Senior UI Artist (Remote or In-Office)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Artist
Company: Pipeworks Studios
Location: Eugene, OR (Remote or In-Office)
Job Type: Full Time
Category: Art & Design / Creative & Media / Technology
Date Posted: October 20, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the visual direction and user experience for AAA gaming projects through expert UI/UX design and implementation.
• Translate complex product strategies and user requirements into intuitive, engaging, and pixel-perfect user interfaces.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Design and Engineering, to bring UI/UX concepts from ideation to functional in-game art.
• Leverage a deep understanding of human behavior and UX best practices to create seamless and compelling player journeys.
• Contribute to high-quality visual output and art direction decisions within a production artist capacity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the dynamic gaming industry, specifically focusing on AAA titles. The emphasis on translating strategy into user experience and collaborating with engineering highlights a need for strong cross-functional communication and technical UI implementation skills, aligning it with a GTM operations perspective where user experience is paramount to product adoption and retention.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement new UI elements and modify existing ones, providing accurate time and effort estimates for each task.
• Collaborate with the Design team to translate product strategy and user requirements into comprehensive user experiences.
• Create detailed mockups, user flow diagrams, and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate complex interaction designs.
• Work closely with the Engineering and Design teams to integrate UI mockups into functional in-game art, ensuring visual fidelity and performance.
• Function as a dedicated production artist, taking direction and contributing to the overall quality and artistic vision of the project.
• Make critical quality decisions that positively influence the artistic direction and execution of UI elements.
• Partner with other artists to achieve project goals, fostering a collaborative and efficient art production pipeline.
• Successfully ship titles by accurately estimating UI development tasks and adapting creatively to evolving project needs.
• Continuously enhance knowledge of UX best practices, industry trends, and user behavior to inform design decisions.
• Analyze user actions and proactively design solutions that optimize their experience and engagement with the game.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of artistic creation, technical implementation, and strategic collaboration. The need to provide estimates, work with engineering, and adapt direction based on project needs points to a role that requires not just creative talent but also operational efficiency and project management awareness, crucial for GTM roles focused on product delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma (Required); Bachelor's Degree (Preferred)
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in the games industry, with a strong foundation in graphic design and motion graphics.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of motion graphics for UI enhancement and animation.
• Proficiency in working with in-engine UI systems for game development.
• Advanced graphic design skills with expert-level proficiency in Figma.
• Proven ability to function effectively as a production artist, taking direction and delivering high-quality assets.
• Strong visual language development skills, particularly in icon and logo design.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, estimate, and organize UI development workflows.
• Experience working collaboratively as part of a game development team.
• Capability to conceptualize and develop the unique style and presentation of UI for game projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of 3D art principles and application to UI elements.
• Prior experience shipping AAA game titles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma, in-engine UI systems, and AAA game experience indicates a need for candidates who can not only design but also implement and deliver complex UI solutions within demanding production environments. The preference for shipped AAA titles suggests a focus on proven execution and understanding of the full game development lifecycle, a key aspect for operations roles aiming for impactful product delivery.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of UI/UX design work, including mockups, user flows, and interactive prototypes that demonstrate problem-solving capabilities.
• Present examples of icon and logo design that highlight a strong visual language and aesthetic consistency.
• Include case studies or project examples that detail your role in UI development, estimation, and implementation processes.
• Demonstrate experience with in-engine UI systems and how your designs were translated into functional game elements.
• Highlight any contributions to the artistic direction or style of UI for previous projects.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you've planned, estimated, and organized UI development tasks in past projects.
• Showcase your collaborative process when working with Design and Engineering teams to integrate UI into the game.
• Illustrate how you've adapted your designs based on project needs or feedback, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, requiring a demonstration of not just design skills but also the operational aspects of UI development: planning, estimation, and collaboration. This aligns with operations' focus on structured processes and measurable outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $87,000 - $104,000 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• 401K retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance Policy for added security.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual.
• 20 Paid Company Holidays annually.
• Relocation assistance available for eligible candidates.
• Paid Parental Leave to support new parents.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.
• Discounts on Fitness Club memberships.
• Opportunities for Sports Team Sponsorship.
• Annual Company Events for team building and recognition.
• Project Wrap Parties to celebrate team achievements.

Working Hours: Full-time, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered for remote or hybrid arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior UI Artist role in the US, especially considering the remote option. The extensive benefits package, including relocation and parental leave, demonstrates Pipeworks Studios' commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, an important consideration for long-term operational roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development
Company Size: Approximately 100-250 employees (estimated based on typical studio size).
Founded: Pipeworks Studios was founded in 2009, bringing over a decade of experience in game development.

