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

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: 2K

Location: Quebec, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Game Development - Technical Art / UI Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-04-21T14:16:55

Experience Level: 6+ Years Industry Experience

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote OK, with office presence expected in Quebec, Canada, Montreal, Canada, or Frisco, Texas, United States)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and standardization of fundamental UI systems for next-generation game titles.

• Drive the implementation of key UI materials, ensuring high visual fidelity and technical performance.

• Collaborate closely with UI programmers to integrate and enhance engine features for user interfaces.

• Analyze and optimize memory and performance metrics throughout the game development lifecycle.

• Develop efficient and user-friendly shaders specifically for in-game UI elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Technical UI Artist, indicating a need for leadership in establishing best practices and workflows. The emphasis on "fundamental UI systems" and "key UI materials" suggests ownership over core UI architecture and visual components. The hybrid remote status with specified office locations implies a need for periodic on-site collaboration while offering flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and champion best practices and optimal workflows for UI art creation and implementation across the team.

• Engage in close communication and collaboration with UI programmers to develop and integrate new engine features that enhance UI functionality and performance.

• Conduct thorough analysis of memory usage and runtime performance for UI assets and systems, identifying and addressing potential bottlenecks.

• Design and implement efficient, reusable, and user-friendly shaders for in-game UI elements, ensuring visual consistency and aesthetic quality.

• Proactively analyze and articulate technical challenges and considerations related to UI art and UX design concepts to relevant stakeholders.

• Research, prototype, and develop innovative art pipelines and tools to support UI development and bring creative ideas to life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a blend of technical leadership, hands-on implementation, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "best practices," "optimal workflows," and "new engine features" points to a role that influences the technical direction of UI development. The requirement to "Analyze memory and performance" and "Create efficient... shaders" highlights a critical focus on technical optimization within the UI art pipeline.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent knowledge and practical experience is highly valued.

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

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 and harmoniously with cross-disciplinary teams, including designers, artists, programmers, and producers.

• Demonstrated capacity to take ownership of shippable-quality UI content and systems that are both memory-efficient and performant.

• Strong problem-solving skills with an aptitude for innovative thinking to overcome complex technical challenges in UI development.

Preferred Skills:

• Practical working knowledge of High-Level Shading Language (HLSL) or OpenGL Shading Language (GLSL).

• Familiarity with Python scripting or other programming languages for tool development and pipeline automation.

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

• Experience with current-generation gaming platforms, including Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.

• Exposure to other popular game engines like Unity or proprietary engine solutions.

• A strong balance between creative/visual aesthetics and robust technical skills, enabling the creation of both beautiful and functional UI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Expert knowledge of Unreal Engine 5, specifically the Material Editor and UMG" is a critical technical skill. The mention of "6+ Years of industry experience" combined with the "Senior" title suggests candidates are expected to bring significant expertise and potentially mentorship capabilities. The "Nice-to-Haves" provide clear areas for candidates to differentiate themselves, particularly in shader languages and scripting.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of implemented UI systems within Unreal Engine 5, demonstrating proficiency in UMG and Material Editor.

• Examples of optimized UI assets, highlighting efforts in memory management and performance improvements.

• Case studies detailing the technical challenges encountered in UI development and the innovative solutions implemented.

• Visual examples of efficient and visually appealing in-game UI shaders.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate the process followed for analyzing and resolving technical issues related to UI art and UX design.

• Provide examples of how you've researched and prototyped new art pipelines or tools to enhance UI development efficiency.

• Detail your approach to collaborating with programmers on engine feature development for UI.

• Demonstrate your understanding of memory and performance analysis methodologies applied to UI elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Technical UI Artist role, a portfolio is paramount. It should not just showcase final assets but also the technical processes, problem-solving, and optimization techniques employed. The emphasis on "shippable quality content/systems that are memory efficient and performant" means the portfolio must include evidence of these attributes, not just visual appeal.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the senior level, 6+ years of experience, and the location in Quebec, Canada, a competitive salary range is estimated. For a Senior Technical UI Artist in Quebec, Canada, the annual salary could range from CAD $90,000 to CAD $130,000, depending on specific experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., RRSP matching).

• Paid time off, including vacation days, personal days, and statutory holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Access to company-provided hardware and software, including high-end workstations and relevant licenses.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing.

• Relocation assistance may be available for candidates moving to Quebec or Montreal.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is hybrid, core working hours will be established to ensure effective team collaboration and project synchronization. Flexibility may be offered based on project needs and team agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation for Quebec, Canada, considers the cost of living and typical compensation for senior technical roles in the gaming industry. The benefits listed are standard for full-time positions in the Canadian tech sector, with specific additions relevant to game development studios. The "Remote OK" status with office requirements implies a need for candidates to be aware of potential hybrid expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Gearbox Studio Québec is part of 2K, a label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., known for publishing critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles across various genres. The studio specializes in beloved franchises like Borderlands and Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, as well as developing new IPs.

