Absurd Ventures

Machine Learning Engineer

Absurd Ventures · Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica, CA $165K–$200K Posted 2026-06-16
Salary
$165K–$200K
Type
Full-time
Experience
5+ yr

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.

LLMPythonPyTorchTensorFlowC++
$105K — 10th pctl $265K — 90th pctl
This role’s midpoint $182K vs. market median $180K for Data & ML roles
~median
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Based on 2,000+ Data & ML roles with disclosed salary ranges tracked on NewJob.
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