AI Designer

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an AI Designer based in the United States.

This role offers an opportunity to shape engaging gameplay experiences centered around intelligent in-game non-player characters (NPCs).

You will contribute across the full design process, from early concepts and sketches through feature documentation, prototyping, and in-game implementation.

The position combines creative game design with hands-on development in Unreal Engine 5, allowing you to rapidly prototype, test, and refine ideas.

You will own AI and NPC features while collaborating closely with engineering, art, production, and other cross-functional partners.

Your work will directly influence gameplay quality, player engagement, and the overall experience of upcoming multiplayer and live-service projects.

The role is ideal for a designer who communicates clearly, embraces feedback, thinks critically, and enjoys solving complex gameplay challenges.

You will join a collaborative environment that values creativity, iteration, learning, and the delivery of high-quality experiences.

Accountabilities

• Execute game design work across all stages of development, transforming verbal concepts into sketches, feature documentation, prototypes, and playable in-game implementations.
• Rapidly develop and iterate on playable prototypes using Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) to validate gameplay concepts and improve player experiences.
• Own AI and NPC design features from concept through implementation, iteration, testing, and delivery.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, art, production, and other cross-disciplinary teams to bring gameplay features to completion.
• Implement assets and gameplay elements directly in the game engine while managing relevant files through source control systems.
• Work with project stakeholders to understand goals, priorities, design vision, and feature requirements.
• Design and implement NPC experiences using supporting Unreal Engine systems such as Blueprints, the Gameplay Ability System (GAS), State Machines or State Trees, and NavMesh.
• Create and maintain clear design documentation, workflows, and processes for owned features and related development work.
• Manage Jira items and track progress for owned features and tasks throughout development.
• Participate in playtests, gather player and team feedback, and translate findings into actionable improvements for owned features.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve design bugs and gameplay issues to maintain a high-quality player experience.
• Present and communicate design concepts, mechanics, decisions, and goals to stakeholders and management at different levels.
• Continuously iterate on designs based on feedback, testing, project priorities, and evolving gameplay requirements.

Requirements

• Bring 5+ years of professional game design experience.
• Have designed, developed, and shipped at least 2 game titles for PC or console platforms.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge and hands-on experience with Unreal Engine 4 and/or Unreal Engine 5.
• Have experience implementing AI or NPC gameplay features in Unreal Engine.
• Possess knowledge of systems such as Blueprints, Gameplay Ability System (GAS), State Machines or State Trees, and NavMesh.
• Have experience with multiplayer networking and multiplayer gameplay development, which is highly desirable.
• Demonstrate experience developing core user interface (UI) components across a variety of game experiences.
• Be an excellent communicator who can receive and apply feedback and direction while remaining willing to learn from and teach others.
• Be able to clearly present, explain, and advocate for design thinking, gameplay mechanics, and overall design goals to stakeholders and management at all levels.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly evaluate work and adapt designs to continuously improve them.
• Be comfortable rapidly adapting to new tools, technologies, and game development methodologies.
• Demonstrate a proven ability to meet high expectations, manage milestones, and deliver high-quality work on schedule.
• Be willing to complete an AI/NPC design test as part of the application process, with test details provided to selected applicants.

Benefits

• Annual compensation of $90,000-$150,000 USD.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their families.
• Stock options and potential performance-based bonuses.
• Disability and life insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings program with employer matching.
• Generous paid time off and scheduled studio closure periods.
• Career advancement opportunities and ongoing training.
• Professional development opportunities that support continued learning and skill growth.
• Opportunities to connect with colleagues through recurring studio-wide events and activities.
• Collaborative environment focused on innovation, curiosity, creativity, and building strong teams.