Senior Game AI Engineer (NPC Behavior) - Infinity Ward

Posted:
4/30/2024, 5:00:00 PM

Location(s):
Los Angeles, California, United States ⋅ California, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
AI & Machine Learning

Job Title:

Senior Game AI Engineer (NPC Behavior) - Infinity Ward

Requisition ID:

R022966

Job Description:

Your Platform

Founded in 2002, Infinity Ward is the original studio behind the Call of Duty® franchise. The titles developed by Infinity Ward have won more than 200 "Game of the Year" awards and 100 "Editor's Choice" awards, among many other industry accolades. Some of our previous titles include: Call of Duty®: Ghosts, Call of Duty®: Infinite Warfare and most recently, Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare. Infinity Ward employs more than 250 people in Woodland Hills, Calif., just outside of Los Angeles.

A critically acclaimed studio, Infinity Ward is proud to have one of the most passionate and talented development teams in the industry.  We love to have as much fun as the games we create, and it shows in our relaxed, yet diligent, workplace environment.  We believe that making the best games relies on having the best people, so we like to look after ours. We enjoy having fun with top-notch events that everyone gets involved with.

Infinity Ward is wholly owned by Activision. To learn more about our studio, please visit us at https://www.infinityward.com/, on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/InfinityWard/, and @InfinityWard on Twitter.

Your Mission

Infinity Ward is currently seeking a dedicated Senior Game AI Engineer (NPC Behavior)  to join our team in Woodland Hills. The ideal candidate will have five or more years of experience in a similar role.  This is an opportunity to work on innovative 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:   

  • Work with the AI engineering team to craft best-in-class AI technology for our next AAA title.
  • Work closely with the design and content teams to bring new AI characters and behaviors to life.
  • Collaborate with the animation team to continue improving the visual fidelity of our AI.
  • Contribute ideas for new AI architectures and technologies.
  • Design, plan, and implement performant and optimized AI systems.

Player Profile

Minimum Requirements:

  • 5+ years of experience in games, military simulation, or real-time AI.
  • 1+ shipped titles working as an AI Engineer.
  • Experience with animation technology – blend trees, IK, motion matching.
  • Strong design sensibilities and outstanding communication skills.
  • Excellent debugging and performance analysis skills.
  • A love for competitive FPS play.
  • Strong 3D math and algebra skills as they relate to game programming.
  • Strong knowledge of C++ programming and practices.

Pluses:

  • Use of analytics to guide behavior.
  • Experience with vehicle AI
  • Experience with unscripted, ambient AI behavior
  • Networking.
  • Single-player AI systems.
  • Working in and extending an established code base.
  • Have architected (or significantly extended) an AI decision framework.
  • Experience with C#.
  • Previous experience with scripting languages such as Lua, and Python.

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! At Activision Blizzard, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

Our World

Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™ and Bubble Witch™. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!

Our ability to build immersive and innovate worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment.  We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered!

The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.

Infinity Ward 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 $101,000.00 - $186,754.00 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.