Experienced UI Engineer - Contract

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experienced UI Engineer - Contract Company: Playground Games Location: Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, United Kingdom Job Type: Fixed Term Contract Category: Game Development - UI Engineering Date Posted: September 24, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and implementation of cutting-edge user interface (UI) functionality and visuals for a AAA title within the Forza Horizon franchise.
• Drive the maintenance and enhancement of complex UI systems within a proprietary, custom-built game engine, ensuring scalability and performance.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with Art and Design teams, acting as a key technical liaison to translate creative visions into interactive user experiences.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of UI engineering practices and methodologies, ensuring the delivery of best-in-class user experiences across diverse platforms and input devices.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input job description is for a UI Engineer, the output format is tailored for Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM roles. This enhancement note clarifies that the provided information is being mapped to a different operational context, assuming a hypothetical scenario where such a role might exist within a gaming company's operational structure, focusing on internal tools, player support systems, or monetization interfaces. For a true operations role, the core responsibilities and skills would be significantly different, focusing on CRM, data analysis, process automation, and revenue enablement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with Art Directors, UI/UX Designers, and other stakeholders to translate game design concepts and visual mockups into functional, high-performance UI elements.
• Implement and optimize UI features, including menus, heads-up displays (HUDs), and in-game interfaces, ensuring seamless user interaction and aesthetic fidelity.
• Maintain and refactor existing UI codebases within the proprietary engine, adhering to best practices for code quality, maintainability, and performance optimization.
• Develop and extend UI systems, components, and frameworks to support new features, gameplay mechanics, and cross-platform compatibility.
• Troubleshoot and resolve UI-related bugs and performance issues, working efficiently within a sprint-based development cycle.
• Contribute to the planning and estimation of UI development tasks, providing technical insights and identifying potential challenges.
• Champion the adoption of robust engineering practices, including code reviews, unit testing, and documentation, within the UI development team.
• Adapt UI implementations to accommodate various platform requirements, input methods (controllers, keyboard/mouse, touch), and accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been extrapolated to align with common operations functions within a technology-focused company, such as managing internal operational dashboards, CRM interfaces, or tools supporting sales and marketing workflows. This interpretation assumes the "UI" aspect translates to the user experience of internal operational tools rather than the end-user game interface.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience demonstrating a strong understanding of software development principles.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of professional UI engineering experience, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality user interfaces for at least one published video game title, ideally within the AAA space.
• Demonstrable experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing complex UI systems and user flows.

Required Skills:

• UI Engineering: Proven experience in developing and implementing user interfaces for interactive applications, with a strong understanding of UI architecture and best practices.
• C++ Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of C++ programming language, including modern C++ standards and best practices.
• Object-Oriented Design (OOD): Strong understanding and practical application of OOD principles, design patterns, and software architecture.
• User Interface Implementation: Experience implementing user interfaces across a range of platforms, input devices (gamepads, mouse/keyboard), and screen resolutions.
• Task Planning & Delivery: Excellent ability to plan, prioritize, and execute tasks efficiently with a focus on timely delivery and quality.
• Collaboration & Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and clearly articulate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to UI development, ensuring visual fidelity, functional accuracy, and a polished user experience.
• Video Games Passion: A genuine and demonstrable passion for video games and a deep understanding of the gaming industry and player expectations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with proprietary game engines and custom toolchains.
• Familiarity with UI frameworks and scripting languages commonly used in game development.
• Understanding of UX principles and user-centered design methodologies.
• Experience with performance profiling and optimization for real-time applications.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and implementation techniques for diverse user needs.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and version control systems (e.g., Git).

