Lead Ai Programmer

Job reference

• 4018457101_crt:1677762448467
• Company Name
• Smilegate Barcelona
• Salary
• Competitive
• Location
• Barcelona, Spain
• Country
• Spain
• Industry sector
• Programming
• Job start date
• ASAP
• Posted date
• 02/03/2023
• Experience Level
• Mid-Senior Level
• Job type
• Permanent | Full Time
• Remote / Hybrid
• No

Smilegate Barcelona is seeking an experienced Senior / Lead AI Programmer to lead a team of highly skilled AI programmers to perform in the most effective way, fostering a culture that balances productivity, innovation learning, and healthy communication.

We are looking for someone with :

• The ability to operate at high and low levels - capable of hands-on work as well as leader and mentor to your team.
• A strong understanding of how to transform design requests into NPC Behaviour.
• Enough design knowledge to interface to design leads in complement and amplify their specs to become a fully workable system.
• A deep desire to build up a world-class AI team.

What the role involves : Working hand in hand with Lead Gameplay Programmer and Design Leads to build a structure that supports rapid prototyping while keeping code stability in the long term.

• Coordinate with QA and Gameplay Lead to define the best coding environment that balances rapid iteration with stability.
• Be the representative and champion for the AI coding team to all other parties.
• Coordinate AI coders establishing code guidelines, quality goals and performance budgets.
• Work hand in hand with the Combat, World and mission design teams to make sure they have the most efficient tools.
• Analyze, validate and incorporate feedback from the team and external user testing.
• Help build up a world-class AI Programming team by being involved in the interviewing and hiring process.
• Be the mentor, guide and leader of your team of handpicked coders.
• Provide meaningful feedback to your team through team meetings, 1 on 1 session, and 360 feedback.
• Be on top of the personal development goals of your coders, making sure there is always a healthy environment that fosters learning.

Role requirements :

• Excellent track record - credited on at least 2 shipped AAA games either as Senior / Lead AI programmer.
• Experience and deep working knowledge of gameplay and AI systems.
• Unreal Engine working experience in a modern console environment.
• Innovative thinker with creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary, iterative environment.
• Strong understanding of development processes, workflows, and tools.
• Ability to lead and delegate as required.

YOUR LIFE AT SMILEGATE BARCELONA (and PERKS)

• Breakfast in the Office.
• Restaurant Tickets: approx 180 € per month (2.160€/year).
• 23 vacation days per year + Christmas to the new year (the office is closed from 24th December to 2nd January).
• Fully stocked studio kitchen (Nescafe coffee, organic fruits, snacks, and beverages).
• 16 weeks Maternity and Paternity leave
• Hybrid work model (3 days in the office, 2 days work from home) and Flexible Friday.
• Private Health insurance, including dental coverage.
• Incredible office in Barcelona in Torre Glories, 15min from the beach and 1 min from Glories Mall.
• Team Building Events.
• Relocation Package with VISA support.