Research Programmer

1 Month ago • All levels • Animation

Job Summary

Job Description

Epic Games seeks a Research Programmer to contribute to a main internal project within the Fortnite ecosystem. Responsibilities include developing core algorithms, collaborating with programmers, designers, and artists, and pushing the boundaries of real-time graphics and gaming technology. The role involves investigating novel ideas, publishing research papers, and mentoring junior researchers. The successful candidate will contribute to the next generation of technology used in Fortnite, collaborating on a project with The Walt Disney Company to create a new persistent universe offering diverse engagement opportunities across Disney's properties. This requires a PhD in a related field, strong analytical and programming skills (Python and C++ preferred), and experience with ML frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow.
Must have:
  • PhD in CS/related field
  • Strong analytical & reasoning skills
  • Excellent programming (Python, C++)
  • Experience with ML frameworks (PyTorch/TensorFlow)
  • Expertise in real-time graphics, ML, or computer vision
Good to have:
  • Experience in animation, large language models, speech recognition/synthesis
  • Publication record in top conferences/journals
  • Mentoring experience
Perks:
  • 100% benefits coverage for employees & dependents
  • Supplemental medical, dental, vision, etc.
  • Robust mental well-being program
  • Retirement savings plan with employer match

Job Details

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?

At the core of Epic’s success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it’s building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we’re always innovating.

Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We’re constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.

PROGRAMMING - SPECIAL PROJECTS

What We Do

The Special Projects team at Epic is responsible for executing high-impact projects that push the envelope to define the future of real-time graphics and gaming technology (The Matrix Awakens, Lumen in the Land of Nanite). In collaboration with the Unreal Engine team, we strive to put our technology and knowledge into the hands of users, empowering developers and content creators with the most powerful suite of real-time tools in the world.

What You'll Do

The Walt Disney Company and Epic Games are collaborating on an all-new games and entertainment universe.

In addition to being a world-class games experience, this new persistent universe will offer a multitude of opportunities for consumers to play, watch, and engage with content, characters, and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar, and more.

Players, gamers, and fans of all kinds will be able to create their own stories and experiences, express their fandom in a distinctly Disney way, and share content with each other in ways that they love. Come join us in creating the future of interactive entertainment. 

We are seeking a Research Programmer to join the research team for a main internal project in the Fortnite ecosystem. They will be responsible for driving core algorithms and research, collaborating, and iterating between programmers, designers, and artists. They will play a critical role in making the next generation of technology used in games within the Fortnite ecosystem.

In this role, you will

  • Investigate, develop novel ideas, and expand the boundaries of the state-of-the-art in research.
  • Research contributions include publishing and presenting academic papers at top conferences and journals.
  • Contribute deep expertise and actionable knowledge in collaboration with other researchers, programmers artists and designers at Epic Games.
  • Guide and mentor junior researchers and students in the internship program.

What we're looking for

  • PhD degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Mathematics, Programming, or a related discipline.
  • Strong analytical and reasoning skills with an emphasis on innovative and practical solutions.
  • Excellent programming skills with a preference for experience with Python and C++.
  • Experience working in common ML frameworks such as PyTorch or Tensorflow, and rapid prototyping in Python.
  • In-depth knowledge in one or more of the following areas: real-time graphics, computer vision, machine learning, animation, large-language models, speech recognition, speech synthesis, linguistics, performance-capture, 3D reconstruction.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE

We pay 100% for benefits for both employees and dependents and offer coverage for supplemental medical, dental, vision, critical illness, telemedicine, Life and AD&D, long term disability insurance as well as weekly indemnity (short term disability) and a retirement savings plan with a competitive employer match. In addition to the EAP (employee assistance program), we also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents.                   

ABOUT US

Epic Games spans across 25 countries with 46 studios and 4,500+ employees globally. For over 25 years, we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.

Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!

Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy .

Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found .

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About The Company

Founded in 1991, Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company and provider of 3D engine technology. Epic operates Fortnite, one of the world’s largest games with over 350 million accounts and 2.5 billion friend connections. Epic also develops Unreal Engine, which powers the world’s leading games and is adopted across industries such as film and television, architecture, automotive, manufacturing, and simulation. Through Unreal Engine, Epic Games Store, and Epic Online Services, Epic provides an end-to-end digital ecosystem for developers and creators to build, distribute, and operate games and other content. Epic has over 40 offices worldwide with headquarters in Cary, North Carolina.

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