Lead Technical UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Technical UI Designer

Company: Epic Games

Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Art & Design / Management & Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-04-24

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of Technical UI Designers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in UI systems design for a high-profile game.

• Drive the implementation of complex UI systems within Unreal Engine, ensuring consistency and a high-quality user experience across multiple platforms for millions of users.

• Actively contribute as a hands-on developer, building rapid prototypes, implementing blueprint logic, and assisting UI Artists with specialized presentation behaviors.

• Establish and refine best practices, procedures, and workflows for Technical UI Design, enhancing efficiency and quality across the team and project.

• Serve as a key liaison between design, art, and engineering teams, translating technical requirements and summarizing complex issues to facilitate seamless collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly for Rocket League, a well-established and highly successful game, indicating a need for experienced professionals who can maintain and elevate existing UI standards while innovating. The implied experience level of 5-10 years is derived from the leadership responsibilities and the requirement for deep technical expertise in game engines and UI implementation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 2-6 Technical UI Designers, providing mentorship, guidance, and performance feedback.

• Oversee the implementation of UI systems design within Rocket League, breaking down features and wireframes into functional widgets, materials, and input navigation structures.

• Develop and implement blueprint logic using Unreal Engine's visual scripting (Blueprints and UMG) to support presentation requirements.

• Collaborate closely with UX Designers, UI Artists, and UI Engineers to ensure a cohesive and polished user interface across all game features.

• Debug and resolve UI-related issues within Unreal Engine (UMG, Blueprints, materials) efficiently using various diagnostic tools and techniques.

• Establish and document best practices, procedures, and standards for Technical UI Design within the team and for the project.

• Champion a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the Technical UI design craft, encouraging exploration of new tools and techniques.

• Assist UI Artists with the implementation of special presentation behaviors and complex material/shader requirements.

• Translate technical concepts and requirements between engineering, art, and design departments, ensuring clear communication and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed to reflect the "hands-on" nature of the role, emphasizing both team leadership and direct contribution to the development process. The focus on "Rocket League" implies a need to understand an established product's existing design language and user base.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Game Design, Interactive Media, or a related field is typically expected for such a technical and leadership role. Equivalent practical experience may be considered.

Experience:

• Proven experience managing a team of 2-6 individuals, including mentorship and performance oversight, or equivalent training in leadership.

• Extensive professional experience building UI systems and user experiences within game engines.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Unreal Engine, specifically with UI implementation tools like UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) and Blueprint visual scripting.

• Proficiency in building materials and shaders within Unreal Engine or equivalent game development environments.

• Strong understanding of UI Systems Design principles, including breaking down features into functional components.

• Experience with visual scripting languages (e.g., Blueprints, Lua) and their application in game UI development.

• Demonstrated ability to translate communication across technical and non-technical departments, summarizing complex issues effectively.

• Experience with 3D packages such as 3D Studio Max or Maya for asset integration.

• Familiarity with rapid prototyping techniques for UI development.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other game engines (Unity, Lumberyard, Snowdrop) or custom engine development.

• Deep understanding of user experience (UX) principles and their application in game design.

• Knowledge of performance optimization techniques for UI across various platforms.

• Experience in establishing and refining design processes and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are directly extracted and expanded from the job description, emphasizing Unreal Engine, Blueprints, and leadership. The "5-10 years" experience level is a reasonable inference for a "Lead" role with team management responsibilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing complex UI systems designed and implemented in game engines, with a focus on Unreal Engine.

• Include case studies that detail the process of translating wireframes and feature requirements into functional UI widgets, materials, and navigation logic.

• Showcase examples of blueprint logic implementation for interactive UI elements and presentation behaviors.

• Provide evidence of experience in debugging and optimizing UI performance across different platforms.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to UI systems design, including methods for breaking down complex features into manageable components.

• Expect to detail your experience with implementing and debugging blueprint logic within Unreal Engine's UMG framework.

• Be ready to articulate your strategies for establishing and mentoring a team focused on UI design excellence and process improvement.

• The ability to document and present workflow optimization strategies for UI development will be crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the technical nature and leadership aspect of this role, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of skills, especially within Unreal Engine and with a focus on systems design and process, is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Lead Technical UI Designer role in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, with 5-10 years of experience and leadership responsibilities at a company like Epic Games, the estimated salary range is CAD $100,000 - $150,000 annually. This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.

• Supplemental coverage for critical illness, telemedicine, Life and AD&D, and long-term disability insurance.

• Weekly indemnity (short-term disability) coverage.

• Competitive retirement savings plan with a significant employer match.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential support.

• Robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, offering free therapy and coaching.

Working Hours: The role implies a standard full-time work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week. While specific flexibility is not detailed, the nature of game development often involves periods of intense work leading up to project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar Lead UI/Technical Artist roles in major Canadian tech hubs like Montreal, considering the company's stature and the role's seniority and responsibilities. Benefits are directly listed from the provided text.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development & Engine Technology. Epic Games is a leader in creating both award-winning games (like Rocket League, Fortnite) and cutting-edge engine technology (Unreal Engine) used globally across various industries.

Company Size: 4,500+ employees globally, with 46 studios across 25 countries. This indicates a large, established, and international organization with a significant presence in the tech and gaming sectors.

Founded: Over 25 years ago, signifying a long history of innovation and stability in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The Technical UI Design team is likely part of the larger Game Development department, specifically focused on Rocket League.

• This role involves leading a small, specialized team of Technical UI Designers, reporting to a higher-level design director or producer.

Methodology:

• Epic Games emphasizes a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment focused on innovation.

• The UX Design department specifically aims to create customer and user-focused experiences through problem-solving and anticipating user behavior.

• Their approach involves turning complex problems into simple, intuitive, and useful solutions.

• Emphasis on mentorship and establishing best practices within specialized crafts like Technical UI Design.

Company Website: https://www.epicgames.com/site/en-US/home

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as collaborative and innovative, with a strong focus on user experience and mentorship. The size and global reach of Epic Games suggest a structured yet dynamic work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a "Lead" position, indicating a senior individual contributor and team management track. It sits above a standard Technical UI Designer and below a Director or Head of UI/UX. It requires both deep technical expertise and people management skills.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Technical UI Designer will likely report to a Director of UX/UI, a Lead Producer, or a higher-level Game Director for Rocket League. They will manage a team of Technical UI Designers.

Operations Impact: The Technical UI Designer plays a critical role in shaping the player's interaction with Rocket League. Their work directly impacts user engagement, satisfaction, and the overall accessibility and intuitiveness of the game's interface, which is crucial for a game with millions of users. Effective UI design can enhance player retention and enjoyment, directly contributing to the game's ongoing success and revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Unreal Engine, advanced material/shader creation, and complex blueprint systems.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles managing larger teams, overseeing multiple projects, or moving into Art Director or Head of UI/UX positions within Epic Games.

• Project Leadership: Take ownership of the UI development for major game features or entire game titles.

• Cross-Disciplinary Growth: Expand knowledge into UX research, game design, or technical art pipelines.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to a globally recognized title and company, enhancing professional reputation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path highlights the dual nature of the role – technical mastery and leadership. The impact on a game like Rocket League is significant, affecting millions of players.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Epic Games operates from studio locations, implying a collaborative, in-office environment designed for teamwork and creative synergy. The description of their culture ("collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment") supports this.

Office Location(s): Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This is a major hub for game development, offering a vibrant tech scene and talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be highly collaborative, requiring frequent interaction with designers, artists, and engineers.

• Access to industry-standard hardware, software, and development tools (Unreal Engine, 3D modeling software, etc.) is a given.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with team members, including mentorship sessions and collaborative design reviews, are integral to the role.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, implying a standard work week. Given the nature of game development, there may be periods requiring extended hours to meet project deadlines, but the emphasis on a positive culture suggests a balance is strived for.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is confirmed by the "Remote Status: On-site" and the emphasis on collaborative environments typical of game development studios.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess technical skills, leadership experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview(s): Deep dives into your experience with Unreal Engine (Blueprints, UMG, materials), UI systems design, and cross-platform development. Expect detailed questions about your previous projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your role, design decisions, technical implementation, and outcomes. Be prepared to walk through your process for a UI system design.

• Leadership/Team Fit Interview: Discussion focusing on your experience managing teams, mentorship capabilities, communication style, and how you foster collaboration and best practices.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Director of UX/UI or Game Director) to discuss strategic vision, cultural fit, and overall suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest projects that directly relate to game UI systems design, technical implementation in Unreal Engine, and leadership experience.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the challenges faced, your design and technical solutions, the tools used (especially Unreal Engine/Blueprints), and the quantifiable results or impact.

• Highlight Technical Depth: Provide clear examples of your blueprint logic, material/shader work, and how you translated wireframes into functional UI.

• Demonstrate Leadership: If possible, include a project where you led a team, detailing your approach to mentorship, workflow establishment, and cross-departmental collaboration.

