Artiste technique sénior·e UI / Senior UI Tech Artist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Artiste technique sénior·e UI / Senior UI Tech Artist

Company: 2K (Gearbox Studio Québec)

Location: Quebec, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Technical Art / UI Development

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

Experience Level: 6+ Years Industry Experience

Remote Status: Remote Eligible (Canada & US)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and standardization of fundamental UI systems, driving innovation in user interface design and implementation.

• Collaborate closely with UI artists, designers, and programmers to define and execute best practices for UI asset creation and workflow optimization.

• Analyze and optimize memory and performance metrics throughout the game development lifecycle to ensure a seamless player experience.

• Develop efficient and user-friendly shaders for in-game UI elements, integrating creative aesthetics with technical functionality.

• Serve as a key technical liaison, communicating challenges and solutions for UI art and UX design concepts to cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is specifically for a Senior UI Tech Artist within Gearbox Studio Québec, a part of 2K. The emphasis is on establishing standards for UI systems and implementing key UI materials, indicating a leadership and foundational role in UI development. The mention of Unreal Engine 5, UMG, and Material Editor points to a highly specialized technical art position focused on game UI.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and document best practices and optimal workflows for UI art creation and integration, ensuring consistency and efficiency across projects.

• Partner with UI programmers to design, develop, and implement new engine features and functionalities specifically for the user interface.

• Conduct rigorous memory and performance analysis for all UI assets and systems, identifying bottlenecks and implementing optimization strategies.

• Create, test, and refine shaders that are both technically efficient and visually appealing for in-game UI elements.

• Proactively identify and communicate technical challenges related to UI art and UX design, proposing innovative solutions to overcome them.

• Research emerging technologies and techniques, developing prototypes for new art pipelines and UI systems to enhance creative possibilities.

• Provide technical guidance and support to UI artists and designers, helping them bring their concepts to life within technical constraints.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including artists, designers, producers, and programmers, to ensure successful UI implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are heavily focused on technical execution, optimization, and cross-functional collaboration within the UI domain. The emphasis on "best practices," "optimal workflows," "new engine features," and "research and develop prototypes" suggests a senior role responsible for setting technical direction and driving innovation in UI development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Not specified, but a strong portfolio and relevant experience are prioritized over formal degrees in the game industry.

Experience: 6+ years of experience in the game industry, with a significant focus on UI technical art.

Required Skills:

• Expert knowledge and hands-on experience with Unreal Engine 5, particularly its Material Editor and Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG).

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams across various disciplines (art, design, programming, production).

• Demonstrated capacity to take ownership of shippable quality UI content and systems, ensuring they are memory efficient and performant.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively to overcome technical challenges in UI development.

• High degree of autonomy and self-direction, capable of managing tasks independently when required.

• Experience in analyzing and optimizing memory usage and runtime performance for game assets. Preferred Skills:

• Practical knowledge of shader programming languages such as HLSL or GLSL.

• Familiarity with scripting languages like Python for pipeline automation or tool development.

• Good knowledge of 3D modeling applications (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max) and image editing software (e.g., Photoshop, Substance Painter).

• Experience developing for current-generation platforms (Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5).

• Exposure to other game engines like Unity or proprietary engines.

• A strong balance between creative/visual aesthetics and robust technical skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a deep technical expertise in Unreal Engine 5, specifically UMG and Material Editor, which are critical for modern game UI development. The emphasis on performance, memory efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration is standard for senior technical roles in AAA game development. Preferred skills indicate a desire for well-rounded technical artists who can contribute to broader aspects of the pipeline.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of complex UI systems developed using Unreal Engine 5, demonstrating proficiency in UMG and Material Editor.

• Examples of optimized UI shaders, with clear explanations of their technical implementation and performance benefits.

• Case studies detailing the process of analyzing and improving UI memory usage and runtime performance on past projects.

• Demonstrations of innovative UI solutions, including prototypes or early concepts that address specific technical or design challenges.

• Work samples that highlight effective cross-functional collaboration, such as contributions to UI pipelines or feature development with programmers. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and documenting UI best practices and workflow optimizations for teams.

• Examples of contributions to new engine feature development for UI, potentially through prototyping or technical specification.

