We are seeking a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to help shape the future of content systems and real-time gameplay using cutting-edge machine learning techniques. As Senior Machine Learning Engineer, you will work alongside gameplay engineers, producers, designers, and artists to integrate intelligent, adaptive systems for our toolchain and in the realtime game. You will be a key player in evolving how our games are built and experienced.
Core Responsibilities
- Work with team leads to develop and implement a machine learning (ML) strategy to maximize the potential to enhance our workflow and game systems. Educate the team on what is possible with ML.
- Design and deploy LLM techniques, including agentic workflow and toolchain enhancements.
- Build pipelines that train on gameplay data and deploy models optimized for real-time inference. Research and implement on-device small language and other local models for scalable incorporation of ML features in the live game experience.
- Partner with design and gameplay teams to prototype and test ML-powered features such as smart NPC behaviors, simulation approximation and dynamic adaptive environments.
- Analyze gameplay telemetry to train models that enhance engagement, retention, and personalization.
- Develop internal tools using ML to streamline workflows for production, art, animation, or audio pipelines within Unreal Engine.
- Stay current with ML and real-time AI trends and ensure performance scalability across platforms.
- Mentor other engineers and promote best practices in integrating ML techniques.
Core Qualifications
- 5+ years of machine learning experience, with at least 2 years integrating models into real-time or interactive environments.
- Strong C++ programming experience.
- Proficient in Python and ML libraries such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
- Familiarity with training and deploying models for real-time inference with GPU/CPU constraints in mind.
- Understanding of supervised and unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and generative models.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related field.
Plus If
- Experience with the Unreal Engine toolset (Blueprints, plugins, editor scripting, etc.).
- Experience building or using ML tools in a game development context.
- Knowledge of generative models (e.g. Diffusion, GANs, MCPs) for workflow augmentation.
Description
- Full-time job with benefits.
- Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.
- Office is located near downtown Santa Monica – near metro and freeways.
The base pay range for this position is $165,000 to $200,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) matching to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.
Skills Required
- 5+ years of machine learning experience
- At least 2 years integrating models into real-time or interactive environments
- Strong C++ programming experience
- Proficient in Python and ML libraries such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
- Familiarity with training and deploying models for real-time inference with GPU/CPU constraints
- Understanding of supervised and unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and generative models
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related field
- Experience with the Unreal Engine toolset (Blueprints, plugins, editor scripting, etc.)
- Experience building or using ML tools in a game development context
- Knowledge of generative models (e.g. Diffusion, GANs, MCPs) for workflow augmentation
What We Do
Absurd Ventures is an entertainment company creating new IP across all mediums including video games, live-action and animated TV, film, fiction podcasts, books, comic books and more. Absurd Ventures’ original properties include the sci-fi thriller universe “A Better Paradise”, the crime fiction universe “American Caper,” and the comedy satire universe “Absurdaverse”. The company has already launched a chart-topping audio fiction series set in the “A Better Paradise” universe and will be debuting an American Caper comics series and Absurdaverse animation projects in 2025. Founded by Dan Houser, Absurd Ventures is headquartered in Santa Monica, with additional studio offices in Marin, CA. Storytelling. Philanthropy. Ultraviolence.
