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 Art
Date Posted: May 11, 2026
Experience Level: 6+ Years Industry Experience
Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote possible for Quebec-based candidates)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the technical implementation and optimization of User Interface (UI) systems within Unreal Engine 5, setting standards for future game development.
• Collaborate closely with UI artists, UI programmers, and other development disciplines to integrate and enhance UI features and engine capabilities.
• Analyze and optimize memory and performance metrics for all UI assets and systems, ensuring a high-quality player experience.
• Develop efficient, user-friendly shaders and art pipelines that balance creative aesthetics with technical constraints.
• Research and prototype new technologies and workflows to bring innovative UI concepts to life and support team creativity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior UI Tech Artist," the responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a blend of technical art expertise focused specifically on UI implementation within a game development context. The "Remote OK" AI attribute suggests flexibility for candidates based in Quebec, but the primary listed location is Quebec, Canada.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and champion best practices and optimal workflows for UI art creation and implementation.
• Partner with UI artists to ensure their creative visions are technically feasible and efficiently executed within the game engine.
• Collaborate with UI programmers to develop and integrate new engine features critical for UI functionality and performance.
• Conduct in-depth memory and performance analysis throughout the project lifecycle, identifying and resolving bottlenecks.
• Create efficient, reusable, and user-friendly shaders specifically for UI elements within the game.
• Clearly communicate technical challenges and constraints related to UI art and UX design concepts to the broader development team.
• Research, prototype, and develop new art pipelines and tools to enhance UI development efficiency and creative possibilities.
• Ensure all UI art assets and systems are memory-efficient and performant for shippable quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive role in defining technical standards and driving implementation, characteristic of a senior-level position. The emphasis on collaboration across disciplines and cross-functional communication is typical for senior technical roles in game development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Not specified, but a strong portfolio and demonstrated technical expertise are paramount.
Experience: 6+ years of experience within the video game industry.

Required Skills:

• Expert knowledge and practical application of Unreal Engine 5, with a deep understanding of the Material Editor and Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG).
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams across various disciplines (art, programming, design, production).
• Demonstrated capability to take ownership of shippable quality content and systems, ensuring high standards for memory efficiency and performance.
• Strong aptitude for creative problem-solving and innovative thinking to overcome technical challenges in UI development.
• High degree of self-direction and autonomy, with the ability to manage tasks and drive progress independently.

Preferred Skills:

• Practical knowledge of shader programming languages such as HLSL or GLSL.
• Working knowledge of scripting languages like Python for pipeline automation or tool development.
• Good understanding of 3D modeling applications (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max) and image editing software (e.g., Photoshop, Substance Painter).
• Experience with current-generation gaming platforms, including Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.
• Familiarity with other popular game engines like Unity or proprietary engine technologies.
• A strong balance between creative/visual aesthetics and robust technical skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "6+ Years of industry experience" combined with "Expert knowledge of Unreal Engine 5" signifies a need for seasoned professionals who can not only execute but also guide and innovate within the UI technical art domain. The "Nice-to-Haves" provide clear pathways for candidates to differentiate themselves by showcasing broader technical and platform experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of technical UI art implementations within Unreal Engine 5, specifically highlighting UMG and Material Editor work.
• Examples of optimized UI shaders, demonstrating efficiency and visual fidelity.
• Case studies detailing memory and performance analysis and optimization efforts for UI elements.
• Demonstrations of collaborative workflows, perhaps illustrating contributions to shared art pipelines or engine feature development.
• Prototypes or examples of research into new UI technologies or art pipeline innovations.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate the process followed for developing and optimizing UI shaders.
• Document the methodology used for analyzing and improving UI memory footprint and runtime performance.
• Illustrate the process of collaborating with UI programmers on engine feature development or integration.
• Showcase the steps taken to research, prototype, and implement new art pipelines for UI.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UI Tech Artist role, a portfolio is critical. It should not only display visual output but also the technical process, problem-solving approach, and optimization strategies. Expect to present detailed case studies of your work, emphasizing metrics and technical execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Technical Artists in Quebec, Canada, with 6+ years of experience, and considering the specific expertise in Unreal Engine 5 and UI development, a competitive salary range would typically fall between CAD $90,000 - $130,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the high demand for specialized technical art skills in the gaming industry and the cost of living in Quebec.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental coverage.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., RRSP matching).
• Paid time off, including vacation days and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in new technologies.
• Access to company-provided gaming hardware and software.
• Potential for project-based bonuses or performance incentives.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during critical project phases. Flexibility may be offered for remote work days, but on-site collaboration is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: As no specific salary was provided, this estimate is derived from general market data for senior technical roles in the Canadian tech and gaming sectors, specifically in Quebec. The benefits are standard for the industry and region, with a focus on professional growth relevant to a technical artist.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Gearbox Studio Québec is a key studio within 2K Games, a prominent publisher known for major franchises like Borderlands, NBA 2K, and Civilization. They focus on creating award-winning and genre-defining games, with a strong emphasis on rich universes and transmedia storytelling. Company Size: Part of 2K (Take-Two Interactive), which is a large global entity. Gearbox Studio Québec itself is a significant studio within the company, likely employing dozens to hundreds of professionals. This size allows for specialized teams while maintaining a collaborative studio environment. Founded: Gearbox Software was founded in 1999. Gearbox Studio Québec is a more recent expansion, reflecting the company's growth and commitment to talent in Canada.