• Clear articulation of how technical challenges in UI art and UX design were identified and overcome through analytical and creative processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for technical art roles. The emphasis here should be on demonstrating practical application of Unreal Engine 5 UI tools, shader expertise, and a clear understanding of performance optimization within a game development context. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process and rationale behind their technical decisions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD $90,000 - $130,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Senior Technical UI Artists in Quebec, Canada, considering the 6+ years of experience requirement and the AAA gaming studio context. Factors include cost of living in Quebec, demand for specialized skills in Unreal Engine, and the competitive nature of the game development industry.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick days, and public holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions (e.g., RRSP/401k).

• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and access to learning resources.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options.

• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Quebec, Canada.

• Access to the latest gaming hardware and software for professional development.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for overtime during critical project phases, common in game development. Flexibility may be offered based on team needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on typical ranges for senior technical roles in the Canadian game development sector, specifically Quebec. Benefits are standard for AAA studios and are crucial for attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive field.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Gearbox Studio Québec is part of 2K, a renowned publisher of interactive entertainment. The studio contributes to iconic franchises known for their unique art styles and engaging gameplay.

Company Size: Gearbox Studio Québec is part of the larger 2K/Take-Two Interactive ecosystem. The studio itself is a significant entity within Quebec's growing game development scene, likely employing hundreds of professionals. This size allows for specialized teams while maintaining a collaborative environment.

Founded: Gearbox Software was founded in 1999. Gearbox Studio Québec was established later to expand the company's development capabilities. This history suggests a company with deep roots in the industry and a proven track record of successful game development.

Team Structure:

• The UI team likely consists of UI Artists, UI Programmers, and Technical UI Artists, working under a Lead UI Artist or Art Director.

• This role will report to a Senior Art Lead or Technical Director, with direct collaboration across multiple disciplines including game design, UX, and engine programming.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close partnerships with game designers, level artists, animators, and engine programmers to integrate UI seamlessly into the game world. Methodology:

• Data-driven development, with a strong emphasis on performance analysis, memory optimization, and iterative feedback loops.

• Agile or similar project management methodologies are likely employed to manage complex game development cycles.

• Focus on establishing and adhering to technical specifications and art pipelines to ensure consistency and quality across large-scale projects.

Company Website: www.GearboxSoftware.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply embedded in game development, with a focus on creating high-quality, visually distinctive, and technically robust games. The presence of multiple studios suggests a structured approach to development, with opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing across locations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a mid-to-late career stage for a Technical UI Artist. It requires not only expert technical skills but also the ability to mentor junior team members, set technical direction, and contribute to process improvement initiatives. The role is foundational in establishing UI systems for future projects.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Tech Artist will likely report to an Art Director, Lead UI Artist, or Technical Director. They will work closely with UI Designers, UI Artists, and UI Programmers, acting as a bridge between creative vision and technical execution.

Operations Impact: This role has a significant impact on the player experience by ensuring the UI is not only visually appealing but also performant, intuitive, and technically sound. The work directly influences the usability and accessibility of the game, contributing to player satisfaction and critical reception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced shader development, engine-specific UI features, or performance optimization techniques.

• Leadership Development: Transition into roles such as Lead UI Technical Artist, Art Director, or Technical Director, managing teams and strategic technical planning.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expansion: Broaden knowledge into other areas of technical art, such as VFX, tools development, or engine programming, by collaborating with other specialized teams.

• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior technical artists, sharing knowledge and best practices to foster team growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies significant responsibility and the potential for future leadership. Growth opportunities should focus on deepening technical expertise, moving into management, or exploring adjacent technical art disciplines within AAA game development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model. While the role is based in Quebec, Canada, remote work is an option for qualified candidates within Canada and potentially the United States (Frisco, Texas is mentioned as a company location). On-site work in Quebec is expected for team collaboration and studio integration.

Office Location(s): Quebec, Canada (primary studio location), with potential remote options within Canada and the US (Frisco, Texas).

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative studio environment designed to foster creativity and teamwork, with dedicated spaces for art and technical teams.

• Access to high-performance workstations equipped with industry-standard software and hardware necessary for complex UI development and rendering.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with other technical artists, programmers, and designers, encouraging knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is 40 hours, with flexibility often available. However, game development environments are known for demanding periods of intense work leading up to project milestones or releases, which may require extended hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid/remote eligibility for certain locations is a key aspect. Candidates should clarify expectations regarding on-site presence if based outside of Quebec. The work environment is typical of a AAA game studio, emphasizing collaboration and access to cutting-edge tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion with hiring manager and/or senior team members focusing on Unreal Engine 5, UMG, Material Editor, shader knowledge, and performance optimization techniques. Expect scenario-based questions and problem-solving challenges.

