Senior Game UI Engineer | AAA Multiplayer FPS | Remote-First

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Game UI Engineer | AAA Multiplayer FPS | Remote-First Company: Ironbelly Studios Location: Remote (Canada, US, Europe) Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Game Development - UI Engineering Date Posted: October 31, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior (3+ years) Remote Status: Fully Remote (Optional Montreal Studio Access)

🚀 Role Summary

• Architecting and implementing performance-critical UI systems for a AAA multiplayer FPS using Unreal Engine 5.
• Developing server-authoritative HUDs, instant-feeling inventory/loadout systems, and interfaces synchronized with complex gameplay mechanics.
• Ensuring UI performance targets (144+ FPS) are met while handling real-time data for thousands of concurrent players.
• Collaborating with veteran game developers on projects with a history of shipping titles like Call of Duty, Halo, and Bioshock.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Senior Game UI Engineer focused on the highly demanding environment of competitive multiplayer FPS games. The emphasis on performance (144+ FPS) and real-time data synchronization in Unreal Engine is paramount, indicating a need for deep expertise in optimizing UI code for speed and efficiency. The "remote-first" and flexible location policy across Canada, US, and Europe suggests a globally distributed team structure common in modern game development studios.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain robust and performant UI systems within Unreal Engine 5, leveraging UMG, Slate, or similar frameworks.
• Develop client-side UI logic that interacts seamlessly with server-authoritative game states, incorporating client-side prediction for responsiveness.
• Integrate UI elements with core gameplay systems, including weapon mechanics, AI behavior, player progression, and combat data streams.
• Optimize UI rendering and logic to achieve high frame rates (144+ FPS) and minimal latency, crucial for competitive gaming.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, gameplay programmers, and artists to translate gameplay requirements into intuitive and effective user interfaces.
• Implement real-time data synchronization for dynamic UI elements, such as player stats, scores, and in-game events.
• Contribute to the platform certification process by ensuring UI adheres to console and platform-specific requirements.
• Participate in code reviews, provide constructive feedback, and mentor junior engineers on UI development best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core UI engineering and systems-level integration. The emphasis on "server-authoritative HUDs with client prediction" and "seamlessly connecting interfaces with complex gameplay systems" points towards a need for an engineer who understands the nuances of multiplayer game architecture and can build UI that feels both responsive and accurate within that framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Game Development, or a related field is typically expected for senior roles, though equivalent practical experience is highly valued.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of professional game UI programming experience is required, with a strong preference for candidates who have shipped at least one commercial game project (commercial, indie, or substantial mod).

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in game UI programming, with a focus on performance-critical systems.
• Proficiency in Unreal Engine, specifically with its UI frameworks such as UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) or Slate.
• Strong C++ programming skills, with a demonstrated ability to implement complex UI systems.
• Experience with Blueprint visual scripting for UI logic and rapid prototyping.
• Demonstrated experience with at least one shipped game project.
• Understanding of UI performance optimization techniques relevant to real-time applications.
• Familiarity with real-time data synchronization principles and implementation.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience developing UI for multiplayer FPS or competitive gaming titles.
• Expertise in Unreal Engine 5's UMG system and advanced features.
• Experience in UI performance optimization targeting 60+ FPS (or higher, as specified for this role) on various platforms.
• Knowledge of server-authoritative architectures and client-side prediction for UI.
• Familiarity with console platform certification processes and requirements for UI.
• Experience with UI debugging and profiling tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "3+ years game UI programming" with a note that "we value potential alongside experience" suggests that while 3 years is the baseline, exceptional candidates with slightly less experience but a strong portfolio demonstrating the required skills might still be considered. The emphasis on shipped projects is a key indicator of practical application and ability to see features through to completion in a professional game development environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate proficiency in building UI systems within Unreal Engine, showcasing examples of UMG or Slate implementations.
• Include case studies of performance optimization efforts on UI elements, detailing challenges and achieved improvements (e.g., frame rate gains, memory reduction).
• Provide examples of complex UI integrations, such as connecting to gameplay data, player progression systems, or inventory management.
• Showcase projects that required real-time data handling and synchronization, illustrating how you managed dynamic updates.
• If available, include examples of UI designed for competitive multiplayer environments, highlighting responsiveness and clarity.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for designing, implementing, and debugging UI systems.
• Be ready to explain how you approach performance profiling and optimization for UI elements in Unreal Engine.
• Demonstrate an understanding of workflow integration between UI code, gameplay systems, and art assets.
• Be able to articulate your strategy for testing UI across different platforms and resolutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Game UI Engineer role, a strong portfolio is critical. It should not just show finished products but also the candidate's technical depth in problem-solving, performance tuning, and complex system integration within the Unreal Engine ecosystem. Case studies detailing the process of optimization and integration are more valuable than just showcasing the final UI.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Game UI Engineers in Canada, the US, and Europe, and considering competitive adjustments for remote work, a typical salary range would be approximately $100,000 - $160,000 USD (or equivalent local currency). This range is an estimate and will be adjusted based on candidate experience, specific location, and the company's compensation philosophy.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary adjusted for location.
• Comprehensive benefits package (details typically include health, dental, vision insurance, retirement savings plans, paid time off).
• Relocation support available for candidates who wish to move to Montreal.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Access to optional studio space in Montreal.

