Artiste technique sénior·e UI // Senior UI Tech Artist

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: Gearbox Quebec

Location: Quebec City, QC, Canada; Montreal, QC, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Game Development - Technical Art/UI

Date Posted: 2026-05-07T17:16:52

Experience Level: 6+ Years Industry Experience

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote potential with on-site requirements for core team collaboration)

🚀 Role Summary

• Technical UI System Development: Spearhead the establishment of best practices and the implementation of core UI systems, ensuring they are foundational for future game development.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Act as a key liaison between UI Artists, UI Programmers, Designers, and Producers to translate creative vision into technically sound and performant user interfaces.

• Performance Optimization: Proactively analyze and optimize memory and performance metrics for all UI assets and systems, ensuring a smooth and efficient player experience across target platforms.

• Shader and Material Creation: Develop efficient, user-friendly shaders and materials within Unreal Engine 5 that align with artistic direction and technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description mentions "Remote OK" and "Hybrid" potential, the emphasis on "collaborating closely" and "working well with teams from various disciplines" suggests that while remote work is possible, regular on-site presence for critical team syncs and collaborative sessions is likely expected for a senior role. This is typical for roles requiring deep integration with development teams in game studios.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Workflow & Best Practice Definition: Define and document optimal workflows and best practices for UI art asset creation, material implementation, and system integration, ensuring consistency and efficiency across the team.

• Engine Feature Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with UI Programmers to contribute to the development and refinement of new engine features specifically for UI, leveraging Unreal Engine 5's capabilities.

• Technical Analysis & Communication: Conduct in-depth analysis of memory usage and performance impact of UI elements, providing clear, actionable feedback to UI artists and UX designers to address technical challenges.

• Shader & Material Implementation: Author and implement high-quality, performant shaders and materials within Unreal Engine 5's Material Editor, tailored for the specific needs of game UI.

• Prototyping & R&D: Research emerging technologies and techniques, develop prototypes for new UI art pipelines, and experiment with innovative approaches to bring creative ideas to life.

• Mentorship & Guidance: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior UI artists and other team members, fostering skill development and adherence to technical standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a senior-level role focused on not just implementation but also on setting standards and driving technical direction for UI art within the game development pipeline. This implies a need for strong problem-solving skills and the ability to influence technical decisions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• No specific degree is mandated, but a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills and experience is paramount.

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of experience within the video game industry, with a significant focus on Technical Art for UI.

Required Skills:

• Unreal Engine 5 Expertise: Deep, expert-level knowledge of Unreal Engine 5, with a specific emphasis on the Material Editor and Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG).

• Shader Development: Proficiency in creating efficient and user-friendly shaders for game environments.

• Performance Analysis: Demonstrated ability to analyze memory and performance metrics, identifying bottlenecks and implementing solutions for UI systems.

• Cross-Discipline Collaboration: Strong ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, including UI artists, UI programmers, designers, and producers.

• Problem-Solving: Capacity to think creatively and "out-of-the-box" to overcome complex technical challenges in UI development.

• Autonomy & Self-Direction: Ability to work independently, take ownership of tasks, and be self-directed when necessary.

Preferred Skills:

• Graphics Shading Languages: Working knowledge of HLSL or GLSL.

• Scripting & Programming: Practical experience with Python scripting or another programming language (e.g., C++, C#).

• 3D Modeling & Image Editing: Good knowledge of industry-standard 3D modeling applications (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Blender) and image editing software (e.g., Photoshop, Substance Painter).

• Current-Gen Platforms: Experience developing for current-generation gaming platforms (Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5).

• Other Engines: Familiarity with other popular game engines like Unity or proprietary engines.

• Technical & Aesthetic Balance: Strong ability to balance creative/visual aesthetics with robust technical implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "expert knowledge" of Unreal Engine 5, particularly UMG and the material editor, is critical. Candidates should be prepared to showcase projects where they've deeply leveraged these tools for complex UI implementations and optimization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Unreal Engine 5 UI Projects: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 substantial projects developed using Unreal Engine 5, highlighting your contributions to UI systems, UMG implementations, and material creation.

• Technical Art Showcase: Include examples of complex shaders, material graphs, and optimized UI assets that demonstrate your technical expertise and problem-solving capabilities.

• Performance Optimization Case Studies: Present specific examples where you analyzed and improved the memory and performance of UI elements, ideally with before-and-after metrics.

• Workflow Demonstrations: If possible, include visual aids or descriptions of workflows you've established or improved for UI art asset creation and implementation.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss how you design and optimize workflows for UI art pipelines, from concept to implementation.

• Implementation & Automation: Detail your experience with implementing UI systems within game engines and any scripting or automation techniques you've employed to enhance efficiency.

