Senior UI Programmer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Programmer Company: Epic Games Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada Job Type: Full-Time Category: Game Development / UI Programming Date Posted: 2025-11-24 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the design, implementation, and maintenance of cutting-edge User Interface (UI) systems within the gaming domain, specifically leveraging Unreal Engine technology.
• The Senior UI Programmer will be instrumental in developing and optimizing front-end systems for live-service games, ensuring seamless integration with backend infrastructure.
• A key aspect of this position involves a systemic approach to feature development, emphasizing robust, maintainable, and reusable code paradigms for enhanced UI functionality.
• This role requires a strong focus on player experience, translating design and art visions into functional, aesthetically pleasing, and performant in-game UI elements across multiple platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title and description clearly indicate a role within the game development sector, focusing on UI programming. The emphasis on "live-service products," "integrating with backend services," and "reusable data paradigms" points towards a need for experienced programmers who can build scalable and maintainable UI architectures for ongoing game operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and implement new UI features with a strong emphasis on systemic design and reusability for long-term maintainability.
• Write exceptionally robust, efficient, and maintainable C++ code, with a proactive focus on future-proofing systems and anticipating evolving game requirements.
• Optimize existing UI systems and resolve bugs in both new and legacy codebases to ensure a smooth and stable player experience.
• Integrate backend services and APIs to support player-facing features, ensuring data consistency and real-time functionality.
• Collaborate closely with a cross-disciplinary team, including backend developers, client programmers, artists, and designers, to deliver cutting-edge features that enhance player engagement.
• Align with backend development teams on service contracts, data structures, and client-server communication goals to ensure cohesive system design.
• Work in tandem with client programmers to guarantee seamless integration of gameplay and UI systems across various target platforms (e.g., PC, console, mobile).
• Partner with art and design leads to ensure the UI not only meets functional requirements but also adheres to the highest aesthetic standards and brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level contribution, requiring not just implementation but also strategic design and planning for future scalability and maintainability. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and platform integration is critical for modern game development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is generally expected for senior programming roles in the gaming industry. Experience: 5-10 years of professional programming experience, with a significant portion dedicated to UI development within the games industry.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional C++ programming skills with a deep understanding of modern C++ standards and best practices.
• Proven experience in developing and shipping features for games across multiple platforms (PC, consoles, mobile).
• Demonstrated experience with UI systems, frameworks, and implementation within game development environments.
• Proficiency in integrating with backend services and APIs, understanding client-server architecture.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to debug complex issues efficiently.
• Excellent collaborative mindset, with a proven ability to give and receive constructive feedback in a team setting.
• A strong empathy for players and a genuine drive to create outstanding, intuitive, and engaging user experiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Unreal Engine's UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) UI Designer and related C++ scripting.
• Familiarity with data-driven design patterns and reusable component architectures for UI.
• Experience in live-service game operations, including iterative updates and performance monitoring.
• Knowledge of front-end development principles and their application within a game context.
• Understanding of gameplay-adjacent UI systems (e.g., HUDs, menus, inventory systems).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize core C++ proficiency and game development experience. The preferred skills suggest a strong advantage for candidates familiar with Unreal Engine's specific UI tools and methodologies, as well as experience with live-service game operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing complex UI systems developed for games, highlighting systemic design and reusability.
• Include case studies of features developed for live-service products, detailing integration with backend systems and player-facing functionalities.
• Provide examples of code that exhibit exceptional C++ programming quality, maintainability, and optimization.
• Showcase projects that required close collaboration with art and design teams to achieve both aesthetic and functional goals.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for designing and implementing new UI features, including planning, prototyping, and iteration.
• Articulate your approach to debugging and optimizing UI systems, particularly in complex, multi-platform environments.
• Explain your methods for integrating client-side UI logic with backend services and APIs, ensuring data integrity and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UI Programmer role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display finished products but also the candidate's thought process, architectural decisions, and problem-solving skills, especially in areas like systemic UI design and backend integration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UI Programmers in Montreal, Quebec, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is CAD $110,000 - $160,000 annually. This range is influenced by the cost of living in Montreal, the high demand for skilled game programmers, and Epic Games' reputation as a leading industry employer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health coverage: 100% paid benefits for employees and dependents, including supplemental medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Specialized care: Coverage for critical illness, telemedicine services, and a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, offering free therapy and coaching.
• Income protection: Life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability insurance, and weekly indemnity (short-term disability).
• Retirement planning: A competitive retirement savings plan with a significant employer match.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential support services.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during critical project phases. Flexibility may be offered based on team needs and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimate is based on current market data for senior software engineering roles in Montreal, Canada, specifically within the tech and gaming sectors. Epic Games' commitment to comprehensive benefits is highlighted in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Entertainment, Video Game Development, Engine Technology. Epic Games is a leader in real-time 3D creation tools and game development, known for titles like Fortnite and the Unreal Engine. Company Size: 4,500+ employees globally across 46 studios in 25 countries. This large size suggests a structured but dynamic environment with ample resources and opportunities for collaboration. Founded: 1991. With over 30 years of history, Epic Games has a deep-rooted legacy in innovation and a proven track record of success in the gaming industry.

