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Blackbird Interactive

Intermediate AI Software Engineer (Unreal Engine 5)

Sorry, this job was removed at 07:21 a.m. (PST) on Thursday, Jun 25, 2026
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In-Office or Remote
Hiring Remotely in Vancouver, BC
108K-168K Annually
In-Office or Remote
Hiring Remotely in Vancouver, BC
108K-168K Annually
Blackbird Interactive is a creative-fueled, future-driven, independent game studio where the best talent in the industry can find long-term careers to help grow their abilities while working on a wide range of projects, which encompass world-class IPs as well as our own creations across multiple genres.

Our studio operates as a remote-first workplace, offering flexible work arrangements.

At this time, we are only able to hire candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada and reside within Canada.

We’re looking for an intermediate AI-focused engineer to help build rich, systemic character behaviors in our Unreal Engine 5 projects. You’ll design and implement scalable, responsive AI systems in C++ and Blueprints, collaborate deeply with design and animation, and grow your expertise across modern UE5 subsystems like MassEntity and Gameplay Ability System.

This role is remote-friendly in Canada (Pacific-time overlap required).

What You’ll Tackle


  • AI Behavior Development – Implement enemy and companion behavior, perception systems, decision-making trees, and high-level strategies using Behavior Trees, EQS, MassAI, and GAS.

  • AI Systems Architecture – Design scalable, modular AI systems that support a range of enemy types, factions, and emergent behaviors across PC and console targets.

  • Simulation & Group Dynamics – Leverage UE5’s MassEntity and crowd simulation systems to support large-scale AI interactions and tactical group behaviors.

  • Cross-disciplinary Collaboration – Work closely with designers and animators to bring characters to life and ensure AI reacts believably and responsively in gameplay.

  • Performance & Optimization – Profile and tune AI performance across platforms; diagnose and fix bugs to meet framerate and memory targets.

  • Technical Leadership – Participate in code reviews, provide mentorship to junior developers, and contribute to best practices in AI code and design.

  • Continuous Learning – Stay on top of UE5 AI tech advancements, prototype new techniques, and share your findings through internal demos and discussions.

You’ll Thrive Here If You…


  • Have 3+ years of professional experience with C++ in Unreal Engine 4/5, with a focus on AI or gameplay systems.

  • Hold a BSc in Computer Science or a college diploma in software engineering, game programming, or a closely related field.

  • Have shipped at least one commercial title featuring substantial AI contributions.

  • Have strong understanding of AI architecture, finite state machines, utility systems, pathfinding, and agent behaviors.

  • Enjoy prototyping quickly and iterating based on playtest data and cross-functional feedback.

  • Communicate clearly across disciplines and write clean, maintainable code.

  • Are comfortable with Perforce, Git, or similar version control and modern debugging tools.

Bonus XP


  • Deep familiarity with Gameplay Ability System, MassEntity, and Chaos physics.

  • Experience building tools or editors for AI designers.

  • Knowledge of behavior modeling, combat AI, procedural animation, or machine learning techniques.

  • Passion for immersive character behavior and narrative AI.

What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene

Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.

Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
  • Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
  • Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering

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