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills and qualifications have been interpreted through an operations lens. "UI Engineering" is reframed as proficiency in designing and managing internal operational interfaces. C++ and OOD are seen as foundational programming skills applicable to backend operations systems or data processing scripts. The emphasis on collaboration and task delivery remains relevant for operations roles requiring cross-functional work and project management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• UI Implementation Case Studies: Showcase examples of complex UI systems developed, detailing the problem statement, design choices, technical implementation, and resulting user experience improvements.
• Code Samples: Provide well-documented C++ code samples demonstrating proficiency in object-oriented design, UI logic, and performance optimization.
• System Architecture Diagrams: Illustrate the architecture of UI systems designed or maintained, highlighting modularity, extensibility, and integration points.
• Cross-Platform Adaptability: Demonstrate examples of UI designs and implementations that successfully adapted to different platforms, input devices, or screen resolutions, emphasizing responsiveness and consistency.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Present examples of how UI workflows were designed or optimized to improve user efficiency, reduce cognitive load, or streamline task completion within an application.
• Implementation & Automation Methods: Detail the methods used for UI implementation, including any custom tooling, scripting, or automation techniques employed to enhance development efficiency.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show how UI performance was measured, analyzed, and improved, including metrics related to load times, responsiveness, and resource utilization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are recontextualized for an operations role. "UI Implementation" becomes "Internal Tool Interface Design," focusing on the user experience of operational dashboards, CRM customizations, or sales enablement platforms. The emphasis shifts to demonstrating process efficiency, data visualization clarity, and the ability to manage and improve internal operational systems through thoughtful interface design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £40,000 - £65,000 per annum (pro-rata for contract duration). This estimate is based on industry standards for experienced contract UI Engineers in the UK, considering the specific location in Leamington Spa and the AAA gaming industry context. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's experience, skills, and the specific terms of the contract.

Benefits:

• Competitive Contract Rate: Offering a strong hourly or daily rate commensurate with experience and market demand.
• Relocation Assistance: Support provided for candidates relocating to the Leamington Spa area, easing the transition to the new location.
• Access to State-of-the-Art Facilities: Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge studio environment equipped with advanced technology and amenities.
• Creative and Collaborative Environment: Be part of a supportive and innovative team culture renowned for its passion for game development.
• Potential for Extended Contract: Based on performance and project needs, there may be opportunities for contract extension.
• Contribution to AAA Titles: The chance to work on critically acclaimed and commercially successful game franchises, significantly enhancing one's professional portfolio.

Working Hours:

• Standard UK working hours, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with a 1-hour lunch break.
• A hybrid work model is in place, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in the Leamington Spa studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary expectations are estimated based on UK contract rates for mid-level engineering roles in the tech/gaming sector. Benefits are tailored to what a contractor might expect, emphasizing project impact and studio environment rather than traditional full-time employee benefits. The hybrid work model is explicitly stated.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development (AAA Gaming) Company Size: Large (likely 200-500+ employees, given AAA studio status) Founded: 2010 Company Description: Playground Games is a highly successful, first-party Xbox Game Studio celebrated for its critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series. They are dedicated to creating genre-defining, accessible, and fun games, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. Company Specialties: Open-world racing games, high-fidelity graphics, community engagement, driving simulation.

Team Structure:

• UI Engineering Team: Likely a specialized team within the broader engineering department, working closely with dedicated Art and Design disciplines.
• Reporting Structure: UI Engineers typically report to a Lead UI Engineer or a Technical Director, with project-specific reporting lines to Producers or Project Managers.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: UI Engineers are embedded within development teams, collaborating daily with artists, designers, gameplay programmers, and QA testers to ensure cohesive feature development.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: Likely employs agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) for iterative development, allowing for flexibility and rapid response to design changes.
• Data-Driven Iteration: UI designs and implementations are often refined based on player feedback, telemetry data, and internal playtesting sessions to optimize user experience and engagement.
• Proprietary Engine Focus: Development heavily relies on Playground Games' custom-built engine, requiring deep understanding and contribution to its evolution.

Company Website: https://www.playground-games.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from the job description and general knowledge of AAA game studios. The "Methodology" section infers standard game development practices. The team structure is a typical representation for a specialized engineering role within such an organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role, while focused on UI Engineering, can be viewed as a specialized technical contributor role within a larger operational framework. In an operations context, this level signifies someone capable of independently managing UI development for significant internal systems or player-facing operational features, requiring deep technical expertise and problem-solving skills.

Reporting Structure: The UI Engineer will report to a Lead UI Engineer or a Technical Director responsible for the UI systems. They will work collaboratively within a project team, interacting with Producers, Designers, and other engineering disciplines.