Working Hours: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. However, given the nature of game development, occasional overtime may be required during crunch periods, especially leading up to milestones or releases. The remote-first approach offers flexibility in scheduling around core collaboration hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for senior engineering roles in the gaming industry across the specified regions. The company's statement "Competitive salary adjusted for location" implies a tiered compensation structure that accounts for cost of living and market rates in candidate locations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development, specifically focused on AAA titles and multiplayer experiences. Company Size: Ironbelly Studios is a medium-sized studio, likely employing between 50-200 individuals based on the "20+ senior developers" mentioned and the scope of their projects. This size offers a balance between the resources of a larger studio and the agility and direct impact opportunities of a smaller one. Founded: Ironbelly Studios was founded in 2010, bringing over a decade of experience in game development.

Team Structure:

• The UI team, while not explicitly sized, will be part of a larger engineering department comprising over 20 senior developers.
• Reporting structure likely places the Senior Game UI Engineer under a Lead UI Engineer or Engineering Director, with close collaboration across gameplay programming, design, and art departments.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, as UI is deeply integrated with all aspects of game development, from core mechanics to player experience.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven development, particularly for UI performance and player engagement metrics in a competitive environment.
• Agile or iterative development methodologies are standard in game development, allowing for rapid prototyping and adaptation based on feedback and testing.
• Focus on high-performance coding practices and optimization to meet the demanding requirements of AAA multiplayer FPS games.

Company Website: https://careers.ironbelly.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's background in shipping titles like Call of Duty, Halo, and Bioshock indicates a strong pedigree and a culture geared towards producing high-quality, commercially successful games. The "remote-first" policy suggests a modern, trust-based work environment focused on output and results rather than physical presence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Engineer role, signifying a high level of technical expertise and autonomy. Senior engineers are expected to not only implement complex features but also contribute to architectural decisions, mentor junior staff, and drive technical excellence within their domain.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Game UI Engineer will likely report to a Lead UI Engineer or a Director of Engineering. They will work closely with game designers, lead programmers, and art directors to ensure the UI aligns with the overall game vision and technical requirements.

Operations Impact: The UI Engineer's work directly impacts player experience, engagement, and the overall perception of game quality. In a competitive multiplayer FPS, a performant, intuitive, and responsive UI is critical for player retention and success. Their contributions will be visible to millions of players and directly affect gameplay flow and accessibility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Unreal Engine UI, performance optimization, or emerging UI technologies within game development.
• Leadership: Progress into Lead UI Engineer or Technical Director roles, taking on more architectural responsibility and team management.
• Cross-Disciplinary: Transition into other engineering disciplines or even game design roles, leveraging a broad understanding of game development.
• Mentorship: Gain experience mentoring junior engineers, developing leadership and communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a path for growth into leadership or highly specialized technical expert roles within the company. The company's focus on AAA titles suggests opportunities to work on high-profile projects that can significantly boost a candidate's career trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote-first with an optional physical studio space in Montreal. This hybrid approach caters to diverse work preferences, offering the flexibility of remote work while providing a collaborative hub for those who prefer an in-office experience or are located near Montreal.