• Measurement & Analysis: Demonstrate your ability to measure and analyze the performance and memory footprint of UI elements, and how you use this data to drive improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Technical UI Artist role, the portfolio is crucial. It needs to go beyond just visual appeal and clearly demonstrate technical depth, problem-solving skills, and a thorough understanding of game engine pipelines and optimization strategies, particularly within Unreal Engine 5.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Dental Insurance: Covering medical, dental, and vision care.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contribution matching for retirement savings.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, conferences, and skill enhancement.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for candidates relocating to Quebec City or Montreal.

• Studio Perks: Access to studio amenities, potential for game library access, and team events.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be offered, but core hours are expected for team collaboration and critical project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for senior technical roles in the Canadian game development industry, specifically within Quebec. It accounts for the required experience level and the specialized skillset. Benefits are standard for the industry and region, with emphasis on professional growth crucial for technical roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Gearbox Studio Québec is a key part of The Gearbox Entertainment Company, known for iconic franchises like Borderlands and Tiny Tina's Wonderlands. They are a subsidiary of 2K, which is part of Take-Two Interactive.

Company Size: Gearbox Entertainment is a significant player in the industry, with multiple studios. Gearbox Studio Québec is a substantial team within this larger organization, contributing to major AAA titles.

Founded: Gearbox Software was founded in 1999. Gearbox Studio Québec is a more recent expansion, bringing its expertise to the Canadian market.

Team Structure:

• UI Art Team: Likely comprises UI Artists, UI Technical Artists (this role), and potentially UI Designers working closely together.

• Reporting Structure: This Senior role will likely report to a Lead UI Artist, Art Director, or a Technical Art Director, and will collaborate closely with UI Programmers and Game Designers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect extensive collaboration with game designers, gameplay programmers, VFX artists, and producers to ensure the UI is integrated seamlessly with gameplay and overall game vision.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: Game development studios commonly utilize Agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) for iterative development, requiring adaptability and continuous feedback.

• Data-Driven Design: UI development will be informed by user feedback, playtesting data, and performance metrics to ensure an optimal player experience.

• Pipeline Optimization: A strong emphasis on creating and refining art pipelines to ensure efficiency, scalability, and maintainability of UI assets and systems.

Company Website: www.GearboxSoftware.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Gearbox is known for its distinct brand of humor and storytelling, which often influences its game design and UI aesthetic. Candidates should be aware of the company's established franchises and their unique visual styles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as Senior. It implies a high level of technical proficiency, experience, and the ability to lead and mentor. The "Technical UI Artist" designation bridges the gap between art and programming, requiring a strong understanding of both disciplines.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Technical UI Artist will report to a Lead artist or Art Director, working closely with UI programmers and game designers. They are expected to provide technical leadership within the UI art domain.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the player's experience by ensuring the UI is not only visually appealing but also functional, performant, and intuitive. It bridges the gap between artistic vision and technical execution, directly influencing the perceived quality and usability of the game.

Growth Opportunities:

• Lead Technical Artist: Potential to progress into a Lead Technical Artist role, managing a team of technical artists and overseeing broader technical art initiatives.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as advanced shader development, engine R&D, or performance optimization for UI.

• Cross-Studio Opportunities: As part of a larger organization (2K/Take-Two), there may be opportunities to contribute to different projects or studios.

• Technical Art Director: Long-term career path could lead to a Technical Art Director position overseeing technical aspects across multiple game projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title suggests a path towards leadership or deep specialization. Candidates should articulate how they can mentor junior staff and contribute to the team's technical growth, aligning with the company's commitment to developing talent.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a studio environment, which is typically collaborative, fast-paced, and project-driven. While remote work is possible, the presence of offices in Quebec City and Montreal indicates a preference for in-person collaboration for key team functions.

Office Location(s): Quebec City, QC, Canada; Montreal, QC, Canada. These are major hubs for game development in Canada, offering a vibrant tech and creative scene.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Studios usually feature open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated spaces for art and technical teams to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• Tools & Technology: Access to high-end workstations, industry-standard software, and potentially specialized hardware for testing and development.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with diverse creative and technical teams, including regular stand-ups, reviews, and brainstorming sessions.

Work Schedule: While typically a 40-hour work week, game development often involves periods of crunch time leading up to milestones or release dates. Flexibility is often provided to manage workloads, but commitment to project deadlines is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role means candidates should be comfortable with a mix of remote and in-office work. Understanding the studio's specific hybrid policy and expectations for on-site attendance will be important during the interview process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for relevant skills and experience.

• Initial Interview: A call with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess general fit, experience, and understanding of the role.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager and/or senior team members. This will heavily focus on your portfolio, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities related to Unreal Engine 5, UMG, and shader development. Expect technical questions and discussion of past projects.

• Art Test/Challenge: Potentially a small art test or a technical challenge designed to evaluate your practical skills in areas like shader creation, material setup, or UMG implementation.

• Final Interview: Meeting with higher-level management (e.g., Art Director) to discuss company culture, long-term vision, and final fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight UE5 UI: Specifically showcase projects where you've utilized Unreal Engine 5 for UI, focusing on UMG and material editor work.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Clearly explain the technical challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Include details on shader logic, performance optimizations, and material setups.

