Lead NPC Gameplay Engineer | Unannounced Project | Irvine, CA

Lead NPC Gameplay Engineer | Unannounced Project | Irvine, CA
Unannounced Project – Irvine, CA

Requisition ID: R027454

At Blizzard we craft genre‑defining games and legendary worlds for all to share. Through unparalleled creativity and storytelling, we create immersive universes and iconic characters that are beloved across platforms, borders, backgrounds, and generations.

As our Lead NPC Gameplay Engineer, you will manage the development of NPC behaviors and combat mechanics as part of our project’s larger gameplay team. You will lead a small team of engineers, provide technical guidance and direction, collaborate with design and project leadership teams, and help define strategic initiatives and break down clear and achievable goals for your team. When particularly hard problems arise, you'll draw upon the team's collective creativity and experience to define and execute upon a technical vision that meets the project's needs.

This role offers a flexible hybrid work week from our Irvine, CA studio location, with a mix of remote and on‑site days. While hybrid is the standard arrangement, you’re also welcome to work on‑site full‑time if you prefer.

Responsibilities

Define and champion the long‑term technical vision for NPC and combat AI architecture, balancing flexibility, performance, and maintainability.

Lead, manage, and mentor the engineers on the NPC gameplay team.

Serve as the primary point of contact for NPC mechanics development, partnering with gameplay teams, design, project leadership, and engine teams to define requirements and drive execution.

Partner with the production staff and the broader leadership team on milestone planning, prioritization, and development tracking progress.

Author and maintain technical design documentation that outlines key project architectural decisions, features, milestones, and technical risks.

Enable designers, artists, and other engineers to deliver the vision of the game and deliver compelling player experiences.

Optimize team productivity by supporting content‑creation pipelines, tool development, and workflow improvements.

Champion Blizzard’s core values.

Minimum Requirements

8+ years of experience in gameplay engineering, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Experience leading team efforts to deliver real‑time NPC gameplay and combat features, including work with ability systems, animation, navigation, and traversal mechanics.

Experience shipping AAA game features on PC and modern consoles, including optimization, polish, and post‑launch support.

Strong C++ programming skills, with the ability to write, debug, and optimize production‑quality code.

Ability to make frequent, well‑structured, and well‑tested code commits.

Strong understanding of NPC authoring workflows and designer‑friendly tooling.

Strong knowledge of modern game combat AI paradigms.

Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate vision, ideas, and learnings, and provide meaningful feedback.

Excellent problem‑solving and debugging skills.

Proven ability to mentor others, share expertise, and support the growth of engineers.

Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and people with diverse perspectives.

Bonus Points

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, or a related field.

Experience using Unreal Engine, including both C++ and Blueprint.

Prior experience leading a team of engineers in a collaborative environment.

Experience optimizing performance for a high number of active NPCs.

Experience building tools or workflows that empower designers and other disciplines.

Passion for games and game development, with a particular appreciation for high‑quality, immersive NPC behavior and implementation.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and health savings plan.

401(k) with company match and tuition reimbursement.

Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.

Health and wellness programs, including mental health resources and fitness programs.

Relocation assistance if required for the job.

Pay
In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $121,500.00 - $224,880.00 Annual. Additional incentive compensation may be available.

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.

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