• Portfolio Review: Detailed walkthrough of your portfolio with the hiring team. Be prepared to discuss your contributions, technical process, challenges faced, and solutions implemented for each project. Focus on UI-specific work.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential peers and cross-functional collaborators to assess teamwork, communication style, and alignment with studio culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a studio director or executive, focusing on overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on your strongest, most relevant UI technical art projects. Showcase a variety of UI elements and systems.

• Highlight Technical Depth: For each project, clearly articulate the technical challenges, your specific contributions, the tools and techniques used (especially UE5, UMG, Material Editor), and the performance optimizations implemented.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., reduction in memory usage, improvement in frame rate, successful implementation of complex features).

• Showcase Process: Include breakdowns of your workflow, shader logic, or system architecture to illustrate your thought process.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to answer questions about your design choices, problem-solving approaches, and how you collaborate with others.

Challenge Preparation:

• UI Optimization Task: You might be given a small UI asset or scene and asked to identify and fix performance or memory issues.

• Shader Creation Task: A request to create a specific type of UI shader within Unreal Engine's Material Editor.

• System Design Scenario: A hypothetical problem related to implementing a complex UI feature, requiring you to outline a technical approach.

• Technical Discussion: Be prepared to discuss advanced concepts related to UI rendering, engine architecture, and cross-platform considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is rigorous, with a strong emphasis on practical skills and a portfolio review. Candidates must be able to clearly articulate their technical expertise and demonstrate problem-solving abilities relevant to game UI development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unreal Engine 5: Expert proficiency required, specifically in the Material Editor and Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG) for UI layout, scripting, and visual implementation.

• Shader Development Tools: Experience with HLSL or GLSL for creating custom shaders.

• 3D Modeling Applications: Proficiency in tools like Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender for creating UI assets or elements.

• Image Editing Software: Expertise in Photoshop, GIMP, or similar for texture creation and manipulation.

• Version Control Systems: Familiarity with Git, Perforce, or similar for managing code and assets in a collaborative environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Unreal Engine Profiling Tools: In-engine tools for analyzing memory usage, CPU/GPU performance, and identifying bottlenecks within the UI systems.

• Custom Debugging Tools: Potentially developed or utilized for specific UI performance analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Python Scripting: For pipeline automation, tool development, or integrating systems.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for task tracking and workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around Unreal Engine 5. Proficiency in its UI-specific tools (UMG, Material Editor) and shader languages is non-negotiable. Experience with supporting tools for 3D modeling, image editing, and scripting is highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Craft: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished work that pushes the boundaries of visual fidelity and technical performance in game UI.

• Collaboration and Communication: Fostering an environment where open communication, constructive feedback, and teamwork are paramount for success.

• Innovation and Problem-Solving: Encouraging creative thinking and the development of novel solutions to overcome technical challenges in game development.

• Player-Centricity: Designing and implementing UI with the end-user experience in mind, ensuring intuitiveness, accessibility, and immersion.

• Continuous Learning: Embracing new technologies, techniques, and industry trends to stay at the forefront of game development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Working seamlessly with UI designers, programmers, and other art disciplines to integrate UI effectively into the game.

• Proactive Feedback: Regularly sharing insights, providing constructive criticism, and actively seeking feedback to improve UI systems and workflows.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of learning by sharing expertise, best practices, and solutions with team members through presentations, documentation, or informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes high standards, teamwork, and a passion for creating exceptional gaming experiences. The values align with the demands of AAA game development, where collaboration and technical innovation are key drivers of success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Performance and Aesthetics: Consistently delivering visually stunning UI that remains performant across various hardware configurations, especially on current-gen consoles.

• Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with the rapid advancements in game engine technology, rendering techniques, and UI development tools.

• Complex System Integration: Integrating intricate UI systems with core game logic, engine features, and backend services seamlessly.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively bridging the gap between artistic vision, user experience goals, and programming constraints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Shader Programming: Opportunities to delve deeper into shader writing for complex visual effects within the UI.

• Engine Architecture Exploration: Gaining a deeper understanding of Unreal Engine's core architecture as it relates to UI rendering and performance.

• Mentorship Programs: Participating in or leading mentorship initiatives to develop leadership and teaching skills.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Access to events like GDC or specific engine development conferences for networking and skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior technical roles in AAA game development, requiring continuous adaptation and problem-solving. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening technical mastery and expanding into leadership or broader technical art domains.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI system you developed in Unreal Engine 5. What were the technical challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on U