An individual contributor responsible for helping to create engaging human, zombie and creature AI for State of Decay 3. As a member of the software engineering team, you will collaborate with designers, animators and other gameplay engineers to build features that bring the characters in our post-apocalyptic game world to life. This is a role that will have a big impact on the feeling of immersion and fun in State of Decay 3, and is a great fit for someone who values iteration and working closely with fellow developers to produce high-quality, believable game worlds.

Your skills in software development, debugging, iteration, requirements gathering and collaboration will be critical to your success. As an AI engineer on the team, you will work with the Principal AI Engineer to tackle creating believable AI behavior, and you will play a pivotal role in creating an amazing product for our millions of fans.

At Undead Labs, we work in highly collaborative, cross-discipline teams because we understand that the best ideas are ones we generate together. We are creators of the hit survival-fantasy franchise State of Decay, played by millions, and we operate independently as part of a network of first-party Microsoft studios. We have a rich history of entrepreneurship and empowerment that will carry us forward as we reach new levels of quality, ambition, and polish.

Core Responsibilities and Objectives

Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop requirements for AI features.
Write and maintain runtime AI systems that support delivering exciting, engaging behavior.
Create solutions to the complex AI behavior and navigation challenges of an open-world game.
Apply your knowledge, critical thinking skills, unique perspective and ideas to the production of our games.

Core Traits and Experience

Proficient with C++ and familiar with software development methodologies.
Familiar with modern AI techniques (such as navigation, perception and decision making).
A self-starter with the ability to make progress in the face of ambiguity by gathering data and performing analysis needed to make and justify decisions.
An ability to communicate effectively across disciplines.
Ideally brings 2 to 8 years of experience in a software engineering role.

Bonus Traits and Experience

Experience with Unreal Engine 4 and its AI tools and systems.
Experience with console game development.
Experience multiplayer game development.

Physical Requirements

Close vision to monitors and screens, consistently working on computer equipment such as keyboards and monitors, long periods of sitting.
Noise levels are low to moderate in the work environment.

Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position reports to the Engineering Manager.

Undead Labs 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 look forward to hearing from you!