Senior UI Programmer (Steel Hunters)

DPSG website
Full-time•Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
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📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Programmer (Steel Hunters)

Company: DPSG website

Location: Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UI Programming / Game Development

Date Posted: 2025-06-12

Experience Level: Senior (Likely 5+ years, given the "Senior" title and complex technical requirements)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🎨 Role Summary

  • Lead the development and implementation of core user interface elements for the new free-to-play mech shooter, Steel Hunters, built on Unreal Engine 5.
  • Translate UI/UX design concepts and art assets into functional, performant, and visually cohesive in-game and front-end interfaces.
  • Collaborate closely with UI artists, UX designers, and gameplay programmers to create intuitive and engaging player interactions and information display systems.
  • Integrate UI components with backend services to manage dynamic player data, game state, and persistent progression systems.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role summary infers a focus on the technical implementation of UI/UX designs within a game development context, specifically leveraging programming skills (C++, Unreal Engine 5) to bring visual and interactive elements to life. The "Senior" title suggests a requirement for significant experience in this specialized area within the games industry.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design, architect, and implement the in-game Head-Up Display (HUD), ensuring critical gameplay information is clearly and efficiently communicated to the player.
  • Develop and maintain the game's front-end interface system, including menus, lobbies, customization screens, and progression interfaces.
  • Work iteratively with UI artists and UX designers to refine UI implementation, balancing visual fidelity, user experience principles, and technical performance constraints.
  • Integrate UI systems with backend services and APIs to display player profiles, inventory, matchmaking data, store information, and other dynamic content.
  • Collaborate with the gameplay team to ensure seamless integration between UI elements and core game mechanics and systems.
  • Optimize UI performance to maintain smooth frame rates and responsive interactions across various PC configurations.
📝 Enhancement Note: Based on typical Senior UI Programmer roles in game development, the responsibilities are expanded to include architecture, optimization, and integration with various game systems and backend services, reflecting the complexity expected at this level.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Game Development, or a related technical field is typically preferred for a Senior programming role. Equivalent professional experience demonstrating strong programming fundamentals is also highly valued.

Experience: Significant experience developing user interfaces within the games industry is required. Given the "Senior" title, this likely implies 5+ years of dedicated experience focusing on UI programming in a game development environment, with a strong portfolio showcasing implemented game UI systems.

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience developing user interfaces for video games.
  • Strong proficiency in C++ programming, including object-oriented design and data structures relevant to game development.
  • Extensive experience with Unreal Engine 5 development, including familiarity with its UI systems and programming paradigms.
  • Ability to work effectively in cross-discipline feature teams, collaborating with artists, designers, and other programmers.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English for effective collaboration within a global team.

Preferred Skills:

  • Hands-on experience working with Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG) for creating complex and dynamic UI layouts.
  • Experience developing games for PC platforms, including considerations for different resolutions, input methods, and performance scaling.
  • Experience developing for console platforms (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch), understanding platform-specific UI requirements and optimization techniques.
  • Experience working on networked multiplayer games, including understanding client-server architecture and synchronizing UI state across multiple players.
  • Experience working with highly distributed development teams and utilizing collaboration tools effectively.
  • Experience operating and maintaining UI systems for a live free-to-play game service, including handling updates, patches, and live events.
📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills align with the core technical demands of a UI Programmer role in Unreal Engine 5. Preferred skills add depth by highlighting specific Unreal Engine tools (UMG), platform experience (PC, consoles), and experience with the complexities of live, networked free-to-play games, which are highly relevant to the Steel Hunters project.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Include examples of implemented game UI systems you have programmed, showcasing both front-end menus and in-game HUDs.
  • Case studies detailing your technical approach to building complex UI features within a game engine, specifically Unreal Engine if possible.
  • Demonstrations of responsive UI layouts that adapt to different screen resolutions and aspect ratios.
  • Examples of UI optimizations you have implemented to improve performance in a game context.

Process Documentation:

  • Document your technical design process, from understanding UI/UX requirements to implementing scalable and maintainable code.
  • Explain your approach to integrating UI with gameplay systems and backend data.
  • Detail any challenges encountered during UI development and how you overcame them.
📝 Enhancement Note: While the original description focuses on programming skills, a Senior UI Programmer in games needs to demonstrate the practical application of those skills in a game environment. The portfolio requirements emphasize showing implemented work, technical problem-solving, and process, which are crucial for evaluating a candidate's capabilities in this specialized role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While not explicitly stated, a Senior UI Programmer in Guildford, UK, within the games industry can expect a salary range typically between £45,000 and £70,000 per year. This estimate is based on industry salary benchmarks for similar roles at game development studios in the South East of England, considering factors like experience level, specific technical skills (Unreal Engine 5, C++), and the scale of the company and project. This range can vary significantly based on exact experience, portfolio quality, and negotiation.

