MachineGames hiring Senior AI Programmer, Uppsala

MachineGames, the award-winning developer behind the modern Wolfenstein saga and the critically acclaimed Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, is looking for a Senior AI Programmer to help define the intelligence and behavior of our next generation of characters.

In this role, you will be a vital part of a high-caliber engineering team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of immersion. We aren’t just looking for someone to write code; we are looking for an architect of experience—someone who understands how NPC behaviors, navigation, and decision-making systems translate into a “crunchy,” satisfying, and narrative-rich gameplay loop. If you are a C++ expert with a passion for creating believable adversaries and companions, we want to hear from you.

Senior AI Programmer Job Overview

• Company Name: MachineGames (MachineGames Sweden AB)
• Job Title: Senior AI Programmer
• Category / Type: Engineering / Regular Full-Time
• Location: Uppsala, Sweden (HQ) or Sundsvall, Sweden (Satellite Office)
• Work Model: Permanent On-site (Hybrid flexibility available)
• Relocation Support: Full support provided (Visa / Work Permit & moving assistance)
• Estimated Salary: 720,000 SEK – 900,000 SEK annually (Based on 2026 senior engineering benchmarks)

About MachineGames

Founded in 2010 by industry veterans, MachineGames has a legacy of fusing intense first-person action with deep, cinematic storytelling. We are part of the ZeniMax/Bethesda family and operate with a “down-to-earth” philosophy. Our studio is free from big egos; we believe that the best technology is built through collaboration, honesty, and a shared commitment to quality.

Our headquarters is located in the heart of Uppsala, a historic university city just 40 minutes north of Stockholm. Uppsala offers a unique blend of pre-medieval heritage and modern Swedish innovation, providing an inspiring and stable environment for long-term career growth.

Core Responsibilities

As a Senior AI Programmer, you will report to the Lead Game Programmer and act as a subject matter expert in artificial intelligence while maintaining the versatility of a generalist engineer.

1. Architecture & Implementation

• High-Performance Code: Architect and implement AI features in C/C++ that are optimized for CPU, GPU, and memory efficiency.
• System Development: Beyond AI, you will extend and debug tools, physics, animation, and gameplay code, ensuring all systems respect platform constraints and design intent.
• Problem Solving: Construct elegant solutions for unforeseen design challenges in a timely manner, ensuring the project stays on track without sacrificing quality.

2. Quality & Code Stewardship

• Code Review: Review code written by programmers across the studio, providing insightful feedback to improve maintainability and performance.
• Clean Code: Write professional, well-commented, and maintainable code that serves as a standard for the rest of the team.
• Mentorship: Help guide and mentor less experienced team members, fostering a culture of technical excellence.

3. Proactive Innovation

• Tooling: Modify and extend the tools pipeline as necessary to empower designers and animators.
• Emerging Tech: Proactively suggest and implement new technologies and tools that can improve our internal workflows and the final player experience.

Candidate Qualifications

We are looking for a seasoned programmer who understands the “full stack” of a modern AAA game engine.

• Industry Experience: You must have at least one shipped AAA title credited as a Senior AI Programmer (or equivalent seniority) and experience with at least one or two full development cycles.
• C++ Mastery: Exceptional problem-solving and debugging skills in C++. You should be comfortable diving deep into complex codebases.
• Mathematics: A strong grasp of 3D mathematics (linear algebra, trigonometry, etc.) as it pertains to game development and character movement.
• AI Specialization: Demonstrated experience using Havok products (Physics/AI) is essential.
• Independence: The ability to take ownership of large-scale tasks and work independently while remaining a collaborative team player.

Preferred Skills

• Companion AI: Specific experience designing and implementing complex player companions.
• Advanced Systems: Experience working with Utility-based AI or Hierarchical Task Network (HTN) systems.
• Engine Experience: Prior experience with idTech or other high-end proprietary engines is a significant advantage.

Our Cultural Values

Our everyday work is driven by six core principles:

1. Team Performance: We value the success of the group over individual ego.
2. Open Door Policy: We practice transparency and accessibility across all levels of leadership.
3. Reliability: We deliver what we promise to our colleagues and our players.
4. Actionable Feedback: We provide clear, constructive critiques to help each other grow.
5. Ownership: We take responsibility for our code and our contributions.
6. Continuous Learning: We view mistakes as an essential part of the iterative process.

Why Move to Sweden?

Sweden is renowned for its high quality of life, and MachineGames ensures your transition is seamless.

• Relocation Package: We support non-EU citizens with work permit applications and provide financial assistance for your move.
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from 25+ days of paid vacation, world-class healthcare, and a culture that respects your time away from the keyboard.
• Historic Uppsala: Live in a city where 1,000 years of history meet a vibrant, modern lifestyle.

How to Apply

If you are a passionate programmer who wants to build the brains behind the industry’s most immersive characters, we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV along with any relevant code samples or technical blog posts that showcase your AI expertise.

MachineGames is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome everyone into our family without regard to race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.