Software Engineer - AI & Gameplay

Please note that this is a hybrid position with a mixture of in-office and home-based working. While we welcome all applications, this role does not offer relocation assistance. We encourage applications from candidates who are local to New York State or are able to relocate independently.

Applications are welcome from candidates at both mid-level and senior engineering levels.

Part of the Rocket Science Group, Atomic Theory comprises a multinational team of seasoned AAA veterans with roots extending from Blizzard, PUBG, Epic, and Unity. We have a track record of delivering player-centric, AAA-quality experiences, and we're unwavering in our commitment to performance, accessibility, and the meticulous attention to the engineering tools and frameworks that underpin exceptional gameplay.

But Atomic Theory is also more than just a studio; for us, it's a sanctuary, a place where our diverse experiences can intersect and combine to carry our solutions to the next level. We're dedicated to aiding studios and publishers in navigating the toughest challenges across today's game development landscape -- and with offices in Albany, NY; and Cardiff, UK, we thrive at the opportunity to Get Sh!t Done on a global scale.

Our passion for gaming is at the core of everything we do, inspiring us to collaborate seamlessly. We're not afraid to take on big challenges and push for bold, innovative solutions. Every decision we make is guided by the goal of delivering maximum value and creating a significant, positive impact on our projects. By consistently going above and beyond, we transform every interaction into an exceptional partnership, building trust and delivering excellence.


About the role:

We are seeking a talented and experienced Software Engineer to join our team, focusing on AI and gameplay systems for upcoming video games. You will be a key contributor, working on challenging projects to bring a range of AI and gameplay features to life. You’ll join a collaborative team to build engaging and innovative player experiences through efficient, readable, and maintainable code.



What you'll do:

• Feature Development: Implement, maintain, and collaborate on new features, systems and workflows within Unreal Engine.

• AI/Gameplay Systems Implementation: Develop and optimize AI behaviors, building behavior and pathing tools to enable designers and engineers to provide engaging gameplay experiences.

• Critical Problem Solving: Leverage advanced debugging techniques to solve complex problems across multiple systems.

• Technical Design: Independently collaborate with designers and product leads to break down technical requirements and bring creative solutions to life.

• Code Review: Conduct code reviews, provide constructive feedback, and set an example of quality code implementation that adheres to coding standards.

What we Value:

• Strong Technical Skills: Proficiency in C++ and significant experience with Unreal Engine, including a deep understanding of game architecture, optimization, and 3D math.

• Engineering Excellence: A commitment to writing clean, maintainable, and efficient code, with a focus on quality and best practices.

• Feature Ownership: Experience as the primary owner of a large feature or system within a shipped product.

• Team Collaboration: Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. Able to frame discussions between engineers, producers, designers, and project leads.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing technical challenges.

• Passion for Gaming: A genuine passion for video games and a desire to contribute to creating engaging and enjoyable experiences for players.

• Interest in Learning: Eagerness to learn about other technologies and practices to stay current and versatile.
  

What you may also have:

• Console Experience: Experience developing for current-generation consoles (e.g., Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5) is a plus.

• Mentorship Skills: Previous experience coaching, teaching or mentoring less experienced engineers to learn new technical skills.

• Communication Skills: Previous experience working with internal and external stakeholders to gather feedback, provide support, and problem solve.

What we can offer:

• Hybrid Working Arrangement: As a member of our team, you’ll have the flexibility to work at home and collaborate with your fellow engineers in person!

• Competitive Salary and Benefits Package: Your health and wellbeing is important to us, so we offer a variety of benefits including:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Matching

  • Annual Leave, Plus 9 Paid Holidays and Winter Break Office Closure

• Annual Research Credit: We always encourage personal growth, so we provide all of our team members with an annual credit to further enhance your skills!

• Professional Development: We offer biannual reviews, as well as opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, internal tech talks, and the chance to learn from specialists with backgrounds from across the games and software development industries.

• Work-Life Balance: We really believe that home life comes first and we promote a flexible working environment. And as an added bonus: We don’t crunch!

• Family Friendly: We understand the importance of family, which is why we offer 6 weeks full of Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption Leave to support you during this exciting time!

• Office Perks: In addition to everything above, we also provide:

  • Weekly Team Lunches (plus Snacks!)

  • Fully Equipped Team Lounge, Including our Favorite Consoles and Games

  • And, most importantly, a supportive and creative working environment made up of talented and friendly people, as well as the opportunity to work on some pretty cool games and projects – if we do say so ourselves!

A Friendly Note from the Recruitment Team:

Let us do the work for you: Even if your profile isn’t an exact match for all of the qualifications listed above, we still want you to apply. Our team members come from a variety of different industries, not all of which are immediately relevant to game or software development, and we welcome all candidates of similarly varied backgrounds, communities, and identities.

Rocket Science is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a worry-free workplace void of discrimination or harassment. Rocket Scientists are expected to foster and champion an environment in which everyone has the opportunity to feel included and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.

The salary for this role is typically within the range of $85,000 - $165,000/year. Please note that this range includes multiple levels of experience and actual pay will ultimately be contingent upon a variety of factors, including your own combination of experience, skills, and qualifications.

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