Team Structure:

• The Programming team is likely structured into specialized areas, with this role belonging to the "Games" division, focusing on UI.
• Reporting likely follows a hierarchical structure, with Senior Programmers reporting to Lead Programmers or Engineering Managers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with close partnerships expected between UI programmers, backend developers, client programmers, designers, and artists.

Methodology:

• Epic Games emphasizes a data-driven approach, using player feedback and analytics to inform development decisions, particularly for live-service products.
• Workflow planning involves systemic design, agile methodologies, and iterative development cycles to ensure continuous improvement and feature delivery.
• Automation is likely employed for build processes, testing, and deployment to enhance efficiency and code quality.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Epic Games is renowned for its innovative culture, focus on player experience, and a strong emphasis on utilizing its proprietary Unreal Engine technology. The company's global presence and long history indicate a stable yet forward-thinking organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position within the Programming discipline. It signifies a significant level of technical expertise, an ability to lead feature development, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to architectural decisions. Responsibilities extend beyond coding to include systemic design, planning, and cross-functional leadership. Reporting Structure: Senior UI Programmers typically report to a Lead UI Programmer, Programming Manager, or a specific Technical Director overseeing the UI or game feature team. They are expected to guide and mentor junior and mid-level programmers. Operations Impact: The impact of this role is direct and substantial, influencing the player's primary interaction point with the game. High-quality UI is critical for player engagement, retention, and monetization in live-service games. This role contributes directly to the success of Epic Games' titles by ensuring intuitive, performant, and aesthetically pleasing user interfaces.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced UI systems, engine architecture, or specific platform optimizations, potentially leading to Principal or Staff Engineer roles.
• Leadership Development: Transition into Lead Programmer or Management roles, taking on more responsibility for team direction, project planning, and people management.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exploration: Move into related areas such as engine architecture, gameplay programming, or technical art, leveraging foundational programming skills.
• Mentorship: Actively mentor junior developers, guiding their technical and career growth within Epic Games.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior title implies leadership potential and a need for strategic thinking beyond individual code contributions. Growth paths are clearly defined within technical specialization or management tracks, common in large game development studios.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office-based work environment at Epic Games' Montreal studio. Office Location(s): Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This location is a major hub for game development, offering a vibrant tech community and access to talent. Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed for collaboration, fostering interaction with other programmers, artists, and designers.
• Access to cutting-edge tools and technology, including Epic's own Unreal Engine, powerful development hardware, and internal software solutions.
• Opportunities for frequent team syncs, knowledge sharing sessions, and informal discussions to facilitate problem-solving and innovation.

Work Schedule: The role involves standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week). While core hours are expected for team collaboration and meetings, there might be some flexibility depending on the team's specific process and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an on-site role suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and team synergy, which is often crucial in fast-paced game development environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will review your application and resume, followed by a brief call to assess initial fit and interest.
• Technical Assessment: Expect a coding challenge or technical interview focused on C++ fundamentals, data structures, algorithms, and potentially UI-specific problem-solving scenarios. This may be a take-home assignment or a live coding session.
• Portfolio Review & System Design Interview: A discussion with engineering leads or senior team members where you will present your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through key projects, explain your design choices, discuss challenges, and articulate your approach to systemic UI development and backend integration.
• On-site/Virtual Interview Loop: A series of interviews with various team members (programmers, leads, potentially designers/artists) to assess technical depth, problem-solving skills, collaboration style, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a Director or VP of Engineering for a final assessment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your Senior UI Programming capabilities, especially those involving complex systems, backend integration, and cross-platform development.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, your specific contributions, the technologies used (especially C++ and relevant UI frameworks), and the outcomes (e.g., performance improvements, user satisfaction).
• Highlight Systemic Design: Emphasize how you approached building reusable, maintainable, and scalable UI architecture rather than just isolated features. Discuss data paradigms and component-based design.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., improved loading times, reduced bug reports, increased player retention due to UI improvements).
• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the intricacies of your code, architectural decisions, and debugging strategies.

