Character Behavior Developer- Generative AI Experiences SW

Summary

At Apple, we strive to make great products that empower people and improve their lives. We are looking for a great Character Behavior Designer to join our diverse team of engineers, artists and designers and help us take character interaction to the next level. This position focuses on the design of a character's responses to people and to its environment, with emphasis on expression, responsiveness, and timing, to push the limits of the next generation of interactive computing.

Description

This role requires a deep understanding of social interaction, technical proficiency in behavior authoring tools, and the ability to work within real-time constraints while maintaining high creative standards. The emphasis is on how expression, animation, and speech combine in performance, with dialogue authored in partnership with writers.

Responsibilities

Author complete character interactions, from first pass through final tuning
Drive animation, expression, speech, and timing from contextual input so each response feels intentional
Design interactions that stay believable across a range of social contexts
Collaborate with animators and engineers on the animation each interaction requires
Collaborate on tool design and development with the engineering team
Explore emerging techniques for interactive character behavior

Minimum Qualifications

Experience authoring and tuning NPC or companion character behaviors using tools like behavior trees, state machines, utility systems, or visual scripting
Working knowledge of interactive animation, including idles, reactions, look-ats, and additive layers
Experience with real-time game engines like Unity, Unreal, or others
Understanding of technical constraints in real-time environments
Great at providing and receiving feedback while working in a collaborative, cross-discipline environment

Preferred Qualifications

Background in animation, acting, physical comedy, or improvisation
Familiarity with conversational systems, including latency and failure modes
Solid grasp of the traditional principles of animation and performance
Prototyping, iterating, and evaluation skills
Experience with themed entertainment, animatronics, or interactive installation work

Pay & Benefits — Cupertino, California, United States

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $144,600 and $263,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Application Deadline

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.