Software Engineer

About Iconic: We’re building digital actors: AI-driven characters that don’t just talk, but act; shaping the world, responding to the player, and driving stories that evolve through both words and actions. The Mission: We believe games and interactive media are on the verge of a fundamental shift. Today’s experiences are largely scripted, characters follow predefined paths, and player choice is limited. We’re building systems that change that: digital actors that can think, communicate, and take action in real time. Our goal is to create worlds that are truly alive—where stories emerge from interaction, and every player experience is unique. Recent advances in AI make this possible for the first time. The challenge now is turning that potential into real, scalable systems that people can play. The Role: We’re looking for a Software Engineer to help build the systems powering our digital actors and interactive worlds. This is a highly hands-on role working across gameplay systems, AI infrastructure, tools, runtime systems, and product features. You’ll collaborate closely with engineers, researchers, designers, and artists to help turn emerging AI capabilities into real player experiences. This is not just an implementation role. You’ll be contributing to the foundations of a new kind of interactive medium helping shape how intelligent characters behave, respond, and interact with players in real time. A background in games is not required, but a strong interest in games, simulation, and interactive systems is essential. What You’ll Do: Design, build, and maintain production systems across multiple areas of the stackContribute directly to gameplay systems, AI integrations, runtime infrastructure, and developer toolingCollaborate with researchers to help bring experimental systems into real productsWork closely with product and design to build compelling interactive experiencesWrite clean, maintainable, and performant production codeHelp improve engineering practices, tooling, and workflows as the team growsContribute ideas and experimentation around how AI can create new forms of gameplay and interaction What We’re Looking For: Strong software engineering fundamentalsExperience building and shipping production softwareComfortable working across different languages, tools, and systemsStrong problem-solving ability and willingness to learn new technologies quicklyInterest in AI systems and how they can be applied to games and interactive experiencesInterest in games, simulation, or emergent systemsCollaborative mindset and comfort working in cross-functional teamsStrong understanding of engineering quality and maintainability Nice to Have: Experience with game engines (Unity, Unreal, or similar)Experience working on gameplay systems or real-time applicationsFamiliarity with AI/ML systems, APIs, or toolingExperience in startups or small, fast-moving teamsPersonal projects, mods, prototypes, or game jams Locations: London, United Kingdom