Intermediate AI Software Engineer (Unreal Engine 5)
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Intermediate AI Software Engineer (Unreal Engine 5) based in Canada.
This role sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence systems and high-end game development, focusing on building intelligent, responsive, and scalable character behaviors in Unreal Engine 5. You will contribute directly to the creation of immersive gameplay experiences by developing AI-driven systems that power enemies, companions, and large-scale simulations. The position involves working closely with designers, animators, and technical teams to ensure that in-game behaviors feel natural, dynamic, and engaging. You will design and implement modular AI architectures in C++ and Blueprints while leveraging modern UE5 systems such as MassEntity and Gameplay Ability System. The environment is highly collaborative and creative, with strong emphasis on iteration, performance optimization, and technical excellence. This is a hands-on engineering role where your work will directly influence gameplay depth, realism, and player experience. It is ideal for engineers passionate about combining AI, systems design, and interactive storytelling in modern game development.
Accountabilities:
- Design and implement AI-driven gameplay systems, including enemy and companion behaviors, using Unreal Engine 5 tools such as Behavior Trees, EQS, MassAI, and GAS.
- Develop scalable and modular AI architectures that support multiple enemy types, factions, and emergent gameplay behaviors.
- Build and optimize large-scale AI simulation systems using MassEntity and related UE5 crowd and group behavior frameworks.
- Collaborate closely with designers and animators to ensure AI behaviors are responsive, believable, and aligned with gameplay intent.
- Profile and optimize AI systems to meet performance targets across PC and console platforms.
- Contribute to technical design discussions, code reviews, and engineering best practices for AI and gameplay systems.
- Prototype and iterate on new AI approaches, staying current with Unreal Engine advancements and emerging techniques.
- Provide mentorship and knowledge sharing to junior engineers within the team.
- 3+ years of professional experience in C++ with Unreal Engine 4 or 5, with a focus on AI or gameplay systems.
- Experience shipping at least one commercial game title with significant AI contributions.
- Strong understanding of AI concepts including behavior trees, finite state machines, utility systems, pathfinding, and agent-based behaviors.
- Solid foundation in software engineering principles, with the ability to write clean, maintainable, and efficient code.
- Experience working collaboratively with cross-disciplinary teams including design and animation.
- Familiarity with version control systems such as Perforce or Git and modern debugging tools.
- Ability to prototype quickly and iterate based on playtesting feedback and technical requirements.
- Degree or diploma in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, or a related field.
- Competitive annual salary range of approximately $108,000 – $168,000 CAD.
- Remote-first work environment within Canada with flexible arrangements.
- Opportunity to work on high-quality, AAA-style game development projects using Unreal Engine 5.
- Collaborative and creative studio culture focused on innovation and technical excellence.
- Exposure to cutting-edge AI systems, including Gameplay Ability System and MassEntity frameworks.
- Professional growth through mentorship, technical ownership, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Access to modern game development tools and a strong engineering community.
Requirements:
Benefits:
Software pay context
Based on 8,026 disclosed Software salaries on RoleSuite, the role pays a median of $157K/year, with most offers between $123K and $198K (10th–90th percentile: $102K–$234K).
This posting lists $108K–$168K, below the $157K market median.
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