• Showcase Workflow Efficiency: If you have examples of optimized workflows or R&D prototypes, present them clearly.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., performance improvements, memory savings).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your code, shader logic, and decision-making process for each portfolio piece.

Challenge Preparation:

• UE5 Familiarity: Brush up on your Unreal Engine 5 knowledge, especially UMG, Material Editor, and common UI performance pitfalls.

• Shader Concepts: Review fundamental shader concepts and be ready to discuss HLSL/GLSL if you have experience.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice thinking through technical problems related to UI art and performance optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for this role. Candidates should curate it meticulously, ensuring it directly addresses the requirements of a Senior Technical UI Artist in a game development context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unreal Engine 5: The core engine for game development; expert-level proficiency required, particularly with Material Editor and UMG.

• 3D Modeling Software: Maya, 3ds Max, Blender (knowledge of at least one is preferred).

• Image Editing Software: Adobe Photoshop, Substance Painter, etc. (essential for texture creation and asset preparation).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Unreal Engine Profiling Tools: Built-in tools within UE5 for analyzing memory and performance.

• Custom Tools/Scripts: Potential use of internal studio tools or custom scripts for analysis and reporting.

CRM & Automation: (Less directly applicable to this role, but understanding the pipeline is key)

• Perforce/Git: Version control systems used for asset management.

• Jira/Confluence: Project management and documentation tools.

• Python Scripting: For pipeline automation and tool development (preferred skill).

📝 Enhancement Note: Deep, hands-on experience with Unreal Engine 5's UI tools (UMG, Material Editor) is non-negotiable. Experience with scripting for pipeline efficiency is a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and working across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Encouragement of creative problem-solving and exploration of new technologies.

• Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality, polished experiences for players.

• Efficiency: Focus on optimizing workflows and technical solutions to meet project deadlines and performance targets.

• Passion for Games: A shared enthusiasm for video games and creating memorable player experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Open Communication: Expect a culture that values open dialogue, constructive feedback, and proactive communication between team members and departments.

• Iterative Process: Embrace an iterative approach to development, where feedback is regularly incorporated to refine designs and technical solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing knowledge, best practices, and technical insights through demos, documentation, and informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Gearbox is known for its unique company culture, often described as passionate and dedicated. Candidates should research the company's specific values and how they manifest in their work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Art and Performance: Constantly striving to push visual fidelity and user experience while adhering to strict memory and performance budgets.

• Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensuring UI elements function and look consistent across various platforms (PC, current-gen consoles).

• Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in game engine technology and UI design trends.

• Technical Complexity: Tackling intricate technical challenges related to dynamic UI elements, complex animations, and data integration.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UE5 Features: Opportunities to master new features and workflows within Unreal Engine.

• Shader & Graphics Programming: Deepen expertise in graphics programming and shader development.

• Mentorship: Learn from experienced technical artists and programmers within the studio.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend industry events like GDC (Game Developers Conference) to stay updated on trends and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role provide ample opportunities for growth. Candidates who embrace these challenges and demonstrate a proactive approach to learning will find significant career development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to optimize a complex UI system for performance in Unreal Engine. What were the challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on your analytical process, tools used, and measurable outcomes.)

• "How do you approach creating efficient shaders for UI elements that need to be dynamic and visually appealing?" (Discuss your shader creation process, considerations for performance, and examples of material setups.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Gearbox Studio Québec and our work on franchises like Borderlands?" (Research their games, studio culture, and express genuine enthusiasm.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your work, especially from team members with different technical or artistic backgrounds?" (Showcase your ability to receive feedback and collaborate effectively.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prioritize Relevance: Select portfolio pieces that most directly showcase your UE5 UI, UMG, and shader expertise.

• Explain Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions to each project, especially if it was a team effort.

• Detail Technical Aspects: Be ready to explain the technical implementation, challenges, and solutions in detail for each piece.

• Showcase Performance Work: If you have specific examples of performance optimization, highlight them with clear metrics and explanations.

• Use Visual Aids: Prepare concise visuals, diagrams, or even short video clips to illustrate complex concepts or workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to demonstrate not only your technical skills but also your ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing your portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Technical UI Artist position:

• Submit your application through the Greenhouse portal linked in the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your best work in Unreal Engine 5 UI development, UMG implementation, material creation, and performance optimization. Tailor its presentation to highlight your senior-level contributions.

• Optimize Your Resume: Clearly articulate your 6+ years of industry experience, highlighting specific achievements and responsibilities related to technical UI art, Unreal Engine 5, and shader development. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio with a focus on technical details, problem-solving, and collaboration. Be ready to discuss your process and outcomes thoroughly.

• Research Gearbox: Familiarize yourself with Gearbox's games, studio history, and culture. Understand their approach to UI design and technical execution in their titles.

⚠️ 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.

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