Senior AI Programmer

About the Role

Cloud Imperium Games is looking for a Senior AI Programmer to join its Manchester team and contribute to the development of advanced AI systems for its custom engine and internal tooling. The role sits within a highly collaborative environment made up of experienced industry professionals, focused on building believable behaviours and interactions for AI agents across Star Citizen and Squadron 42.

The aim of the AI work is to support worlds that feel expansive, highly detailed, and convincingly realistic. Achieving that vision requires close day-to-day collaboration with game designers, level designers, animators, audio programmers, and other teams across the studio.

The company develops for modern PC hardware, APIs, and technology stacks, with an emphasis on large-scale, systemic gameplay features that allow agents to interact with the environment and players in physically credible ways, supporting a lifelike space simulation.

Cloud Imperium Games, founded in 2012, is building Star Citizen, a large-scale multiplayer online space simulation, and Squadron 42, a cinematic single-player game set in the same universe. The studio describes itself as crowdfunded and supported by a passionate community working toward its “Best Damn Space Sim Ever.”

Key Responsibilities

• Design and build dependable, scalable AI systems that strengthen gameplay immersion.
• Guide and support AI programmers by promoting strong engineering practices and technical quality.
• Work hand in hand with designers, artists, and QA teams so AI behaviour matches the intended game experience.
• Spot technical challenges early and address them by applying modern AI methods to in-game systems.
• Improve and upkeep AI code and systems so they remain efficient, stable, and scalable within a shared codebase.

Required Experience and Skills

• Substantial background in game AI development, ideally with a history of completing and shipping titles.
• Advanced C++ expertise, particularly in complex game codebases and multi-threaded systems.
• Strong grasp of 3D maths, including movement, rotations, and spatial transformations.
• Excellent analytical ability and a track record of resolving AI-related technical problems.
• Confidence in mentoring junior and mid-level developers working on AI.
• Experience placing and tuning AI features inside large game engines while maintaining performance.
• Clear communication skills with the ability to explain technical decisions to non-engineering and cross-functional teams.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cloud Imperium Games states that it is committed to an inclusive workplace that welcomes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. The company aims to build a team that reflects the diversity of the wider world and encourages every employee to bring their individuality to work.

Fraud Notice

The company warns that some fraudulent job offers may falsely claim to be from Cloud Imperium Games. These scams may use fake websites, misleading email addresses, or social media messages. The company says it will not ask for personal information such as bank account details or identification numbers through social media or chat apps, and it will not ask candidates to send money for business equipment. Anyone who suspects fraud is advised to contact local authorities and share any relevant information with the company.