The Initiative, located in Santa Monica and part of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios, is the development team creating Perfect Dark. Our studio is about craft, creating story, innovating, and looking ahead to the next big thing.
At the Initiative, we are looking for collaborative problem solvers who want to dive into something new and create groundbreaking experiences for our players. Join us for this once-in-a-career opportunity to help build the studio, define our culture, and create an environment that attracts world-class talent.
As a Senior AI Engineer, you will be part of a talented and passionate team developing a world class PvE gameplay experience, unlocking the potential of our designers and artists to create compelling and exciting AI features that will keep players engaged and on the edges of their seats. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the challenges involved with making AI experiences and be able to collaborate closely with other disciplines.
Responsibilities
- Work with designers, artists and other engineers to bring AI characters to life.
- Develop simple AI solutions to challenging AI problems within the performance constraints of real-time gameplay.
- Work closely with other members of the code team to ensure robust and shippable code is created across the board.
- Build code that performs well on the target hardware, both meeting game designs requirements and exceeding them.
- Ensure that the team is well versed on how to use features and that those features work well within the overall code base.
- Perform research to acquire new knowledge necessary to perform assigned tasks and maintain a process of technological evolution.
- Actively contribute to growth of new start up studio: lead by example, including demonstrating a willingness to give and receive feedback, collaborate with others to share techniques, ideas, and contribute to a positive working environment.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of experience working on AAA titles along with at least one shipped title where you contributed heavily to AI development and gameplay.
- 5+ years of C++ software engineering experience
- Strong AI experience.
- Strong mathematics skills, including proficiency with trigonometry, and linear algebra.
- Excellent debugging and optimizing skills.
- BS degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience.
PREFERRED
- Ability to quickly prototype and iterate in collaboration with others
- Self-directed and takes initiative to drive progress; able to act with a sense of agency and accountability
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.
Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.
Benefits and Perks
- Industry leading healthcare
- Savings and investments
- Giving programs
- Educational resources
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Opportunities to network and connect
- Discounts on products and services
- Generous time away