Company Size: Gearbox Entertainment has multiple offices, including Gearbox Studio Québec. The studio itself likely comprises several hundred employees, contributing to a mid-to-large-sized game development environment. This size offers stability and significant project scope while retaining a sense of specialized teams.

Founded: Gearbox Software was founded in 1999. Gearbox Studio Québec represents a significant expansion, indicating a commitment to growing its development capabilities. This history suggests a company with deep roots in the industry and a proven track record of delivering games.

Team Structure:

• The UI team is likely composed of UI Designers, UI Artists, and Technical UI Artists, working in close collaboration.

• This role reports to a Lead Technical Artist or UI Lead, with direct interaction with UI Programmers and other art discipline leads.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is expected, particularly concerning performance analysis and memory optimization.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key, with an emphasis on creating efficient pipelines for UI art.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged through scripting and tool development.

Company Website: www.GearboxSoftware.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Gearbox's legacy in game development and its affiliation with 2K/Take-Two, suggesting a stable, well-resourced environment. The studio's focus on established franchises and new IPs indicates a dynamic development landscape. The "Senior" title implies that this role will contribute to shaping the team's technical direction and processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position within the Technical Art discipline, specifically focused on UI. It signifies a role where the individual is expected to be a subject matter expert, capable of independent problem-solving, mentoring junior team members, and influencing technical direction and best practices for UI development. The scope includes ownership of core UI systems and materials.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Technical UI Artist will likely report to a Lead Technical Artist or a UI/UX Director. They will work closely with UI Designers, UI Artists, and UI Programmers, forming a core part of the UI development pipeline. Collaboration will extend to game designers and other art leads to ensure the UI aligns with overall game vision and technical constraints.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the player's experience through the interface. A well-executed UI is critical for usability, immersion, and overall game satisfaction. Technically sound UI systems ensure smooth performance, efficient memory usage, and a stable game, which are crucial for player retention and critical reception. This role contributes directly to the quality and marketability of the final product.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Unreal Engine 5, shader development (HLSL/GLSL), and performance optimization for UI.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Transition into a Lead Technical Artist role, guiding a team of UI artists and technical artists.

• Cross-Disciplinary Skill Development: Expand knowledge into game design, UX design, or engine programming to gain a more holistic understanding of game development.

• Project Leadership: Lead the technical aspects of UI development for entire game projects or major features.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies a career path that moves beyond individual contribution towards team leadership and system design. The growth opportunities listed are typical for senior technical roles in the gaming industry, emphasizing both deepening technical expertise and expanding into management or broader development roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. While remote work is permitted, the role requires presence in either the Quebec, Montreal, or Frisco, Texas offices. This suggests a blend of remote flexibility and in-office collaboration. The office environment is expected to be a creative and dynamic space typical of a game development studio.

Office Location(s):

• Quebec, Canada

• Montreal, Canada

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed for collaboration, with access to meeting rooms, shared creative spaces, and potentially dedicated areas for technical art.

• Access to high-performance workstations, industry-standard software (Unreal Engine 5, 3D modeling, image editing), and necessary development tools will be provided.

• Opportunities for spontaneous discussions and knowledge sharing with colleagues across various disciplines are common in such environments.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week. While remote work offers flexibility, adherence to core business hours will be necessary for effective team communication and synchronized development efforts, especially during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, with specific office locations, means candidates should be prepared for a blend of remote and in-office work. This setup aims to balance individual focus with team synergy, a common model in modern game development studios.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess technical qualifications and experience against role requirements.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on Unreal Engine 5 expertise (UMG, Material Editor), shader development, performance optimization techniques, and problem-solving approaches. This may include a technical assessment or coding challenge.

• Portfolio Review Session: Presentation and walkthrough of submitted portfolio pieces, with a focus on detailing the technical challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Discussion with team members from design, art, and programming to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of cross-discipline workflows.

• Final Interview: Conversation with hiring manager or studio leadership to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and overall suitability for the senior role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your expertise in Unreal Engine 5 UI, shader creation, and performance optimization.

• Detail Technical Processes: For each project, clearly explain the technical challenges you faced, the specific tools and techniques used (e.g., UMG blueprints, Material Editor nodes, HLSL code), and the solutions you implemented.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your work. For instance, "Reduced UI memory footprint by X%," or "Improved UI load times by Y seconds," or "Streamlined shader creation process, saving Z hours per feature."

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use clear screenshots, videos, or interactive demos to showcase your work.

• Explain Your Role: Be explicit about your contributions to each project, especially if it was a collaborative effort.

Challenge Preparation:

• Unreal Engine UI Tasks: Be prepared for tasks involving creating UI elements in UMG, developing shaders in the Material Editor, or optimizing existing UI assets for performance.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would tackle specific technical challenges, such as integrating complex animations into UI, optimizing for different resolutions, or debugging performance issues.

