios in Sheffield and Leamington Spa, with free snacks, fruit and drinks available.
- Free on-site parking at our Sheffield location.
- Health & wellbeing support: Private Healthcare which includes Optical & Dental.
- Access to 24/7 doctors.
- 2 wellbeing Days per year.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay (subject to eligibility requirements).
- Company sick pay.
- Financial: Discretionary Bonus.
- Technology scheme (salary sacrifice up to £750).
- Relocation benefits (subject to eligibility requirements).
- Electric Car Vehicle Scheme (subject to eligibility requirements).
Experienced AI Programmer (UE5) - Remote or Hybrid in Altrincham employer: Steel City Interactive
Steel City Interactive is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee well-being, they offer generous benefits such as flexible working hours, a healthy work-life balance, and comprehensive health support, all while working on an exciting AAA boxing game. The opportunity for professional growth within a diverse team of passionate individuals makes Steel City Interactive a fantastic place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the gaming industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced AI Programmer (UE5) - Remote or Hybrid in Altrincham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the gaming industry, especially those at Steel City Interactive. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your AI programming projects, especially any work with Unreal Engine. This is your chance to demonstrate what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of AI systems and gameplay mechanics. Be ready to discuss how you’d tackle challenges specific to boxing games and character AI.
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced AI Programmer (UE5) - Remote or Hybrid in Altrincham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience with AI programming, especially in Unreal Engine. We want to see how you've tackled challenges in previous projects, so don’t hold back on the details!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to the role. Mention specific skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for, like your work with NPC controls or multiplayer AI considerations.
Be Authentic:We love authenticity! Share your passion for games and game development in your application. Let us know what excites you about working on a boxing game and how you can contribute to our vision.
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 hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Steel City Interactive
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your AI programming skills, especially in Unreal Engine. Be ready to discuss your experience with Behaviour Trees and Perception systems, as well as any challenges you've faced in previous projects. This will show that you're not just familiar with the tools, but that you can also apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Gaming
Steel City Interactive is all about creating an authentic boxing game, so let your passion for games shine through. Share your thoughts on what makes a great AI opponent and how you would approach creating realistic behaviours. This will help you connect with the team and demonstrate that you understand their vision.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions during the interview, especially around engine-level debugging and performance optimisation. Brush up on your knowledge of Unreal Insights and be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've optimised AI systems in the past. This will show that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Since the role involves working closely with designers and other teams, highlight your collaboration skills. Be ready to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past and how you handle feedback. Good communication is key, so practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently.
