Lead AI Engineer at Hangar

Thank you for your interest in joining Hangar 13
. We are the award-winning studio behind the critically acclaimed Mafia franchise, a team united by a singular passion: delivering rich narrative storytelling through cinematic presentation and world-class AAA craft. We are currently looking for a visionary Lead AI Engineer to join our Brighton-based team and help us shape the next generation of narrative-driven experiences.

As we embark on a new chapter of the Mafia franchise, you will be at the forefront of technical innovation, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 to create living, breathing worlds populated by intelligent, reactive, and engaging characters. This is a role for a seasoned professional who balances high-level architecture with hands‑on coding and empathetic leadership.

Location Brighton, England, UK (Hybrid Options Available)

Reporting To Technical Director

Core Technology Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) / C++

Industry Focus AAA Narrative‑Driven Action/Adventure

Hangar 13 is a global collective of developers with a shared love for story, style, and adventure. We believe that the most memorable gaming moments are those that bridge the gap between cinema and interactivity. Our studio environment is collaborative and creative, designed for professionals who want to work with like‑minded peers to push the boundaries of what a “narrative game” can be.

By joining our Brighton studio, you become part of a culture that prizes diversity, technical rigor, and artistic ambition. We are not just building games; we are building a legacy within the Mafia universe.

Hangar 13 is seeking a seasoned and passionate Lead Engineer who thrives in a collaborative work environment. In this role, you will develop, write, plan, and orchestrate the codebase for AI systems on the next generation of Unreal Engine. You will lead a dedicated team of engineers, ensuring that the AI behaviors not only challenge the player but also enhance the cinematic storytelling that defines the Mafia brand.

You will serve as the primary architect for AI systems within Unreal Engine
5. This involves more than just standard implementation; it requires a deep understanding of how to bend the engine to meet the specific needs of a high‑fidelity AAA title.

• Lead the development of sophisticated AI systems and algorithms.
• Optimize AI performance to ensure smooth gameplay across multi‑platform environments.
• Maintain a clean, scalable, and well‑documented C++ codebase.

AI does not exist in a vacuum. You will work at the intersection of engineering and design to ensure the “feel” of the game matches the technical output.

• Partner with Game Designers to translate creative visions into functional AI behaviors.
• Implement challenging and engaging enemy archetypes and immersive NPC behaviors.
• Evaluate and incorporate successful techniques from previous Mafia titles, evolving them for a new generation of hardware.

To empower our creative teams, you will oversee the creation of the “workspace” for AI.

• Develop and maintain specialized AI tools that allow designers to iterate on behaviors without constant engineering intervention.
• Ensure the AI pipeline is efficient, from navigation mesh generation to behavior tree debugging.

As a Lead, your success is measured by the growth of your team.

• Manage a team of AI engineers, providing regular feedback and career development guidance.
• Assist in the recruitment process, identifying and hiring new talent to bolster our engineering department.
• Work closely with the Production team to ensure development stays on track, aligning with project timelines and budgetary constraints.

To be successful in this role, you should possess a blend of high‑level management skills and deep technical expertise.

• Leadership Track Record: Proven experience leading and inspiring a team of engineers through the complexities of a full production cycle.
• Industry
  
  Experience:
  
  At least one shipped AAA title where you served in a Lead or Senior AI Engineering capacity.
• C++ Mastery: Expert‑level knowledge…