Benefits:

  • Generous Annual Leave (5 weeks standard, increasing over time, with ability to buy more) providing ample time for rest and personal pursuits.
  • Additional paid time off for significant life events (Birthday, Marriage, Compassionate Leave).
  • Sick Leave Compensation and enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave Benefits, supporting employee well-being and family life.
  • Dog-friendly office environment, contributing to a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Onsite canteen with free snacks and drinks, providing convenient and cost-saving options for meals and breaks.
  • Video games area for relaxation and team bonding, fostering a fun and engaging work environment.
  • Comprehensive Private Medical Insurance (including family coverage and pre-existing conditions) and Life Insurance, providing peace of mind regarding health and financial security.
  • Pension scheme with matched employee contributions (up to 4%), supporting long-term financial planning.
  • Access to a Mental Well-being program (iFeel) and dedicated Wellbeing perks (Mental Health Days, Well-being room, Mental Health First Aiders), demonstrating a commitment to employee mental health.
  • Opportunities for career development and education within the company, supporting continuous learning and professional growth.
  • Employee discounts via Perkbox, offering savings on various goods and services.
  • Personal Wargaming Gaming Account, allowing employees to enjoy the company's products.
  • Company events (including family events), fostering a strong team culture and work-life balance.
  • Seniority Awards recognizing long-term commitment and contributions.
  • Referral program rewarding employees for bringing in talented candidates.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week. As a hybrid role with 3 days in the office, scheduling will need to accommodate team collaboration and meetings during office days, while allowing for flexibility on remote days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is provided based on typical UK game industry salary data for a Senior UI Programmer in the Guildford area, accounting for the required skills and experience level. The benefits list is detailed based on the provided information, highlighting aspects particularly appealing in the creative and tech industries.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Computer Games - Specifically focused on Free-to-Play (F2P) and Multiplayer titles, a dynamic and competitive market requiring engaging user experiences and robust technical implementations.

Company Size: 51-200 employees (according to LinkedIn), indicating a medium-sized studio environment. This often means a close-knit team with opportunities to have a significant impact, but also potentially requiring individuals to wear multiple hats or be adaptable.

Founded: While the exact founding date of DPS Games is not provided, the job description mentions "25 years of experience on the market" for Wargaming, suggesting DPS Games is a well-established studio operating under the larger Wargaming umbrella.

Team Structure:

  • The role reports to a Senior Programmer, indicating a technical reporting line within the programming discipline.
  • The position emphasizes working within a multidisciplinary team, suggesting collaboration with UI artists, UX designers, gameplay programmers, and potentially other disciplines like QA and production.
  • Experience working with highly distributed teams is a plus, indicating potential collaboration with team members in different locations.

Methodology:

  • The emphasis on working in "cross-discipline feature teams" suggests an Agile or similar iterative development methodology, where teams work together on specific features from conception to implementation.
  • Collaboration with UI art and UX teams implies a design process that involves close iteration between technical implementation and creative/user-centered design.

Company Website: https://dpsgames.com/studio

📝 Enhancement Note: Information about the company size, industry focus (F2P, Multiplayer), and the reporting structure helps paint a picture of the working environment and team dynamics. The mention of distributed teams and cross-discipline work suggests the likely use of Agile methodologies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: Senior UI Programmer. This level signifies a significant level of experience and technical expertise in UI development within games. Responsibilities will likely include mentoring junior team members, contributing to technical architecture decisions, and leading the implementation of complex UI systems. The scope involves not just coding but also understanding the broader technical and design implications of UI choices.

Reporting Structure: Reporting to a Senior Programmer suggests mentorship and technical guidance within the programming team, allowing for continued technical growth and specialization in UI programming. Depending on the team size, there may be opportunities to step up into lead roles in the future.