• Be Ready to Discuss Process: Articulate your thought process for UI systems design, debugging, and workflow optimization.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential practical exercises or case studies that might involve designing a UI flow for a specific game feature, or debugging a provided blueprint.

• Practice articulating your technical decisions and leadership philosophy clearly and concisely.

• Research Epic Games' current titles, particularly Rocket League, to understand their UI aesthetics and user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and practical/technical interviews is standard for senior design roles in game development. Preparing to discuss leadership and process is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unreal Engine (UE4/UE5): The core engine for development, with specific emphasis on UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) for UI creation and Blueprint visual scripting for logic implementation.

• 3D Modeling Software: 3D Studio Max, Maya, or similar for asset creation and integration.

• Image Editing/Graphics Software: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or equivalent for UI asset creation and manipulation.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned for this role, understanding how UI performance and user engagement are tracked and analyzed is beneficial. This might involve tools for user behavior analysis and performance monitoring within the game engine.

CRM & Automation: Not typically direct tools for this role, but understanding how UI elements integrate with game systems that might be managed via backend or data pipelines is relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: Unreal Engine, UMG, and Blueprints are critical. Experience with 3D and 2D art tools is also essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Craft: A dedication to high-quality design and technical execution, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in game UI.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect across disciplines (design, art, engineering).

• Innovation: A drive to create fresh, intuitive, and groundbreaking user experiences.

• User-Centricity: Designing with the player's needs, behaviors, and enjoyment as the primary focus.

• Mentorship & Growth: A commitment to developing team members and fostering a supportive learning environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, involving constant interaction and feedback loops with UX Designers, UI Artists, and Engineers.

• Cross-departmental communication is key, requiring the ability to articulate technical needs to artists and design goals to engineers.

• A culture of constructive feedback and iterative design is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with Epic Games' stated culture of collaboration, innovation, and user focus, with a specific emphasis on craft excellence and mentorship for this lead role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Maintaining Consistency: Ensuring UI consistency across a complex, established game like Rocket League, which has evolved over time and across platforms.

• Technical Complexity: Implementing advanced UI features and interactions within the constraints of Unreal Engine and game performance requirements.

• Team Leadership: Effectively mentoring and managing a team of technical designers, balancing individual needs with project demands.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating communication and design integration between multiple departments with potentially differing priorities.

• Rapid Iteration: Adapting to fast-paced development cycles and evolving game design requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Unreal Engine Mastery: Deepen expertise in the latest features and advanced capabilities of Unreal Engine for UI development.

• Leadership & Management: Develop advanced skills in team leadership, mentorship, and project management.

• Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Gain exposure to other areas of game development, such as UX research, game design, or technical art.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Opportunities to attend industry events and participate in specialized training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are derived from the nature of leading a technical design team on a live, evolving game product. Growth opportunities are tied to both technical and leadership advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a Technical UI Design team. How do you foster mentorship and establish best practices?" (Focus on leadership philosophy, team building, and process establishment.)

• "Walk us through a complex UI system you designed and implemented in Unreal Engine. What were the challenges, your technical solutions (especially blueprints and materials), and the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio.)

• "How do you translate broad feature requirements or wireframes into a detailed UI system specification for implementation?" (Focus on your systems thinking and breakdown process.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Epic Games and specifically to the Rocket League team?" (Research Epic's history, values, and Rocket League's impact.)

• "How do you approach building and maintaining a positive and productive team culture, especially in a remote or hybrid setting if applicable?" (Even though this is on-site, discuss fostering collaboration and positivity.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each portfolio piece, narrate the journey from concept to completion, emphasizing your role, decisions, and the problem solved.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use clear visuals, mockups, and ideally, video demonstrations of the UI in action within the engine. For blueprint-heavy examples, provide clear explanations of the logic.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success or impact of your UI work (e.g., improved usability, reduced errors, positive player feedback).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect interviewers to ask detailed questions about specific technical implementations, design choices, and your problem-solving process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, deep technical expertise in Unreal Engine UI, and strong communication skills, backed by a robust portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Technical UI Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Apply through the provided link on the Epic Games careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in team leadership, Unreal Engine development (UMG, Blueprints, materials), UI systems design, and cross-platform UI implementation. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, well-organized, and prominently features relevant projects showcasing your technical UI design skills, leadership, and problem-solving abilities within game engines.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio, focusing on clear explanations of your process, technical solutions, and leadership contributions. Be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring and establishing best practices.

• Research Epic Games & Rocket League: Understand the company's culture, values, and the specific context of Rocket League's UI and player base to demonstrate your genuine interest and fit.

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