Team Structure:

• The UI Tech Artist will be part of a dedicated UI/UX team, comprising UI Artists, UI Designers, and UI Programmers.
• This team will likely collaborate closely with other art disciplines (e.g., environment artists, character artists), game designers, and engineering teams.
• Reporting structure is expected to be within the Art or Engineering department, with a lead or director overseeing the UI team's technical direction.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven UI Development: Emphasis on analyzing performance metrics (memory, frame rate) and player feedback to iterate on UI design and implementation.
• Agile Development Practices: Likely utilizing agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) for iterative development, sprint planning, and continuous integration.
• Pipeline Optimization: A core focus on researching and developing efficient art pipelines to streamline the creation and implementation of UI assets.

Company Website: www.GearboxSoftware.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context details are synthesized from the provided description and general knowledge of 2K and the gaming industry. The emphasis on collaboration and iterative development is standard for AAA game studios.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a significant level of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to mentor junior team members. The role requires not just execution but also the strategic definition of technical standards and workflows for UI art. Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Tech Artist will likely report to a Lead UI Artist, Art Director, or Technical Director. They will work closely with UI Designers and UI Programmers, often acting as a technical bridge between these roles. Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on the player experience. A well-executed, performant, and visually appealing UI is crucial for game accessibility, engagement, and overall player satisfaction. Technical art decisions directly influence game performance and development efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Unreal Engine 5, shader programming, and advanced UI engine features.
• Leadership Development: Opportunity to mentor junior technical artists and UI artists, leading technical initiatives within the UI team.
• Cross-Disciplinary Growth: Gain broader exposure to game design, programming, and other art disciplines, potentially leading to a Lead Technical Artist or Art Director role.
• Project Variety: Work on diverse AAA franchises, offering exposure to different art styles, technical challenges, and gameplay mechanics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a career path that moves beyond individual contribution to include mentorship, technical leadership, and strategic input on how UI art is developed within the studio.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as being in Quebec, Canada, with "Remote OK" indicated. This suggests a hybrid work model where on-site presence in the Quebec studio is preferred or required for certain collaboration and team activities, but remote work within the Quebec region is permissible. Office Location(s): Quebec, Quebec, Canada. Specific office details are not provided but can be assumed to be a professional studio environment equipped for game development.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect an open or semi-open office layout designed to foster collaboration, with dedicated spaces for team meetings and brainstorming.
• Tools & Technology: Access to high-end workstations, industry-standard software (Unreal Engine 5, Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling tools), and potentially specialized hardware for testing.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with UI artists, UI programmers, game designers, and other art teams, likely facilitated through daily stand-ups, team meetings, and project reviews.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (40 hours/week) are expected, with flexibility potentially offered through the hybrid model. The nature of game development often involves crunch periods closer to release dates, requiring dedication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role implies a need for strong communication skills and the ability to manage one's workflow effectively, whether in the office or remotely.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of resume and portfolio for basic qualifications.
• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion with a Lead UI Artist or Technical Director focusing on Unreal Engine 5, UMG, material editor, shader development, and performance optimization. Expect to discuss technical challenges faced and solutions implemented.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their role, technical approaches, and outcomes. This is a critical stage for demonstrating expertise.
• Cross-Disciplinary Interview: Discussion with UI programmers and/or UI designers to assess collaboration skills and understanding of different discipline needs.
• Final Interview: Conversation with studio leadership (e.g., Art Director) to assess cultural fit, leadership potential, and overall strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your UI technical art skills using Unreal Engine 5.
• Detail Your Role & Process: Clearly explain your specific contributions, the technical challenges you faced, your problem-solving approach, and the tools/techniques you used.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your work (e.g., performance improvements, memory savings, workflow efficiencies).
• Showcase Technical Depth: Include breakdowns of shaders, material graphs, or code snippets where appropriate to highlight your technical proficiency.
• Prepare for UMG & Materials: Be ready to discuss your experience with UMG widgets, custom UMG widgets, and creating complex materials in Unreal Engine 5.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Exercise: You may be asked to complete a small technical challenge related to UI art creation, shader development, or performance optimization within Unreal Engine.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical technical challenges and how you would approach solving them.
• Presentation Skills: Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, as you will need to present your portfolio and ideas effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio and technical demonstration is paramount for this role. Candidates should be prepared to deep-dive into their past projects and technical decision-making processes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unreal Engine 5: Expert-level proficiency is mandatory, specifically with:
  • UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics): For creating and implementing UI layouts, widgets, and interactive elements.
  • Material Editor: For building complex and optimized UI materials.
  • Rendering Pipeline: Understanding how UI elements are rendered and optimized within Unreal Engine.
• Shader Languages: HLSL (High-Level Shading Language) or GLSL (OpenGL Shading Language) for custom shader development.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Unreal Engine Profiler: For memory and performance analysis.
• Custom Analytics Tools: Potentially used by the studio for tracking UI performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Python Scripting: For pipeline automation, tool development, and workflow enhancement.
• Version Control Systems: Git, Perforce, or similar for managing code and art assets.
• Project Management Software: Jira, Confluence, or similar for task tracking and documentation.