Challenge Preparation:

• C++ Mastery: Brush up on core C++ concepts, memory management, object-oriented design, and common algorithms.
• UI Problem-Solving: Practice designing UI flows for common game scenarios (e.g., crafting systems, character customization, in-game menus) and consider edge cases and performance implications.
• System Design: Prepare to discuss how you would architect a complex UI system from scratch, considering modularity, scalability, and integration points.
• Collaboration Scenarios: Think about how you would handle disagreements with designers or artists regarding UI implementation, or how you would communicate technical constraints to non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role at a company like Epic Games will be rigorous, focusing heavily on technical depth, architectural thinking, and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts and past project experiences effectively. The portfolio review is a critical component.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• C++: The primary programming language for game development at Epic Games.
• Unreal Engine: The core game engine, including its UI frameworks like UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) and Slate.
• Visual Studio / IDEs: For C++ development, debugging, and profiling.
• Perforce / Git: Version control systems for managing codebases.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Analytics Tools: Likely proprietary systems for tracking player behavior, UI interactions, and performance metrics.
• Debugging Tools: Integrated within Unreal Engine and IDEs for identifying and resolving issues.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly CRM-focused, understanding how UI integrates with backend services implies familiarity with API contracts and potentially microservices architecture.
• Build Systems: Unreal Engine's build system and potentially CI/CD tools for automated builds and deployments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in C++ and Unreal Engine is paramount. The role also implies working with internal tools and systems common in large game development studios.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to push the boundaries of game development and engine technology.
• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect across disciplines.
• Player Focus: A deep commitment to creating exceptional experiences for players.
• Quality: A dedication to high standards in code, design, and overall product excellence.
• Efficiency: Striving for optimized performance and maintainable systems that support long-term product health.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close partnerships between programmers, artists, designers, and backend engineers are essential for creating cohesive game experiences.
• Iterative Feedback: A culture that encourages continuous feedback loops to refine designs and code throughout the development process.
• Knowledge Sharing: Open sharing of technical knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned through documentation, internal talks, and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: Epic Games promotes a culture of innovation and collaboration, driven by a passion for games and technology. The emphasis on player experience and quality is central to their identity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Live-Service: Managing UI systems that are constantly evolving with new features, updates, and player feedback in a live environment.
• Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensuring UI functions and appears correctly and performantly across a wide range of hardware and operating systems.
• Performance Optimization: Balancing rich visual fidelity and complex interactions with strict performance budgets, especially on lower-end hardware.
• Technical Debt Management: Maintaining and refactoring legacy UI systems while simultaneously developing new features.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Unreal Engine Expertise: Deepen knowledge of Unreal Engine's advanced features, rendering pipeline, and C++ frameworks.
• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend and present at major game development conferences (e.g., GDC).
• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from experienced engineers and leaders within Epic Games.
• Internal Training: Regular workshops and training sessions on new technologies, tools, and development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in live-service game development, requiring adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Growth opportunities are tied to both technical advancement and leadership potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI system you designed and implemented for a live-service game. What were the key architectural decisions, and how did you ensure its scalability and maintainability?" (Focus on systemic design, C++, backend integration, and long-term vision).
• "How do you approach collaborating with artists and designers when their aesthetic vision conflicts with technical feasibility or performance constraints? Provide an example." (Focus on communication, negotiation, and finding creative solutions).
• "Walk me through your process for debugging a performance issue in a UI system across multiple platforms. What tools and methodologies do you employ?" (Focus on analytical skills, debugging tools, and platform-specific considerations).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Epic Games and the Unreal Engine specifically, particularly in the context of UI development?" (Research Epic's recent projects, Unreal Engine capabilities, and company values).
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially when working on features that require input from multiple disciplines?" (Highlight your teamwork, communication, and feedback-giving skills).
• "How do you measure the success of a UI feature you've implemented, beyond just bug-free functionality?" (Discuss player feedback, analytics, performance metrics, and user experience goals).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives. Start with the problem, detail your solution and process, and conclude with the impact and lessons learned.
• Code Snippet Focus: Be prepared to show and discuss specific code examples that highlight your C++ proficiency, architectural patterns, or optimization techniques.
• Interactive Demo (if possible): If you have a playable demo or a recorded walkthrough of your UI system, it can be highly impactful.
• Technical Depth: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your implementation choices, trade-offs made, and how you addressed potential issues or edge cases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize demonstrating not just coding ability, but also architectural thinking, problem-solving prowess, and strong communication skills, particularly in the context of game development and collaborative environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Programmer position:

• Submit your application through the Epic Games careers portal, ensuring your resume highlights your C++ and game UI development experience.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a digital portfolio that prominently features your strongest work in C++ UI development, systemic design, and backend integration. Tailor the presentation to emphasize projects relevant to live-service games and cross-platform capabilities.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your experience with C++, Unreal Engine (or similar game engines), UI frameworks, and any contributions to live-service products. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with systemic design, collaboration with art/design teams, and debugging complex UI issues. Be ready to present your portfolio with confidence and technical depth.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Epic Games, its flagship titles (like Fortnite), and the capabilities of Unreal Engine, particularly its UI tools. Understand their commitment to player experience and innovation.

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