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Respawn Entertainment · 9 hours ago

Lead AI Designer (Apex Legends)

LA Metro Area

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

CAD$131K/yr - CAD$183K/yr

7+ years exp

Respawn Entertainment is a studio under Electronic Arts known for creating critically acclaimed games like Apex Legends and Star Wars™ Jedi: Fallen Order. They are seeking a Lead AI Designer to define and drive the vision for AI systems and behaviors in Apex Legends, collaborating with a team to enhance player experiences through intelligent and immersive AI combat. The role involves leading a team of AI designers and ensuring the integration of AI systems into the overall game design.

Developer PlatformPC GamesVideo Games

Growth Opportunities

Responsibilities

Define the creative and technical vision for AI design (enemy, ally, training and NPC behaviors) across all modes of Apex Legends

Lead the cross-disciplinary AI team to execute that creative vision across all Apex gameplay experiences and modes

Design and tune AI systems including perception, combat logic, navigation, coordination, and decision-making frameworks

Establish reusable AI archetypes, behavior trees, and encounter templates that support a range of combat scenarios

Lead, mentor, and grow a team of AI designers; provide clear goals, feedback, and support career development

Collaborate cross-discipline with engineering, animation, and level design to ensure AI systems integrate smoothly into the overall player experience

Own the quality of AI combat and systemic behaviors, ensuring they meet performance, difficulty, and fun targets

Collaborate with partner teams (User Research/Analytics/Playtests) to optimize the AI experience

Work in a live game environment partnering with production to plan and manage a live service development schedule and release plan

Qualification

AI designCombat AIBehavior systemsAI scripting toolsLive service developmentCross-disciplinary communicationEmergent gameplayQuality-first mentalityTeam leadership

Required

7+ years of professional game design experience, with at least 2 shipped AAA titles (preferably shooters or action games)

Deep understanding of combat AI, behavior systems and group coordination in shooter gameplay

Proven experience designing AI for FPS or third-person shooters

Experience with AI scripting tools, visual behavior trees, and debugging environments

Strong cross-disciplinary communication skills and a track record of collaborating effectively with engineering and animation teams

Passion for emergent gameplay, player agency, and creating AI that feels alive and reactive

Quality-first mentality. No ego, just a commitment to get to the best quality experience in-game

Preferred

Live service development experience is an asset but not required

Benefits

Paid time off (3 weeks per year to start)

80 hours per year of sick time

16 paid company holidays per year

10 weeks paid time off to bond with baby

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) to regular full-time employees

Paid top-up to EI/QPIP benefits up to 100% of base salary when you welcome a new child (12 weeks for maternity, and 4 weeks for parental/adoption leave)

Extended health/dental/vision coverage

Retirement plan to regular full-time employees

Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity