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Game Ai Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Senior AI Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

ENGINEERING - GAMES What We Do Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time ... As a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer, you'll play a critical role on a small, focused team. You'll own ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Own large-scale AI features from concept through ship * Identify and resolve performance ... A passionate eye towards delivering quality and highly-tuned game feel. * Experience mentoring and ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Own large-scale AI features from concept through ship * Identify and resolve performance ... A passionate eye towards delivering quality and highly-tuned game feel. * Experience mentoring and ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Own large-scale AI features from concept through ship * Identify and resolve performance ... A passionate eye towards delivering quality and highly-tuned game feel. * Experience mentoring and ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Own large-scale AI features from concept through ship * Identify and resolve performance ... A passionate eye towards delivering quality and highly-tuned game feel. * Experience mentoring and ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Own large-scale AI features from concept through ship * Identify and resolve performance ... A passionate eye towards delivering quality and highly-tuned game feel. * Experience mentoring and ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Own large-scale AI features from concept through ship * Identify and resolve performance ... A passionate eye towards delivering quality and highly-tuned game feel. * Experience mentoring and ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Own large-scale AI features from concept through ship * Identify and resolve performance ... A passionate eye towards delivering quality and highly-tuned game feel. * Experience mentoring and ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Own large-scale AI features from concept through ship * Identify and resolve performance ... A passionate eye towards delivering quality and highly-tuned game feel. * Experience mentoring and ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Own large-scale AI features from concept through ship * Identify and resolve performance ... A passionate eye towards delivering quality and highly-tuned game feel. * Experience mentoring and ...

Epic Games

AI Programmer

Cary, NC · On-site

$119K - $132K/yr

ENGINEERING - GAMES What We Do Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time ... What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for an experienced AI Programmer to join the Fortnite Battle ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

... game. Using C++, Unreal Engine 5, and our in-house utility AI framework, you will make bots that fight, traverse, loot, and team up convincingly enough that players second-guess whether they're ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

... game. Using C++, Unreal Engine 5, and our in-house utility AI framework, you will make bots that fight, traverse, loot, and team up convincingly enough that players second-guess whether they're ...

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All JobsGame Ai Engineer Jobs

Game Ai Engineer information

See salary details

$52.5K

$141.9K

$179.5K

How much do game ai engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for game ai engineer in the United States is $141,941.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Game AI Engineer do?

A Game AI Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing artificial intelligence systems that control the behavior of non-player characters (NPCs) and other elements in video games. They use programming languages and algorithms to create lifelike or challenging behaviors that enhance the gaming experience. Game AI Engineers work closely with game designers and artists to ensure that AI meets gameplay requirements and creates engaging interactions. Their tasks can include pathfinding, decision-making, and adapting AI to player actions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game AI Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game AI Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, algorithms, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience in game development. Familiarity with programming languages such as C++ or Python, game engines like Unity or Unreal, and version control systems is essential, along with knowledge of AI frameworks. Creative problem-solving, collaboration, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that help bridge technical and design teams. These skills ensure the development of intelligent, engaging game experiences and efficient integration of AI systems within complex game architectures.

What is the difference between Game Ai Engineer vs Game Programmer?

AspectGame Ai EngineerGame Programmer
Primary FocusDesigning and implementing AI systems for game characters and environmentsWriting and optimizing game code, including gameplay mechanics and systems
Skills & CredentialsKnowledge of AI algorithms, scripting, C++, Python, game development toolsProficiency in programming languages like C++, C#, experience with game engines
Work EnvironmentGame studios, often collaborating with designers and artistsGame studios, working on core game systems and features

Game Ai Engineers focus on creating intelligent behaviors for game entities, while Game Programmers handle broader game development tasks. Both roles require strong programming skills and often overlap, but their core responsibilities differ in AI design versus general game coding.

What are some common challenges Game AI Engineers face when developing AI for modern video games?

Game AI Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing AI difficulty to suit a wide range of players, ensuring non-player characters behave believably, and optimizing AI algorithms to run efficiently without impacting game performance. Collaboration with designers and artists is crucial to align AI behaviors with the game's vision and narrative. Additionally, engineers need to continuously adapt to new hardware capabilities and emerging AI techniques to keep gameplay engaging and realistic.
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Game Ai Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Ai Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 65% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 32% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,941 per year, or $68.2 per hour.

Senior AI Engineer

Epic Games

Cary, NC • On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
ENGINEERING - GAMES
What We Do
Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We're always improving on the tools and technology that empower content developers worldwide.
What You'll Do
We are a new and growing team at Epic, aiming to build innovative new experiences and technology. As a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer, you'll play a critical role on a small, focused team. You'll own core AI features and drive collaborative development between programmers, designers, and artists, working with cutting-edge technologies and talented teams to build impactful experiences from concept to delivery.
In this role, you will
  • Collaborate with art, design, and engine AI teams to create, iterate on, and improve gameplay AI features
  • Experiment with game design and iterate rapidly, making strong technical and algorithmic decisions
  • Drive, build, and maintain core AI systems shared in the Fortnite AI ecosystem
  • Optimize, debug, and maintain gameplay AI systems to deliver high-quality experiences across all supported platforms
What we're looking for
  • Professional game development experience, including shipping AAA titles with AI systems
  • Experience working with AI systems (Behavior Trees, Finite State Machines, Pathfinding, Animation, etc.)
  • Excellent C++ skills with experience developing AI gameplay mechanics and tools
  • Strong knowledge of games with the ability to articulate design strengths and weaknesses
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and manage priorities with minimal direction
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to find solutions beyond established approaches
  • Experience working on a live service game is a plus
  • Interest in online games is a plus
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.

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