Principal AI Engineer

Job Title:

Principal AI Engineer

Requisition ID:

R025478

Job Description:

Sledgehammer Games is looking for talented developers to join us as a member of our San Mateo team. This group will partner with our global teams in Toronto, Canada and Melbourne, Australia in the creation of epic content for some of the biggest games in the world. This is an opportunity to work with a strong AAA team, adding new skills to your armory while gaining the unique satisfaction that comes from building something new. Join us in our quest to maintain and improve a healthy and inspiring studio culture! 
 

The studio is navigating its second decade of game development, focused on constant evolution, innovation and qualified risk-taking – which are some of the most rewarding aspects of game development. With world-class content production and engineering teams, we’ve been able to achieve some of the highest-quality game execution of any studio in the industry. We love what we do and work hard to make sure that each new game we make is even better than the last. Creativity is key, and we’re looking for talented game developers for our exciting new projects. 
  

Sledgehammer Games is part of the Activision family and is wholly owned by Microsoft. To learn more about our studio, please visit us at www.sledgehammergames.com or search for Sledgehammer Games on your favorite social media platform.       
           

Your Mission

As a Principal AI Engineer, you will lead development on cutting edge AI in the world’s premiere FPS franchise.  We’re looking for someone who comes to the table with new ideas, but has the pragmatism required to ship a video game.

Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities: 

• Worked with AI decision frameworks.

• Strong design sensibilities and outstanding communication skills.

• Excellent debugging and performance analysis skills.

• Strong 3D math and algebra skills as they relate to game programming.

• Strong knowledge of C++ programming and practices.

• Love of games.

Player Profile

Minimum Requirements:

• 15+ years of experience in games, military simulation, or real-time AI.

• 2 shipped title working as a senior AI or gameplay engineer.

• Experience as a managing engineer.

• Experience with animation technology, such as blend trees, IK, motion matching.

• Experience with game networking systems.

• Working in and extending an established code base.

• Previous experience with scripting languages such as Lua or Python.

Our World  

At Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We’re driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, Crash Bandicoot™, Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™, and Guitar Hero®. As a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products, our “press start” is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences.  

We’re not just looking back at our decades-long legacy; we’re forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We have bold ambitions to create the most inclusive company as we know our success comes from the passionate, creative, and diverse teams within our organization.   

We’re in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community to enjoy. And our future opportunities have never been greater — this could be your opportunity to level up.   

Sledgehammer Games is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered!  Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company.  You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $167,500.00 - $309,876.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role’s range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.