At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and optimise AI systems for an exciting boxing video game using Unreal Engine.
- Company: Join Steel City Interactive, a passionate team creating the first major boxing game in over a decade.
- Benefits: Enjoy 23 days annual leave, flexible working hours, private healthcare, and more.
- Other info: Diverse team culture with excellent career growth opportunities and a healthy work-life balance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of gaming with your AI skills in a dynamic and creative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in AI programming and Unreal Engine; passion for games is a must!
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
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.
Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.
The Role You are an experienced Gameplay AI Programmer, having worked on AAA titles within Unreal Engine, where you showcased your skills in NPC controls.
We're looking for a Specialist Gameplay AI Programmer to help shape the future of our game.
You'll be responsible for the development of the character AI for our game, optimising and maintaining the AI systems of our product to AAA fidelity.
This role can be based onsite at one of our 2 offices in Sheffield or Leamington Spa, hybrid or fully remote.
Design, implement, and maintain our AI systems using UE's native tools (State Trees, Blackboards, Perception systems) as appropriate, and extending them when needed.
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.
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).
Strong understanding of UE Replication patterns (Server/Client AND Peer-to-Peer) desired.
Solid understanding of software architecture and engineering best practices.
A genuine passion for games and game development.
Experience in combat, fighting, or sports titles is a big bonus.
Familiarity with multiplayer AI considerations (e. g. determinism for rollback/match replays) is a bonus.
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)Support for family life: Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay (subject to eligibility requirements)Private Healthcare which includes Optical & Dental Great office environment: Free parking - At our Sheffield site Health & wellbeing support: Learning days Additional financial support: Technology scheme (salary sacrifice up to 750)Relocation benefits (subject to eligibility requirements)Electric Car Vehicle Scheme (subject to eligibility requirements)Discretionary Bonus Connection and perks: We're committed to building a diverse team and welcome all applications, considering them without regard to race, religion, belief, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, gender reassignment, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, sex or sexual orientation.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTSPlease be aware that all applications for roles submitted through our website will be managed by our external recruitment partner, Amiqus.
While they will handle the processing and management of your application, your data will remain securely stored within our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
By submitting your CV through our website, you give your permission for your application to be managed by Amiqus and to be contacted by them on SCI's behalf.
Project Programmer in Sheffield 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, we offer generous benefits such as flexible working arrangements, enhanced family support, and a commitment to professional growth through learning opportunities. Located in the dynamic cities of Sheffield and Leamington Spa, our team enjoys a healthy work-life balance while contributing to the exciting development of 'Undisputed', the first major boxing video game in over a decade.
