Sr Gameplay Engineer

At Wizards of the Coast, we connect people around the world through play and imagination. From our genre defining games like Magic: The Gathering® and Dungeons & Dragons® to our growing multiverse, we continue to innovate and build new ways to foster friendship and connection. That’s where you come in!

Skeleton Key is a new game development studio and division of Wizards of the Coast. We are a group of industry veterans who are guided by the belief that empowering our teams and providing the proper time, tools, and support we can foster a creative culture where everyone can do their best work.

Our studio is located in Austin, TX, and we are looking for a passionate and dedicated Senior Gameplay Engineer to join us and bring our first AAA game to life. We offer fully remote, hybrid, or in-office options for day-to-day work.

Reporting to the Technical Director you will play a meaningful role as we concept and kick off pre-production. You'll guide the studio toward building high quality gameplay, combat, and AI systems on our exciting new project. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and conscientious engineer with deep knowledge of developing AAA games.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop AI systems for enemy characters that match and meet the demand of our player character capabilities, ensuring immersive experiences.
• Collaborate with Design to create impactful and exciting combat encounters and boss fights.
• Implement dynamic and adaptive enemy behaviors that respond to player actions and environmental stimuli, enhancing tension and unpredictability throughout the game.
• Iterate on AI systems based on player feedback and playtesting data, refining enemy behaviors to balance player agency and challenge.
• Work closely with level designers to integrate AI systems seamlessly into game environments, creating cohesive and atmospheric experiences that support the game's narrative and themes.
• Conduct performance optimization and debugging of AI systems to ensure smooth and responsive gameplay across various platforms and hardware configurations.
• Research and integrate cutting-edge AI techniques and methodologies, staying abreast of industry trends and advancements to continually elevate terrifying immersive experiences.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in gameplay engineering.

What You’ll Bring:

• 6+ years experience developing AAA titles.
• 2+ years of experience as a Senior Gameplay Engineer on AAA titles.
• Expertise in the following domains: Animation, Artificial Intelligence, 3Cs.
• Excellent command of the C++ programming language.
• Unreal Engine experience.
• Extensive experience working with large multiplatform engines.
• Initiative to push boundaries and an ambition to craft something outstanding.

Compensation Range, Currency USD:

• Starting Pay Range: $129,200
• Pay Range End: $215,520

If you think you’re up for the challenge, we’d love to hear from you! Be sure to submit your CV. As part of the application process, candidates should expect to be given a technical interview.

We are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for satisfactory performance in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities, or requirements of the position.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you are selected to move forward in our application process and need to request an accommodation, please let your recruiter or coordinator know.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation range for this role. The range listed is just one component of Wizards of the Coast’s total compensation package for employees. Employees may also be eligible for annual and long-term incentives. In addition, Wizards of the Coast provides a variety of benefits to employees. Here’s a look at what your benefits package may include: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation Time & Holidays, Generous 401(k) match, Paid Parental Leave, Volunteer Program, Employee Giving & Matching Gifts Programs, Tuition Reimbursement, Product Discounts, and more.

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