Team Structure:

• The Art department is likely structured with specialized roles such as UI Artists, 3D Modelers, Animators, Environment Artists, etc.
• UI Artists will report to an Art Director or Lead UI Artist, with close collaboration across Design, Engineering, and Production teams.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, especially between UI Artists, Game Designers, and Technical Artists/Engineers, to ensure seamless integration of UI elements into the game.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not directly data analysis, understanding user behavior through observation and feedback is key to informing UI/UX decisions.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role requires planning and estimating UI development tasks, directly contributing to efficient workflow management within the art pipeline.
• Automation & Efficiency: Implementing UI within game engines and leveraging tools like Figma contributes to streamlining the art production process.

Company Website: https://www.pipeworks.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Pipeworks Studios operates within the highly competitive AAA gaming sector. The company's commitment to DEI and its established history suggest a culture that values both creative excellence and employee inclusivity. For operations professionals, understanding the iterative nature of game development and the importance of cross-functional alignment is crucial.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Senior UI Artist role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the art discipline, with significant responsibility for driving UI/UX quality and execution on AAA projects. It requires independent work, mentorship potential, and a strong understanding of the entire development lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Artist will likely report to an Art Director or Lead UI Artist, with direct collaboration with Game Designers, Technical Artists, and Engineers. This structure emphasizes a matrixed environment common in game development, requiring strong communication and influence skills.

Operations Impact: The Senior UI Artist's work directly impacts player acquisition, engagement, and retention by creating intuitive and enjoyable user experiences. A well-designed UI is critical for player onboarding, navigating game systems, and overall player satisfaction, all of which contribute to the commercial success of a game.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in advanced UI/UX design, motion graphics, and in-engine implementation for AAA titles.
• Leadership Development: Potential to mentor junior artists, lead UI art efforts on specific features or projects, and contribute to art direction.
• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas like player onboarding, in-game store design, or complex system interfaces within AAA games.
• Industry Recognition: Contribute to critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles, building a strong professional portfolio and reputation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an art role, the "Senior" designation and emphasis on AAA projects imply a need for operational maturity: project planning, estimation, and cross-functional execution. Growth opportunities extend beyond pure art skills to include project leadership and strategic input on user experience, mirroring career paths in GTM operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Flexible: candidates can choose to work remotely, in the Eugene, OR office, or a hybrid model.
Office Location(s): Eugene, Oregon, USA.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Whether remote or in-office, the role requires strong collaboration with design, engineering, and other art disciplines. Remote workers will utilize digital collaboration tools extensively.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma) and game development engines (likely Unreal Engine or Unity, given the AAA context) will be provided or expected.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team syncs, design reviews, and knowledge sharing sessions, facilitated through digital platforms for remote employees.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. The flexible work arrangement allows for some autonomy in managing daily schedules, provided project deadlines and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The flexible work environment is a significant draw. For operations professionals, understanding how to maintain efficient collaboration and productivity across distributed teams is a key operational skill, making this environment a good fit for those adept at remote work dynamics.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess fundamental skills and experience.
• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: A deep dive into the candidate's portfolio, focusing on UI/UX design quality, motion graphics, Figma proficiency, and experience with in-engine systems. This may involve a portfolio presentation or a practical design exercise.
• Cross-functional Interview: Discussion with members of the Design and Engineering teams to evaluate collaboration skills, understanding of technical constraints, and ability to translate concepts into functional art.
• Art Leadership Interview: Conversation with the Art Director or Lead UI Artist to assess artistic vision, quality decision-making, and alignment with project art direction.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or studio lead to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirmation of role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the problem you were solving, your design process (including user research/behavioral insights), and the final outcome.
• Showcase Motion Graphics: Dedicate a section to motion graphics examples, demonstrating how animation enhances UI usability and engagement.
• Figma Mastery: Include examples that showcase advanced Figma features, prototyping, and design system implementation.
• In-Engine Integration: If possible, provide examples or descriptions of how your UI designs were implemented within a game engine, detailing any technical considerations.
• AAA Context: If you have shipped AAA titles, clearly label these projects and describe your specific contributions and impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a practical design challenge that may require you to create mockups or a short prototype for a given game feature.
• Practice articulating your design decisions and their rationale, focusing on how they align with user needs and business objectives.
• Be ready to discuss your experience estimating tasks and collaborating with technical teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and practical design challenges highlights the need for candidates to demonstrate not just creative output but also the structured thinking and execution capabilities expected in operations roles. Successful candidates will be able to clearly articulate their process and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and potentially design system management. Expect advanced usage.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop (for asset creation/editing), After Effects (for motion graphics and prototyping).
• Motion Graphics Software: Likely After Effects, potentially others for advanced animation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct analytics tools are not listed, understanding user behavior data and feedback is crucial for informing UI/UX decisions. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they use such insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but familiarity with project management and collaboration tools is expected.