Design Impact: This role has a crucial impact on the player experience. The UI is the direct interface between the player and the game, and the Senior UI Programmer's work dictates how intuitive, responsive, and visually appealing this interaction is. Their contributions directly influence player engagement, retention, and overall satisfaction, which are critical for a free-to-play game's success.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential for advancement to a Lead UI Programmer or Technical Lead role, overseeing UI programming efforts for the project or across multiple projects.
  • Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of UI technology, such as performance optimization, advanced rendering techniques for UI, or integration with new platforms.
  • Mentorship opportunities to guide and develop less experienced UI programmers.
  • Potential to contribute to the development of internal UI tools or frameworks.
📝 Enhancement Note: Analyzing the "Senior" title within the context of a game development studio of this size allows for informed assumptions about the level of responsibility, mentorship opportunities, and potential career progression paths within the UI programming discipline. The impact analysis highlights the critical nature of UI in a player-facing, live service game.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Hybrid work model based in Guildford, UK. The office environment is described as dog-friendly with an onsite canteen and a video games area, suggesting a relatively relaxed and employee-focused atmosphere conducive to creative work and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom. Guildford is a known hub for game development studios in the UK, suggesting a vibrant local industry and potential for networking.

Design Workspace Context:

  • The hybrid model (3 days in office) encourages in-person collaboration and team cohesion, which is often beneficial for creative and technical problem-solving in game development.
  • The presence of an onsite canteen and video games area suggests dedicated spaces for breaks, informal meetings, and fostering team camaraderie.
  • Being based in a game development hub like Guildford provides access to a local community of game developers and potential industry events.

Work Schedule: Hybrid (3 days in office). This structure provides a balance between structured in-office collaboration and the flexibility of remote work for focused tasks, which can be beneficial for creative and technical roles requiring deep concentration. Specific core hours for in-office days would likely be established to facilitate team meetings and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment, including the hybrid model, office amenities, and location in a known game development hub, provides context for the daily working experience and potential for local industry engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

  • Initial screening likely involves a review of your resume and portfolio, focusing on your experience with game UI development, C++, and Unreal Engine 5.
  • A technical interview to assess your C++ programming skills and understanding of game development concepts, potentially including live coding exercises or technical discussions.
  • An interview focused on your experience with Unreal Engine 5, specifically UI implementation using UMG and integrating UI with game systems.
  • A portfolio review where you will walk through selected projects, explaining your technical approach, challenges faced, and contributions to the UI.
  • An interview with the hiring manager or lead programmer to discuss your experience, technical leadership potential, and fit within the team and company culture.
  • Potential final interview with a more senior technical leader or studio head.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Clearly present specific examples of game UI you have programmed, focusing on your technical contributions rather than just the visual design (unless you also contributed to art).
  • For each project, provide a brief overview of the game, your role, the specific UI systems you developed (e.g., HUD, inventory, menus), and the technical challenges you addressed.
  • If possible, include short video clips or interactive demos of the UI in action to showcase responsiveness and functionality.
  • Highlight your experience with Unreal Engine 5 and UMG, demonstrating your ability to work within the engine's UI framework.
  • Explain your process for integrating UI with backend data and gameplay systems.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for technical questions related to C++, data structures, algorithms, and performance optimization in a game context.
  • Brush up on your Unreal Engine 5 knowledge, particularly its UI systems (UMG), Blueprint integration, and performance profiling tools.
  • If a coding challenge is part of the process, practice implementing UI elements or systems within a game engine environment.
  • Be ready to discuss your experience working in cross-functional teams and collaborating with artists and designers on UI implementation.

ATS Keywords: User Interface (UI), UI Programmer, Game UI, Unreal Engine 5, UE5, C++, UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics), Game Development, Video Games, HUD (Head-Up Display), Front-end Development (Games), Gameplay Programming, Backend Integration, Live Service Games, Free-to-Play (F2P), Multiplayer Games, PC Development, Console Development, Cross-discipline Team, Technical Design, Performance Optimization, UI Systems, Game Engine, Software Development, Programming, Guildford, UK, Wargaming, Steel Hunters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process section is constructed based on standard practices for Senior Programmer roles in the games industry, with a specific focus on the technical and portfolio aspects relevant to UI programming in Unreal Engine. The ATS keywords are compiled from the job description and common terms used for this type of role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

  • Unreal Engine 5: The core game engine for Steel Hunters, requiring in-depth knowledge of its architecture, programming environment, and particularly its UI systems.
  • C++: The primary programming language used for game development in Unreal Engine, requiring strong proficiency for implementing core UI logic and systems.
  • Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG): While listed as a preferred skill, experience with UMG is highly beneficial for creating and managing UI elements within Unreal Engine 5, including widgets, animations, and data binding.