Operations Impact: While not directly involved in revenue generation or sales processes, the UI Engineer's work is critical for player experience, which indirectly impacts player retention, in-game monetization (if applicable), and overall brand perception. For internal operations, a well-designed UI for tools enhances operational efficiency, data accessibility, and user adoption, directly impacting productivity and decision-making.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in C++, engine architecture, and advanced UI development techniques, potentially moving into Lead UI Engineer or Principal Engineer roles.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to game design, art pipelines, and performance optimization, broadening skill sets.
• Project Leadership: Take on ownership of specific UI features or systems, leading development efforts and mentoring junior engineers.
• Studio-Wide Impact: Contribute to multiple titles or studio-wide UI initiatives, increasing visibility and influence.
• Transition to Operations Leadership: For those interested in operational strategy, experience in managing complex systems and user experience can be a foundation for roles in product management or operations management within the gaming or tech industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates the career growth potential of a UI Engineer into an operational context. The emphasis is on technical mastery, project ownership, and the transferable skills that can lead to broader operational or leadership roles, focusing on system management and user enablement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: State-of-the-art, modern game development studio. Office Location(s): Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, United Kingdom. The studio is designed to foster creativity and collaboration, likely featuring open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, and dedicated areas for focused work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Expect an environment that encourages interaction, with common areas and team spaces designed for brainstorming and problem-solving.
• High-Performance Technology: Access to powerful development workstations, advanced graphics hardware, and specialized software tools essential for AAA game development.
• Team Integration: Opportunities for daily interaction with a diverse team of artists, designers, and engineers, promoting knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving.
• Hybrid Model: A structured hybrid approach requiring a minimum of 3 days in the studio, balancing in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.

Work Schedule:

• Standard professional work hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday-Friday), with potential for flexible arrangements within the hybrid model.
• The nature of game development may occasionally require periods of extended work to meet project milestones, though this is typically managed to promote work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is based on typical AAA game studio setups and the hybrid model mentioned. The focus is on the collaborative nature and the technological resources available, which are relevant for any high-performing technical team, including operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess relevant experience and technical skills.
• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on C++ proficiency, object-oriented design principles, UI development experience, and problem-solving abilities. Expect coding challenges or live coding sessions.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will walk through selected projects from your portfolio, discussing your contributions, technical decisions, and the impact of your work.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions with potential team members and leads to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with the studio's culture and values.
• Take-Home Challenge (Optional): May involve a small UI implementation task to evaluate practical skills and approach.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your UI engineering capabilities, particularly those involving complex systems or published titles.
• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, challenges faced, and solutions implemented within each project.
• Showcase Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the C++ code, design patterns, and architectural decisions made. Explain why you made certain choices.
• Demonstrate Process: Explain your workflow, from understanding requirements to implementation, testing, and integration.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify results where possible – e.g., improvements in load times, user task completion rates, or visual polish.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience relevant to AAA game UI development and the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.

Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on C++: Review core language features, standard library components, and common design patterns. Practice common data structures and algorithms.
• UI Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge of UI principles, event handling, state management, and performance considerations for real-time UIs.
• Problem-Solving: Practice breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps and articulating your thought process clearly.
• Engine Concepts: If possible, familiarize yourself with common concepts in game engine architecture, even if not specific to Playground's proprietary engine.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review advice is tailored for a UI engineering role, emphasizing technical skills, code quality, and the demonstration of practical application through a portfolio. For an operations role, the focus would shift to process optimization, CRM/data tool proficiency, and impact on business metrics.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• C++: The core programming language for engine and UI development.
• Proprietary Game Engine: Playground Games utilizes a custom-built engine, requiring adaptability and a willingness to learn specific engine architecture and tools.
• Version Control Systems: Likely Git or Perforce for source code management and collaboration.
• IDE: Visual Studio or similar Integrated Development Environments for C++ development.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Debugging & Profiling Tools: Essential for analyzing UI performance, identifying bottlenecks, and optimizing resource usage within the game engine.
• Build Systems: Tools for compiling and packaging game builds, including UI components.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly applicable to game UI, in an operations context, similar roles would heavily utilize:
  • CRM Platforms: Salesforce, HubSpot, Dynamics 365 for managing customer data and sales processes.
  • Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker for reporting and dashboard creation.
  • Automation Tools: Workato, Zapier, or custom scripts for automating workflows.
  • Project Management Tools: Jira, Asana, Trello for task tracking and project coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are specific to game development. The "CRM & Automation" section provides a contrast by listing typical tools used in operations roles, highlighting the differences in technical stacks between the provided job and the target operations audience.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Craft: A commitment to high-quality engineering, attention to detail, and delivering polished user experiences.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong belief in working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Passion for Games: A genuine enthusiasm for video games and the creative process, driving motivation and dedication.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: An openness to new ideas, a willingness to experiment, and a drive to constantly enhance processes and outcomes.
• Player Focus: A dedication to understanding and meeting the needs of players, ensuring enjoyable and accessible experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: UI Engineers work seamlessly with artists and designers, fostering a collaborative environment where creative and technical input is valued.
• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, constructive feedback, and proactive problem-solving within the team and across disciplines.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices, technical insights, and learnings through code reviews, internal presentations, and informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are inferred from the company description and the nature of AAA game development. These are framed to highlight aspects relevant to operations professionals, such as collaboration, data-driven improvement (implied in player focus and continuous improvement), and a commitment to quality.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Engine Integration: Adapting to and working effectively within a proprietary game engine that may have unique architectures and workflows.
• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Bridging the gap between technical implementation and artistic/design vision, requiring clear communication and negotiation skills.
• Performance Optimization: Ensuring UI elements are performant across various hardware configurations, demanding a deep understanding of optimization techniques.
• Iterative Design Cycles: Managing frequent changes and feedback within a dynamic development environment, requiring flexibility and adaptability.
• Contract Role Dynamics: Navigating the specific expectations and timelines associated with a fixed-term contract position.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Engine Architecture Mastery: Opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of a AAA game engine's internal workings.
• Advanced UI Techniques: Exposure to cutting-edge UI development practices and technologies used in the gaming industry.
• Cross-Disciplinary Skill Development: Learning from experts in art, design, and other engineering fields.
• AAA Project Experience: Contributing to world-class titles that significantly enhance professional credibility and portfolio.
• Professional Networking: Building connections within a highly respected game development studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed to be relevant to a technical role within a demanding industry. For an operations perspective, similar roles might face challenges in integrating disparate systems, managing cross-functional stakeholder expectations, or optimizing complex business processes. Growth would involve mastering operational tools, leading process improvements, and developing strategic operational insights.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your C++ experience in detail, including specific projects, challenges overcome, and your approach to object-oriented design and memory management. Prepare to explain your understanding of UI frameworks and event-driven architectures.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions that require you to break down a UI problem, outline a solution, and discuss potential trade-offs or optimizations. For example, "How would you implement a dynamic inventory system UI?" or "Describe how you would optimize the loading time of a complex menu."
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Prepare examples that showcase your ability to work effectively with non-technical team members (artists, designers). Discuss how you handle feedback, resolve disagreements, and contribute to a positive team dynamic.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Passion for Games: Articulate why you are passionate about video games and specifically about working on the Forza Horizon franchise. Research the franchise and Playground Games' history.
• Studio Fit: Understand Playground Games' values (diversity, inclusion, collaboration) and be prepared to discuss how your own values align with theirs.
• Contract Role Understanding: Be clear about your expectations regarding contract duration, work model, and commitment.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each portfolio piece as a narrative – the problem, your solution, the technical details, and the outcome.
• Visual Clarity: Use clear visuals (screenshots, videos) to showcase the UI. If possible, include interactive demos or live walkthroughs.
• Code Explanation: Be ready to walk through key sections of your C++ code, explaining design patterns, optimizations, and architectural choices.
• Conciseness: Respect the interviewer's time; present your most impactful work efficiently.
• Engagement: Be prepared to answer questions about your work and engage in a discussion about UI development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is focused on technical assessment and cultural fit within a game development studio. For an operations role, interview preparation would concentrate on business acumen, process analysis, CRM/data tool expertise, stakeholder management, and demonstrating impact on business KPIs.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided job portal link.
• Portfolio Customization: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your UI engineering skills with a focus on complex system implementation and user experience. Ensure your portfolio clearly details your role, technical contributions, and the impact of your work.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight C++ proficiency, object-oriented design, UI implementation experience, and collaborative project work. Quantify achievements wherever possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your technical solutions and design choices. Be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving and collaboration, drawing on specific examples from your past projects.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Playground Games, the Forza Horizon franchise, and the company's culture and values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.