Office Location(s): Primarily remote across Canada, the US, and Europe. A physical studio is available in Montreal, Canada.

Workspace Context:

• The remote environment necessitates strong self-discipline, excellent communication skills, and proficiency with remote collaboration tools.
• Access to high-performance development hardware and software is expected, potentially provided or supported by the company.
• Opportunities for in-person interaction exist through optional studio access and potential quarterly team gatherings, fostering team cohesion.

Work Schedule: While core hours for collaboration will likely exist, the remote setup offers flexibility. Employees are expected to manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines and participate in necessary meetings and team syncs. Flexibility is a key aspect of the remote-first model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first model with optional studio access is a significant perk. Candidates should consider their preferred work style and whether they would benefit from or enjoy the optional in-person interactions or studio resources. Effective asynchronous and synchronous communication will be key to success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on C++, Unreal Engine (UMG/Slate), UI architecture, performance optimization, and multiplayer concepts. This may involve live coding exercises or deep dives into past projects.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present and walk through selected projects from their portfolio, explaining their technical contributions, problem-solving approaches, and achieved results.
• System Design/Challenge: A practical exercise, potentially a take-home assignment or an on-the-spot system design problem, focusing on UI architecture for a specific game scenario.
• Team/Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and overall suitability for the senior role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your senior-level UI engineering skills in Unreal Engine for multiplayer games.
• For each project, clearly articulate your specific role and contributions, especially regarding UI architecture, performance, and integration with gameplay systems.
• Be prepared to discuss the technical challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., FPS improvements, responsiveness gains).
• If you have examples of server-authoritative HUDs or client-prediction logic, highlight them.
• Use clear visuals (screenshots, videos) and concise explanations. Practice your presentation to ensure it flows logically and efficiently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with common UI design patterns and architectures for real-time multiplayer games.
• Review Unreal Engine's UMG and Slate documentation, focusing on performance best practices and advanced features.
• Consider how you would approach designing a UI for a specific scenario, such as a complex inventory system, a dynamic HUD with many real-time elements, or a player progression screen.
• Practice explaining your thought process, trade-offs considered, and how you would ensure performance and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for this role. Candidates should curate their portfolio to specifically highlight experience with Unreal Engine, C++, performance optimization, and multiplayer game UI. Demonstrating the process and impact of their work, not just the final product, will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Game Engine: Unreal Engine 5 (primary focus)
• Programming Language: C++ (advanced proficiency required)
• UI Frameworks: UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics), Slate (Unreal Engine's native UI system)
• Visual Scripting: Blueprint (Unreal Engine)
• Version Control: Perforce (common in game dev), Git

Analytics & Reporting:

• In-game analytics tools for tracking UI usage and performance metrics (specifics vary by studio).
• Performance profiling tools within Unreal Engine (e.g., Unreal Insights, GPU Visualizer) for debugging and optimization.

CRM & Automation: (Less directly applicable to this role, but may involve internal tools for task management and bug tracking)