Collaboration & Handoff:

  • Likely use of version control systems such as Perforce or Git for managing code and assets within the team.
  • Project management and issue tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Trello) for tracking tasks, bugs, and feature progress.
  • Collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) for communication within the distributed team.

Research & Testing:

  • Potential use of in-engine debugging tools for testing and profiling UI performance.
  • Collaboration with QA testers to identify and resolve UI-related bugs.
📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology section focuses on the core technical requirements mentioned (Unreal Engine 5, C++, UMG) and infers standard tools used in game development for version control, project management, and collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

  • Focus on creating a "crucial communication between player and game," emphasizing the importance of intuitive, clear, and engaging user interfaces for player understanding and enjoyment.
  • Emphasis on balancing "performance, visual impact and usability," indicating a commitment to creating UI that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also technically efficient and easy to use.
  • Value placed on teamwork and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, highlighting the importance of communication and shared goals.
  • Encouragement of sharing "hard-earned knowledge" and continuous learning from teammates, suggesting a culture of knowledge sharing and professional development.

Collaboration Style:

  • Close collaboration with UI art and UX teams throughout the development process.
  • Working within "cross-discipline feature teams," suggesting an integrated approach where programmers, artists, and designers work together on specific game features.
  • Communication with backend services developers for data integration.
  • Likely involves regular team meetings, stand-ups, and potentially design reviews or critiques.
📝 Enhancement Note: The insights into team culture and values are derived directly from the job description's language, emphasizing the collaborative nature of game development, the importance of the player experience through UI, and a commitment to technical quality and team learning.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

  • Implementing complex UI systems for a free-to-play game with features like progression, monetization, and live events, requiring robust and flexible UI architecture.
  • Balancing visual fidelity and performance in Unreal Engine 5, especially for dynamic and animated UI elements.
  • Ensuring a consistent and intuitive user experience across different screen resolutions, aspect ratios, and potentially input methods (mouse/keyboard, controller).
  • Integrating UI with various backend services and ensuring data synchronization and responsiveness.
  • Working effectively within a distributed team environment, requiring strong communication and coordination skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Deepen expertise in Unreal Engine 5's UI systems and performance optimization techniques.
  • Gain experience working on a live free-to-play game, understanding the unique challenges of operating and updating a live service.
  • Develop skills in integrating UI with complex backend systems and data pipelines.
  • Enhance collaboration skills by working closely with diverse disciplines (art, UX, gameplay).
  • Opportunity to mentor junior programmers and contribute to the growth of the team.
📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are extrapolated from the nature of the game (F2P, multiplayer, Unreal Engine 5) and the team structure (distributed). The growth opportunities align with the technical demands and the potential for increased responsibility at a senior level.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

  • Describe your process for implementing a complex UI feature in a game engine, from receiving design mockups to integrating it with gameplay systems. Be prepared to discuss your technical design decisions and considerations for performance and scalability.
  • How do you approach collaborating with UI artists and UX designers to translate their vision into functional UI? Provide examples of successful collaborations.
  • Discuss a challenging UI implementation problem you've faced in a previous role and how you solved it. Focus on your technical problem-solving skills.

Company Culture Questions:

  • What interests you about working on Steel Hunters and for DPS Games/Wargaming? Demonstrate that you've researched the game and company.
  • How do you approach working collaboratively in a cross-discipline team environment? Provide examples of effective teamwork.
  • How do you stay up-to-date with the latest UI development techniques and best practices in the games industry?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Prepare a concise and engaging walkthrough of 2-3 of your most relevant UI programming projects.
  • For each project, clearly articulate your specific technical contributions, the tools and technologies you used (especially C++ and Unreal Engine/UMG), and any technical challenges you overcame.
  • Use video or interactive demos to showcase the functionality and responsiveness of the UI you implemented.
  • Be prepared to discuss the design rationale behind the UI you built and how it serves the user experience.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to assess technical proficiency in UI programming, experience with relevant tools and methodologies, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a game development environment. The portfolio strategy emphasizes showcasing technical implementation and problem-solving.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with game UI development, C++, and Unreal Engine 5, using keywords from the job description.
  • Prepare a portfolio showcasing your technical UI programming work in games, including case studies detailing your implementation process and technical challenges.
  • Practice discussing your portfolio projects, focusing on your technical contributions and problem-solving skills.
  • Research Steel Hunters and DPS Games/Wargaming to understand the project and company culture, preparing to discuss your interest and fit.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
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