• Workflow Design: Think about how you would design and document an optimal workflow for UI art creation within a large game development team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Senior Technical UI Artist will heavily emphasize practical application and demonstrable skills. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to articulate their technical decision-making and problem-solving processes effectively. Preparation for technical challenges and case studies is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unreal Engine 5: Expert-level proficiency is mandatory, with specific focus on UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) for UI layout and logic, and the Material Editor for creating visual effects and shaders.

• 3D Modeling Software: Proficiency in applications like Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max for creating UI assets or elements that require 3D integration.

• Image Editing Software: Expertise in tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Substance Painter, or similar for texture creation, material editing, and general asset preparation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Unreal Engine Profiler: Essential for analyzing memory usage and runtime performance of UI systems.

• Custom Analytics Tools: May be used for tracking UI interaction metrics and user behavior, although direct involvement might be limited to providing data requirements.

CRM & Automation:

• Version Control Systems: Familiarity with Git, Perforce, or similar for managing code and asset versions within a team environment.

• Scripting Languages: Python is listed as a plus, indicating its potential use for tool development, pipeline automation, and workflow enhancements within the engine or related tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily centered around Unreal Engine 5. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of its UI tools (UMG, Material Editor) and possess complementary skills in 3D and 2D art software. Scripting knowledge, particularly Python, is a significant advantage for automating tasks and improving pipeline efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Craft: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished UI that meets both artistic and technical standards.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Encouraging creative approaches to overcome technical hurdles and push the boundaries of UI design and implementation.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where open communication, shared knowledge, and mutual support are paramount across all disciplines.

• Data-Driven Improvement: Utilizing performance metrics and user feedback to inform design decisions and drive continuous optimization of UI systems.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A strong focus on creating performant and memory-efficient UI that enhances the player experience without compromising game stability.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with designers, programmers, and other artists to ensure UI solutions are technically feasible, aesthetically aligned, and user-friendly.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly sharing progress, challenges, and insights with team members and stakeholders.

• Constructive Feedback: Participating in and providing constructive feedback during reviews to collectively elevate the quality of the UI.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise, mentor junior team members, and contribute to the team's overall technical growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at a game development studio like Gearbox emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and a drive for excellence. For a Technical UI Artist, this translates to a need for strong communication skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to optimizing the player experience through both art and technology.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Performance: The primary challenge will be to create visually stunning UI elements and systems that also meet stringent performance budgets and memory constraints, especially on current-gen consoles.

• Cross-Discipline Alignment: Ensuring the UI art is technically sound and integrates seamlessly with complex game mechanics, UX designs, and engine capabilities, requiring constant communication and negotiation with various teams.

• Evolving Technology: Staying abreast of the latest advancements in Unreal Engine, shader techniques, and UI/UX design trends to continuously innovate and improve pipelines.

• Ownership of Core Systems: Taking responsibility for the foundational UI architecture means that any issues or limitations in these systems can have widespread impact, requiring meticulous planning and execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Shader Development: Deep dive into advanced HLSL/GLSL techniques for complex UI effects and visual storytelling.

• Performance Optimization Mastery: Become an expert in profiling and optimizing UI performance across multiple platforms, including consoles.

• Technical Leadership: Develop leadership skills through mentoring junior artists and potentially leading technical aspects of UI projects.

• Cross-Platform Expertise: Gain experience optimizing UI for the unique requirements of Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to senior technical roles in game development, requiring a blend of deep technical skill and effective collaboration. The growth opportunities are geared towards further specialization, leadership, and adaptation to the evolving demands of the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI system you designed and implemented in Unreal Engine 5. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on UMG, Material Editor, and performance optimization.)

• "How do you approach balancing artistic vision with technical constraints (memory, performance) when creating UI assets and shaders?" (Highlight your problem-solving and compromise strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on [mention specific Gearbox franchise, e.g., Borderlands] and contributing to its UI?" (Show research and passion for Gearbox's games.)

• "How do you typically collaborate with UI designers and UI programmers? Can you give an example of a successful cross-functional collaboration?" (Assess your teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly outline the project's goal, your specific role and contributions, the technical challenges encountered, your innovative solutions, and the final outcome (including quantifiable results if possible).

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Utilize video demonstrations or interactive examples to showcase your UI systems in action. Explain the technical aspects visible in the demonstration.

• Highlight Optimization: Explicitly point out areas where you focused on memory efficiency and performance optimization, explaining the techniques used.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your code, shader logic, or design choices. Be prepared to explain your reasoning thoroughly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating mastery of Unreal Engine 5's UI tools, a strong understanding of technical art principles, and excellent collaborative abilities. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase not just the final product but also the technical depth and problem-solving skills behind it.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Technical UI Artist position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 6+ years of industry experience, with specific emphasis on Unreal Engine 5 (UMG, Material Editor), shader development, performance optimization, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest UI projects that best showcase your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and contribution to shippable game content. Ensure it includes detailed explanations of your process and impact.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Brush up on Unreal Engine 5 UI features, shader languages (HLSL/GLSL), performance profiling, and common technical challenges in game UI development.

• Research Gearbox: Understand their game franchises, studio history, and company values to articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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.