AI Programmer

Join Romero Games as we develop John Romero’s next First Person Shooter in partnership with a major publisher! This is an unprecedented opportunity to join a thriving independent development studio and work on a high-profile title that will be played by millions of gamers worldwide.

Romero Games Ltd is looking for an AI Programmer to join our growing team on a full-time basis. You will help us create exciting character behaviours in Unreal Engine to support our cutting edge multiplayer PC and console games. As part of a thriving independent development studio you will have a significant impact and contribute on multiple levels to the games we make.

Ideally, you can relocate to join us in Galway, Ireland, but a remote role is also possible for the right candidate in a European timezone. In your cover letter or email, please note your preference (remote/hybrid/onsite in Galway).

What you will do:

• Develop exciting, efficient and varied AI behaviours and controllers for the various characters in a real-time cutting-edge game in Unreal Engine

• Work closely with the animation team to ensure AI movement and actions are aligned with the character animations

• Collaborate with fellow members of the development team to ensure the AI matches the requirements of the game design with the technical constraints of the game engine

• Plan and estimate schedules for the work required to implement the AI features in a timely manner

 What you need to have:

• 3+ Years professional experience in the games industry

• Proficient in C++ within the context of the Unreal environment

• A proven track record of designing and implementing real-time AI behaviours using Unreal Engine

• A deep understanding of behaviour trees and how to use them in Unreal

• Experience of modeling AI senses, plans and reactions efficiently in real-time games

• Experience mapping AI behaviours to character animations and physics

• An understanding of navmeshes and real-time pathfinding techniques

• Knowledge of how to profile and optimize code for memory and performance

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

 What is nice to have:

• Experience of integrating external AI middleware with Unreal (such as Havok AI, Kythera)

• Shipped at least one title on PC or console

• Console development experience

Benefits

• Ownership. Everyone in the company benefits from ownership in the company. Every full-time Romero Games employee is given a stake. (This benefit is not open to contractors.)

• Vacation: Time off for vacation. Five weeks vacation per year + 10 national holidays. Extra vacation days after 5 and 10 years of service.

• Hybrid Working. Flexible working hours, including work-from-home and remote work.

• Sabbaticals: At 5+ years, should you choose to take unpaid time for a personal project, we will cover 20% of your pay provided that it is in your area of interest.

• Premium Health. Premium health benefits, plus extended healthcare coverage.

• Fertility Leave: For employees undergoing IVF treatment, surrogacy or other forms of fertility treatment, two days per cycle for recovery or travel.

• Relocation assistance. Flexible start dates, relocation reimbursement and assistance in finding housing. 

• Life-Friendly Policies: We understand that work is one of the things that you do and that life happens. We have a long and consistent pattern of life-friendly management, whether taking your kids to creche, assisting your parents with an appointment, or taking your pet to the vet.

• Menopause: Up to five days off per year for appointments or recovery days.

• Clothing Assistance Program: A financial support for people going through a major life event such a pregnancy or gender affirming care.

• Compassionate Leave / Bereavement. We support employees by offering paid time off during bereavement for immediate family. This includes loss of pregnancy, including the loss of surrogate pregnancy.

• Parental Leave and Support. Family-focused benefits include fully paid maternity and paternity leave and flexible work hours. Most people here are parents. We get it.

• Professional Development: World-class workshops on accessibility, diversity, design and more, from internationally recognized experts.

• Social Events. Regular social events such as pub nights (including online pub nights), holiday parties, barbecues and conferences, with accommodation and travel covered by us. 

• Expert Speakers. Monthly insider expert seminars with renowned creators such as John Carmack, Rhianna Pratchett (Tomb Raider), Warren Spector (Deus Ex), David Brevik (Diablo), Harvey Smith (Dishonored), Josh Sawyer (Pillars of Eternity), and more.

• Bike to Work Programme: Within Ireland, using the Bike-to-Work government initiative, employees obtain a brand new bike and safety equipment worth up to €1,250 for a regular bike, and up to €1,500 for an electric bike. The scheme covers your new bike and gear, saving 52% of the retail price of bike and equipment.