Intermediate AI Software Engineer (Unreal Engine 5)
- Blackbird Interactive
- Remote Canada
Job Description
We’re looking for an intermediate AI-focused engineer to help build rich, systemic character behaviors in our Unreal Engine 5 projects. You’ll design and implement scalable, responsive AI systems in C++ and Blueprints, collaborate deeply with design and animation, and grow your expertise across modern UE5 subsystems like MassEntity and Gameplay Ability System.
This role is remote-friendly in Canada (Pacific-time overlap required).
What You’ll Tackle
AI Behavior Development – Implement enemy and companion behavior, perception systems, decision-making trees, and high-level strategies using Behavior Trees, EQS, MassAI, and GAS.
AI Systems Architecture – Design scalable, modular AI systems that support a range of enemy types, factions, and emergent behaviors across PC and console targets.
Simulation & Group Dynamics – Leverage UE5’s MassEntity and crowd simulation systems to support large-scale AI interactions and tactical group behaviors.
Cross-disciplinary Collaboration – Work closely with designers and animators to bring characters to life and ensure AI reacts believably and responsively in gameplay.
Performance & Optimization – Profile and tune AI performance across platforms; diagnose and fix bugs to meet framerate and memory targets.
Technical Leadership – Participate in code reviews, provide mentorship to junior developers, and contribute to best practices in AI code and design.
Continuous Learning – Stay on top of UE5 AI tech advancements, prototype new techniques, and share your findings through internal demos and discussions.
You’ll Thrive Here If You…
Have 3+ years of professional experience with C++ in Unreal Engine 4/5, with a focus on AI or gameplay systems.
Hold a BSc in Computer Science or a college diploma in software engineering, game programming, or a closely related field.
Have shipped at least one commercial title featuring substantial AI contributions.
Have strong understanding of AI architecture, finite state machines, utility systems, pathfinding, and agent behaviors.
Enjoy prototyping quickly and iterating based on playtest data and cross-functional feedback.
Communicate clearly across disciplines and write clean, maintainable code.
Are comfortable with Perforce, Git, or similar version control and modern debugging tools.
Bonus XP
Deep familiarity with Gameplay Ability System, MassEntity, and Chaos physics.
Experience building tools or editors for AI designers.
Knowledge of behavior modeling, combat AI, procedural animation, or machine learning techniques.
Passion for immersive character behavior and narrative AI.
