Principal Research Engineer, Unreal Assistant
About this role
Developers often struggle to seamlessly integrate generative artificial intelligence into complex real-time software environments. To bridge this gap, Epic Games needs a seasoned technical leader to construct the infrastructure that allows large language models to operate directly within Unreal Engine.
In this position, the engineer will design full-stack systems spanning engine-side C++ tools, cloud-hosted agent services, and web user interfaces. The scope of the work includes building LLM-driven agents, extending backend service harnesses, and evaluating emerging model capabilities for automated engine pipelines.
Successful candidates bring deep expertise in both game engine architecture and production-grade artificial intelligence systems. Someone who thrives in cross-functional environments and enjoys defining technical direction for reliability and safety will find considerable success here.
What you will do
- Design and build LLM-driven agents and tools that operate directly inside Unreal Engine.
- Design and extend the cloud-hosted agent harness, services, and database that mediate between language models and the engine.
- Work across the full stack including engine tooling, cloud backend, and the web user interface used to drive and monitor agents.
- Evaluate and integrate emerging language model capabilities such as tool use, multi-agent orchestration, and context management into company pipelines.
- Define technical direction for the reliability, safety, and evaluation of automated engine processes.
- Partner closely with engine, tools, and backend programmers while mentoring team members on engine internals and system design.
What you need
- Bring a strong software programming background with hands-on experience in a game engine, with Unreal Engine strongly preferred.
- Demonstrate practical experience building or shipping products powered by language models, or possess a strong conceptual understanding of how they work.
- Possess experience with cloud-native services and infrastructure covering web APIs, databases, and service architecture.
- Exhibit excellent programming skills across C++ for engine-side tasks alongside Python or a web backend language.
- Maintain the ability to work full-stack and reason about trade-offs across engine code, backend services, and front-end interfaces.
- Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Benefits
- Generous benefit plans
- Discretionary incentive programs
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
Where is this job located?
This role is open to multiple locations in North America, specifically including California, New York City, and Washington.
What is the salary range for the position?
The expected annual base pay range is $245,975 to $360,763 USD in New York City and Washington, and $270,572 to $396,838 USD in California.
What technical background is required?
Candidates need a strong software programming background with experience in a game engine, practical experience with products powered by language models, and proficiency in C++ and Python.