Game Development Specific:

• In-Engine UI Systems: Proficiency in implementing UI within game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity is a significant advantage.
• Version Control Systems: Familiarity with systems like Git or Perforce for asset management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and motion graphics tools is paramount. Experience with game engines like Unreal or Unity is a strong differentiator, showcasing an understanding of the technical pipeline and operational realities of game development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to delivering visually stunning and functionally excellent UI that elevates the player experience.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams, sharing knowledge, and supporting collective goals.
• User-Centricity: A deep understanding of player behavior and a dedication to designing interfaces that are intuitive, accessible, and engaging.
• Adaptability & Iteration: The ability to embrace feedback, iterate on designs, and adapt to evolving project requirements in a fast-paced AAA environment.
• Innovation: A drive to explore new UI/UX trends and technologies to create unique and memorable player experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Open communication and proactive engagement with Design, Engineering, and other art disciplines to ensure seamless integration and alignment.
• Process Review & Feedback: A culture of constructive feedback and iterative design reviews to continuously improve UI quality and workflow efficiency.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, new techniques, and insights within the art team and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on user-centricity, collaboration, and adaptability aligns well with the core tenets of successful operations teams. Understanding how to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and cross-functional synergy is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• AAA Scale & Complexity: Designing and implementing UI for large-scale AAA games presents unique challenges in terms of scope, performance optimization, and maintaining visual consistency across vast amounts of content.
• Balancing Artistry with Functionality: Striking the right balance between creating visually appealing interfaces and ensuring they are highly functional, intuitive, and performant within game engine constraints.
• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: For remote employees, maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication across distributed teams requires proactive effort and skillful use of collaboration tools.
• Evolving Technology: Staying current with rapidly advancing game engine technologies, UI tools, and player expectations in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Skill Development: Opportunities to master new design tools, motion graphics techniques, and in-engine implementation workflows.
• Industry Exposure: Working on AAA titles provides exposure to cutting-edge game development practices and technologies.
• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior artists and gain leadership experience within the art team.
• Career Advancement: Clear pathways to Lead UI Artist roles, Art Direction, or specialization in specific areas of UI/UX for games.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in high-performing operational environments, requiring strategic thinking, problem-solving, and continuous learning. The growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement and leadership, mirroring typical career progression in operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex game mechanic or feature into an intuitive UI. What was your process?" (Focus on user behavior analysis, design iteration, and collaboration with design/engineering).
• "How do you approach estimating UI development tasks for a large-scale AAA project, and how do you manage scope creep?" (Highlight your planning, organization, and risk management skills).
• "Walk us through a UI project where you had to significantly adapt your design based on technical limitations or feedback. What was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your adaptability and problem-solving approach).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working on AAA titles at Pipeworks Studios, and what do you know about our recent projects?" (Showcase your research and genuine interest).
• "How do you approach collaboration with engineers and designers, especially when there are differing opinions on UI implementation?" (Focus on communication, empathy, and finding solutions).
• "How do you ensure your UI designs are accessible and cater to a diverse player base?" (Address your understanding of inclusive design principles).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly outline the project objective, your specific role and contributions, the challenges faced, your design process, and the final impact or results.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your mockups are clean, your prototypes are functional, and your motion graphics examples are smooth and impactful.
• Process Emphasis: Highlight the "why" behind your design decisions, linking them to user needs, project goals, and technical feasibility.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key projects efficiently, answering questions directly and demonstrating your understanding of the operations behind the creative.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role requires a strong focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also operational thinking: process, collaboration, problem-solving, and impact. Candidates should be ready to articulate their contributions in a structured, results-oriented manner.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Artist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Pipeworks.com.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your UI/UX design skills, motion graphics capabilities, Figma proficiency, and experience with in-engine UI implementation. Prioritize AAA game examples.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of games industry experience, specific contributions to shipped titles, and expertise in graphic design, motion graphics, and UI development. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, collaboration strategies, and problem-solving approaches. Prepare to present your portfolio effectively, focusing on how your work impacts user experience and project goals.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Pipeworks Studios' work, company culture, and commitment to DEI. Understand their position in the AAA gaming market and tailor your responses to align with their values and operational needs.

⚠️ 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.

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