Other Potentially Used Tools (Nice-to-Haves):

• 3D Modeling Software: Maya, Blender, 3ds Max.
• Image Editing Software: Adobe Photoshop, Substance Suite.
• Other Game Engines: Unity, proprietary engines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is Unreal Engine 5 expertise, particularly in UMG and the Material Editor. Proficiency in shader languages and scripting is also highly valued for a senior technical role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished UI that meets or exceeds industry standards for AAA games.
• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging the exploration of new technologies and approaches to push the boundaries of UI art and design.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together, share knowledge, and help each other succeed.
• Efficiency & Optimization: A strong focus on developing performant and memory-efficient systems that contribute to overall game stability and player experience.
• Continuous Learning: A dedication to staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in game development and technical art.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Working closely with UI artists, UI programmers, and game designers to translate creative vision into technically sound UI implementations.
• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and constructive feedback through regular team meetings, code reviews, and design discussions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in sharing technical insights, best practices, and learnings with the team, potentially through presentations or documentation.
• Problem-Solving Focus: Approaching challenges as team opportunities, seeking collaborative solutions that benefit the project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Gearbox Studio Québec, as part of 2K, likely emphasizes a passion for game creation, a drive for quality, and a collaborative spirit essential for AAA development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Performance: The primary challenge is to create visually stunning and engaging UI elements while adhering to strict memory and performance budgets, especially on current-gen consoles.
• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with rapid advancements in Unreal Engine, shader technology, and UI/UX trends requires continuous learning.
• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively translating technical constraints to artists and creative visions to programmers can be complex.
• Pipeline Development: Researching, prototyping, and integrating new tools or pipeline improvements that may require significant upfront investment in time and resources.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Unreal Engine Training: Access to specialized courses or workshops on new UE5 features, rendering techniques, or performance optimization.
• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend events like GDC (Game Developers Conference) or SIGGRAPH to learn about cutting-edge technologies and network with peers.
• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior technical leaders within the studio or broader 2K organization.
• Specialization Tracks: Focus on areas like advanced shader development, UI performance profiling, or procedural UI generation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for technical growth within a leading game development studio, with challenges that are directly tied to improving player experience and the efficiency of game development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to optimize a complex UI system for performance. What were the bottlenecks, and what steps did you take to resolve them?" (Focus: Performance Analysis, Problem-Solving)
• "How do you approach creating reusable and efficient shaders for UI elements in Unreal Engine? Can you walk us through a specific example?" (Focus: Shader Development, Material Editor Expertise)
• "How do you collaborate with UI artists and UI programmers? Describe a situation where you had to bridge a gap between design intent and technical feasibility." (Focus: Collaboration, Communication)
• "What are your thoughts on the future of UI in games, particularly with the advancements in Unreal Engine 5?" (Focus: Industry Awareness, forward-thinking)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Gearbox Studio Québec and on our specific titles?" (Focus: Company Alignment, Passion)
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially in a hybrid work setting?" (Focus: Teamwork, Adaptability)
• "Describe a situation where you had to think outside the box to overcome a technical challenge." (Focus: Innovation, Problem-Solving)
• "How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in technical art and game development?" (Focus: Continuous Learning)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your solution, your specific role, the technical details, and the outcome (including any metrics).
• Visual Clarity: Use clear screenshots, videos, or interactive demos to showcase your work. Ensure any technical breakdowns (e.g., material graphs) are legible.
• Technical Depth: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your shader logic, UMG implementation choices, and optimization strategies.
• Conciseness: Respect the interviewer's time by being focused and to the point, but be ready to elaborate when asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating hands-on experience with Unreal Engine 5's UI tools and a strong understanding of performance optimization principles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Tech Artist position:

• Submit your application through the provided job link on Greenhouse.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful projects showcasing Unreal Engine 5 UI, UMG, material editing, and performance optimization. Ensure your contributions are clearly defined.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 6+ years of industry experience, expert-level Unreal Engine 5 skills (UMG, Material Editor), shader programming knowledge, and any experience with performance analysis or optimization. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on technical details, problem-solving, and quantifiable results. Be ready to discuss your process and collaborative approach.
• Research Gearbox & 2K: Understand their game franchises, studio culture, and commitment to player experience to articulate your interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.