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Game Ai Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

31st Union

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 ...

31st Union

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 ...

Cloud9 Esports

AI Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Work with game data across League of Legends, VALORANT, and other major titles to build AI-powered tools and predictive models. * Partner with coaches and performance staff to design user-facing ...

Qualcomm

Gaming AI Product Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

Agentic AI for Gaming: Evaluate and drive the application of Qualcomm's agentic AI infrastructure ... Collaborate with marketing, sales, and engineering teams to support successful product launches ...

Saga

Senior AI Engineer

Los Altos, CA · On-site +1

$123K - $169K/yr

The Role As a Senior AI Agent Engineer, you'll be at the center of how we build, train, deploy, and ... Background in gaming, entertainment, or media technology * Experience with multi-modal AI (voice ...

Saga

Senior AI Engineer

Los Altos, CA · On-site +1

$123K - $169K/yr

The Role As a Senior AI Agent Engineer, you'll be at the center of how we build, train, deploy, and ... Background in gaming, entertainment, or media technology * Experience with multi-modal AI (voice ...

Scout AI

AI Engineer - Fury Team

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

They are seeking an AI Engineer to build next-generation autonomous systems, focusing on multimodal models that serve as the cognitive engine for robotic platforms. Responsibilities : • Design ...

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All JobsGame Ai Engineer JobsGame Ai Engineer Jobs in California

Game Ai Engineer information

See California salary details

$51.8K

$140.1K

$177.1K

How much do game ai engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for game ai engineer in California is $140,082.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,400.00 and $164,800.00 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?

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 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.

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 popular job titles related to Game Ai Engineer jobs in California?

For Game Ai Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Ai Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Ai Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Game Ai Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Game Ai Engineer job openings:

Game Ai Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Ai Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $140,082 per year, or $67.3 per hour.

Senior Gameplay AI Engineer

Striking Distance Studios

San Ramon, CA • On-site

$138K - $170K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY

Striking Distance Studios is looking for a Senior AI Engineer to work in a cooperative, cross-disciplinary team environment to implement gameplay features and systems within our games. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work across disciplines to build, refactor and maintain a variety of robust, flexible, and well-architected AI features.
  • Work with design team to prototype and implement AI behaviours that empower the fun.
  • Implement enemies, NPCs or any kind of AI managed characters.
  • Work with gameplay engineers to integrate developed AI systems.
  • Implement optimizations in perception systems and decision-making systems to make the AI performant.
  • Work on navigation & pathfinding systems and demonstrate the ability to debug complex AI issues.
  • Integrate and maintain AI middleware across all platforms.
  • Review the work of other engineers and provide mentorship on your area of knowledge.
  • Create and maintain technical design documents.
  • Delve into code written by other engineers and take ownership of existing systems as needed.
  • Keep current on technological developments and advancements.
  • Research and develop coding techniques and algorithms.
  • Collaborate with technology director on technical design and feature roll out.
  • Write clear, maintainable, portable, and highly performant code.
  • Communicate accurate status updates to your team leads, producers, and QA regarding tasks/features you are responsible for.
  • Adhere to team coding standards and best practices.
  • Foster a culture of open, honest, and respectful communication across all disciplines.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, or equivalent.
  • At least 5 years of games industry experience and preferably 3 years or more in a similar role.
  • At least 3 years of experience with Unreal Engine.
  • Experience shipping games on current generation consoles (PS5 or XSX) and PC.
  • Advanced ability to be self-directed, focused and detail oriented.
  • Advanced C++ skills.
  • Advance knowledge on blueprints and AI decision making tools (Unreal behaviour trees, utility AI, etc.).
  • Advance knowledge of navigation and pathfinding systems.
  • 3D math skills.
  • Advanced verbal and written communications skills.
  • A demonstrable love / passion for playing and making video games.
  • A highly communicative and collaborative disposition.

Reasonable Accommodation

KRAFTON Americas is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the Company will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to apply for an open position, perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the HR Talent team at KRAFTON Americas, to begin the interactive process.

EEOC statement

KRAFTON Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.

In California, the expected salary range for this position is $138,000-$170,000. The listed expected salary range represents a good faith estimate and the actual pay may depend on a variety of job-related factors that can include experience, education, skills, and location.

Don't meet every single requirement? 

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply at jobs unless they meet every single qualification.  At Krafton we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.  You might just be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Due to recent scams, our recruiters will only reach out to you via @sds.com, @krafton.com, @unknownworlds.com or @pubg.com. If you received an email and are unsure you can always email recruiting_ka@krafton.com. 

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