Lead AI Designer
Job Description
- Live service development experience
- Define the creative and technical vision for AI design (enemy, ally, training and NPC behaviors) across all modes of Apex Legends
- Lead the cross-disciplinary AI team to execute that creative vision across all Apex gameplay experiences and modes
- Design and tune AI systems including perception, combat logic, navigation, coordination, and decision-making frameworks
- Establish reusable AI archetypes, behavior trees, and encounter templates that support a range of combat scenarios
- Lead, mentor, and grow a team of AI designers; provide clear goals, feedback, and support career development
- Collaborate cross-discipline with engineering, animation, and level design to ensure AI systems integrate smoothly into the overall player experience
- Own the quality of AI combat and systemic behaviors, ensuring they meet performance, difficulty, and fun targets
- Collaborate with partner teams (User Research/Analytics/Playtests) to optimize the AI experience
- Work in a live game environment partnering with production to plan and manage a live service development schedule and release plan
- 7+ years of professional game design experience
- At least 2 shipped AAA titles (preferably shooters or action games)
- Deep understanding of combat AI, behavior systems and group coordination in shooter gameplay
- Proven experience designing AI for FPS or third-person shooters
- Experience with AI scripting tools, visual behavior trees, and debugging environments
- Strong cross-disciplinary communication skills and a track record of collaborating effectively with engineering and animation teams
- Passion for emergent gameplay, player agency, and creating AI that feels alive and reactive
- Quality-first mentality
- Paid time off (3 weeks per year to start)
- Sick time (80 hours per year in US, 10 days per year in British Columbia)
- 16 paid company holidays per year (US)
- Paid time off to bond with baby (10 weeks in US, paid top-up to EI/QPIP benefits up to 100% of base salary when you welcome a new child (12 weeks for maternity, and 4 weeks for parental/adoption leave) in British Columbia)
- Medical/dental/vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k) (US)
- Retirement plan (British Columbia)
- Bonus (certain roles may be eligible)
- Equity (certain roles may be eligible)
Founded in 2010 by the original creators of the Call of Duty Franchise, Respawn was created with the philosophy that when talented people have creative freedom, they'll make extraordinary games that achieve the unexpected. From our roots as an indie studio to joining the expansive roster of studios at Electronic Arts, this remains our guiding principle. We truly love what we do and want to share our passion with players worldwide. Our shipped titles include critically acclaimed multi-platform games Apex Legends, Titanfall, Titanfall 2, Star Wars™ Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars™ Jedi: Survivor and Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond. Join us for the opportunity to create groundbreaking games with some of the best developer talent in the industry.
We are seeking a Lead AI Designer to join our veteran team at Respawn Entertainment. This is an opportunity to define, drive and own the vision for AI systems and behaviors and help craft the future of Apex Legends.
In this role, you will be responsible for shaping how AI enemies, allies, and the world itself react to players — delivering combat experiences that are intelligent, challenging, and immersive. As the bridge between design, animation, and engineering, you’ll lead a small team of AI designers and collaborate closely with AI engineers, using the Source engine to take your ideas from paper to production and work directly in-engine with your team to help implement gameplay experiences and bring your vision to life.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Define the creative and technical vision for AI design (enemy, ally, training and NPC behaviors) across all modes of Apex Legends
- Lead the cross-disciplinary AI team to execute that creative vision across all Apex gameplay experiences and modes
- Design and tune AI systems including perception, combat logic, navigation, coordination, and decision-making frameworks.
- Establish reusable AI archetypes, behavior trees, and encounter templates that support a range of combat scenarios.
- Lead, mentor, and grow a team of AI designers; provide clear goals, feedback, and support career development.
- Collaborate cross-discipline with engineering, animation, and level design to ensure AI systems integrate smoothly into the overall player experience.
- Own the quality of AI combat and systemic behaviors, ensuring they meet performance, difficulty, and fun targets.
- Collaborate with partner teams (User Research/Analytics/Playtests) to optimize the AI experience
- Work in a live game environment partnering with production to plan and manage a live service development schedule and release plan.
REQUIREMENTS
- 7+ years of professional game design experience, with at least 2 shipped AAA titles (preferably shooters or action games).
- Live service development experience is an asset but not required
- Deep understanding of combat AI, behavior systems and group coordination in shooter gameplay.
- Proven experience designing AI for FPS or third-person shooters
- Experience with AI scripting tools, visual behavior trees, and debugging environments.
- Strong cross-disciplinary communication skills and a track record of collaborating effectively with engineering and animation teams.
- Passion for emergent gameplay, player agency, and creating AI that feels alive and reactive.
- Quality-first mentality. No ego, just a commitment to get to the best quality experience in-game.
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