• Jira or similar project management/issue tracking software.
• Internal build and deployment systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Unreal Engine and C++ is non-negotiable. Expertise in UMG and Slate is essential, as is the ability to leverage Blueprint for rapid iteration. Familiarity with game development version control systems like Perforce is also a strong indicator of industry experience.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Performance Excellence: A deep commitment to achieving and maintaining high performance standards (144+ FPS) in all UI implementations.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with designers, artists, and other engineers to create cohesive and high-quality game experiences.
• Innovation: Pushing the boundaries of what's possible with UI technology in Unreal Engine to create unique and engaging player interfaces.
• Player-Centricity: Designing UI with the player's experience, ease of use, and engagement as the highest priority.
• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of ongoing learning, optimization, and refinement of both code and processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where ideas are shared openly, and constructive feedback is encouraged.
• Cross-functional teams work closely together, requiring strong communication and the ability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• A culture that values iterative development and embraces feedback loops to refine features and systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's background in competitive shooters suggests a culture that values precision, speed, and a relentless focus on player experience. The "remote-first" aspect implies a need for proactive communication and a culture of trust and accountability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Extreme Performance Demands: Meeting and maintaining 144+ FPS targets for UI in a complex multiplayer environment is a significant technical challenge.
• Real-Time Data Synchronization: Ensuring UI elements accurately reflect dynamic, real-time game state across thousands of players requires robust engineering.
• Balancing Responsiveness and Server Authority: Designing UI that feels instant and responsive while respecting server-side validation and authority.
• Rapid Iteration: Adapting UI quickly to design changes and player feedback in a competitive development cycle.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Unreal Engine Techniques: Deep dive into cutting-edge features of UE5 and advanced UI development patterns.
• Performance Optimization Mastery: Become an expert in profiling and optimizing complex systems for maximum efficiency.
• Multiplayer Architecture: Gain deeper insights into the intricacies of high-level multiplayer game systems and their UI implications.
• Industry Trends: Stay abreast of new UI technologies and methodologies in game development.
• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and contribute to the growth of the UI team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in the intersection of bleeding-edge UI technology and the extreme performance requirements of AAA competitive multiplayer games. Successfully navigating these challenges offers substantial growth and learning opportunities for ambitious engineers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to optimize a UI system for performance. What were the bottlenecks, what steps did you take, and what was the result?" (Focus on quantitative results and your process).
• "How would you design a HUD for a fast-paced multiplayer FPS that needs to display player health, ammo, score, and objective status, while ensuring it remains responsive and doesn't impact frame rate?" (Prepare to discuss trade-offs, potential optimizations, and architectural choices).
• "Explain the concept of server-authoritative UI and client-side prediction. How would you implement this for an inventory system where players can equip items rapidly?" (Demonstrate understanding of multiplayer networking and UI interaction).
• "Walk us through a UI feature you implemented in Unreal Engine. What were the technical challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Be ready to present a specific, detailed example from your portfolio).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working on a competitive multiplayer FPS at Ironbelly Studios?" (Show enthusiasm for the genre and the company's pedigree).
• "How do you approach collaboration with game designers and artists, especially when there are differing opinions on UI implementation?" (Highlight your communication and problem-solving skills).
• "What are your thoughts on remote work, and how do you ensure productivity and team connection in a distributed environment?" (Align with the company's remote-first policy).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Choose 1-2 projects that most strongly demonstrate your expertise in Unreal Engine, C++, and performance optimization for complex UI.
• For each project, prepare a concise narrative: Project Goal -> Your Role/Contributions -> Technical Challenges -> Solutions Implemented -> Measurable Outcomes.
• Be prepared to answer detailed technical questions about your code, chosen architecture, and optimization strategies.
• Have your project environments (IDE, Unreal Editor) ready to showcase code snippets or specific UI implementations if requested.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a deep understanding of Unreal Engine's UI systems, strong C++ fundamentals, and a proven ability to solve complex performance and networking challenges specific to multiplayer games. Your portfolio presentation is your primary opportunity to demonstrate this expertise.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Game UI Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the Ironbelly Studios careers portal.
• Curate your portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant projects that highlight your Unreal Engine, C++, and multiplayer UI experience. Prepare a concise presentation or documentation for each, focusing on technical challenges, solutions, and performance metrics.
• Tailor your resume: Ensure your resume clearly lists your experience with Unreal Engine, C++, UMG/Slate, and any shipped multiplayer titles. Quantify your achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Improved UI load times by 30%").
• Prepare for technical questions: Review C++ best practices, Unreal Engine UI development, and common multiplayer networking concepts relevant to UI. Practice explaining your thought process for system design challenges.
• Research Ironbelly Studios: Familiarize yourself with their past projects, company values, and the competitive FPS genre to articulate your interest and 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.