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Lead AI Developer

Job Title: Lead AI Developer

Mercuna develops cutting-edge AI navigation software, empowering game studios to create sophisticated AI that seamlessly navigates virtual worlds. Be a part of our innovative team and contribute to the future of gaming technology.

We are seeking an experienced Lead Developer to join our team. You will balance hands-on coding with technical leadership. If you are passionate about advancing AI navigation software and working with AAA game studios, we want to hear from you!

As Lead Developer, you will play a key role in shaping the future of AI navigation technology for games. This position combines hands-on development with technical leadership, ensuring that Mercuna’s middleware continues to deliver cutting-edge pathfinding and movement solutions for game developers worldwide.

You will take ownership of core systems, driving improvements in performance, scalability, and flexibility to meet the demands of modern game development. Your expertise will help push our AI navigation to handle increasingly complex environments, from vast open worlds to tightly packed indoor spaces, and to work seamlessly across a wide range of game engines and platforms.

Beyond coding, you will provide technical leadership to the development team, offering guidance, conducting code reviews, and ensuring best practices are followed. You’ll also collaborate closely with game studios to understand their needs, troubleshoot issues, and help them get the most out of our technology. Your role will involve problem-solving across different game genres and technical constraints, making every project a unique challenge.

Additionally, as part of a growing company, you’ll have the opportunity to influence product direction, architecture, and strategic decisions, shaping how navigation evolves in the gaming industry.

Note that this role is in Navigation AI rather than Generative AI.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design, architect and implement new features pushing the boundaries of AI navigation in games
  • Provide technical leadership mentorship to a small, focused development team
  • Identify and resolve architectural and design bottlenecks
  • Collaborate closely with AAA game developers to understand their requirements and tailor our C++ middleware solutions to enhance gameplay experiences

Requirements:

  • 8+ years experience in AI or gameplay programming.
  • Deep expertise in C++ and familiarity with Unreal Blueprint scripting.
  • Experience working for a medium or large games studio with responsibility for AI
  • Strong understanding of software development methodologies and best practices
  • Excellent problem solving skills and analytical skills
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Game Development, or a related field.
  • Excellent communication skills to effectively engage with both internal development teams and external game studios.
  • Ability to adapt to evolving project requirements and tight development timelines.

Benefits:

  • Salary range: £55,000 – £70,000
  • Private health insurance and company pension scheme
  • Hybrid working from our office in the centre of Edinburgh with views of the Castle
  • Flexible working 4 or 5 days a week
  • Collaborative startup environment at a growing profitable company
  • Opportunity to work closely with renowned AAA game studios and industry experts.

If you are ready to be at the forefront of AI navigation technology and contribute to the success of AAA game projects, apply now with your resume and a cover letter showcasing your experience. Join us in revolutionising AI navigation for the gaming industry!

Mercuna is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Application procedures

Please send a cover letter and CV to [email protected], including the job title in the subject line.

The cover letter should include why you are interested in this role and evidence of how you meet the criteria of the role.