Expert Gameplay AI Software Engineer

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada · Work style not stated

Posted over 6 months ago: check it’s still open

Apply on the employer’s site ↗See how well you match this job

You apply directly with the employer. ROLIVA does not submit applications from this page and is not the employer.

About the role

Description from the employer’s posting. Check the employer’s page for the current version.

Employer2K
LocationBurnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Work styleWork style not stated
Employer posted7 months ago

Small Axe

Who We Are

Founded in 2023, Small Axe is the newest stand alone studio at 2K looking to push game development boundaries to bring 2K's next groundbreaking sports franchise to life. We're building a world-class team at our new Vancouver, BC location where our goal is to deliver an exceptional experience through bold ideas, technical excellence, and creative collaboration. We're seeking passionate and driven professionals across all areas of game development to help shape this ambitious vision. If you’re interested in tackling unique challenges and think you have what it takes to level up our team, we encourage you to apply!

What We Need

We’re looking for an Expert Gameplay AI Software Engineer to help build the intelligence behind our next AAA sports title. You’ll design and implement AI systems that drive team-based decision-making, play selection, positional awareness, and realistic athletic behavior in Unreal Engine 5. We need someone who combines deep algorithm expertise with a passion for team sports and a collaborative approach to working with designers, animators, and gameplay engineers.

Show full description

What You Will Do

● Architect and build AI systems for team-based sports gameplay in UE5

● Design decision-making frameworks for play selection, formations, and tactics

● Develop positional awareness and spatial reasoning for AI-controlled players

● Optimize AI performance for multi-threaded, performance-critical environments

● Partner with designers, animators, and gameplay engineers to deliver features

● Mentor engineers and contribute to team-wide technical growth

● Write clean, performant, and well-tested C++ code

● Conduct code reviews to uphold quality and consistency

What Will Make You A Great Fit

● 8+ years of software engineering experience in game development

● Expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine 5

● Strong algorithm and data structure design skills

● Experience with multi-threaded programming in performance-critical environments

● Deep understanding of team-based sports and competitive game dynamics

● Excellent communication and collaboration skills across disciplines

● Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience

● Passion for playing or watching sports

Beneficial Qualifications

● Track record of shipping AAA sports or simulation titles

● Familiarity with modern console hardware and optimization techniques

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided suitable accommodations to enjoy equal employment opportunities, including the ability to participate in the job application or interview process. Please contact us if you need an accommodation as part of your application process or otherwise have questions about the Company’s accommodation policy and review process.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.
The pay range for this position in British Columbia at the start of employment is expected to be between $114,300 and $169,140 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

See how well you match this job Apply on the employer’s site ↗

Check your resume against this job Free, no sign-up. Nothing you paste is stored.

Staying safe while you apply

Never pay to apply, interview or accept an offer. ROLIVA never asks you for payment to apply to a job.
Apply only through the official “Apply on the employer’s site” button, on the employer’s own site, and check that a recruiter’s email uses that employer’s own domain rather than a free email address.
Be cautious of an offer made with no real interview, or pressure to decide quickly or share financial details early.

Does something look wrong with this listing? Use “Report broken link” in the role details, or read ROLIVA’s full job-safety guidance ↗.

Preparing for this role with ROLIVA

Check the fit.
Compare the requirements with the experience you have confirmed, including gaps.
Prepare honestly.
Build interview stories and application drafts from your own evidence.
Keep track.
Save the role and record your own application status and follow-ups.

Create a free workspace or log in.