Lead AI Designer

We are seeking a Lead AI Designer to join our veteran team at Respawn Entertainment. This is an opportunity to define, drive and own the vision for AI systems and behaviors and help craft the future of Apex Legends. As the bridge between design, animation, and engineering, you’ll lead a small team of AI designers and collaborate closely with AI engineers, using the Source engine to take your ideas from paper to production and work directly in-engine with your team to help implement gameplay experiences and bring your vision to life.

What You Will Do

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.

Why It Might Be a Fit

This role requires a deep understanding of combat AI, behavior systems and group coordination in shooter gameplay. Experience leading a team and executing the creative vision is necessary. Passion for emergent gameplay, player agency, and creating AI that feels alive and reactive is also required.

Requirements

• 7+ years of professional game design experience, with at least 2 shipped AAA titles (preferably shooters or action games)
• Experience leading a team and executing the creative vision
• Live service development experience is an asset but not required
• 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.

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
• Bonus and other incentive programs