Senior UI Technical Designer (12-Month Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Technical Designer (12-Month Contract)

Company: PlayStation Global

Location: San Diego, CA, United States

Job Type: Contract

Category: Creative & Design / Software Engineering

Date Posted: March 27, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the technical implementation and support of front-end user interfaces within video games, specifically for PlayStation titles developed at San Diego Studio.

• Key responsibilities include translating visual designs (mock-ups, redlines) into functional UI elements, ensuring technical feasibility, and collaborating closely with artists, designers, and engineers.

• The position requires a strong understanding of UI frameworks, programming methodologies, and the ability to work efficiently under strict deadlines for AAA console game development.

• This is a 12-month contract position, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a leading gaming brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior UI Technical Designer," the provided description and qualifications suggest a role that bridges the gap between UI Art and UI Engineering, with a strong emphasis on technical implementation and understanding of game development pipelines. The "Senior" designation likely reflects the need for experienced candidates who can work autonomously and contribute to complex systems.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Implement interface screens with pixel-perfect accuracy according to mock-ups and redlines provided by interface artists, ensuring a high-fidelity user experience.

• Actively collaborate with UI Artists and Game Designers to assess the technical feasibility of proposed UI designs, offering solutions and insights to optimize implementation.

• Partner with the engineering team to define and establish robust data contracts necessary for the efficient development and integration of UI screens.

• Contribute to the creation of wireframes or mock-ups when opportunities arise, demonstrating a holistic understanding of the UI development lifecycle.

• Maintain and support existing UI systems, ensuring their stability, performance, and scalability for current and future game features.

• Adapt and iterate on UI implementations based on feedback from design reviews, playtesting results, and technical performance metrics.

• Stay abreast of the latest industry technologies, workflows, and software relevant to UI development in the gaming sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on technical role focused on execution and collaboration, rather than high-level strategic design. The emphasis on "pixel-perfect" implementation, "technical feasibility," and "data contracts" points to a need for meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of how UI elements integrate into the game engine.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific formal education requirement is listed, indicating that practical experience and demonstrated skills are prioritized over academic degrees.

Experience:

• Professional work history developing user interfaces for video games or related interactive experiences, with demonstrable experience working within UI frameworks.

Required Skills:

• Strong technical aptitude and a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s newest technologies, workflows, and software relevant to UI development.

• Basic knowledge of software programming's standard methodologies and terminology, enabling effective communication with engineering teams.

• Proficient in implementing user interfaces accurately against design specifications (mock-ups and redlines).

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical requirements and design considerations.

• Proven ability to produce high-quality work efficiently, even under strict deadlines and demanding time constraints.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with C++ or other programming languages commonly used in game development.

• Knowledge of animation standard methodologies and tools for creating dynamic UI elements.

• Multi-platform experience, including development for mobile or responsive web, demonstrating versatility.

• Intermediate proficiency in design tools such as Figma and Photoshop for reviewing and understanding mock-ups.

• Strong understanding of the end-to-end user experience (UX), encompassing design, animation, art direction, and tooling processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Nice to have" section strongly indicates that candidates with a blend of UI design sensibility and practical coding/scripting knowledge will be highly competitive. Experience with C++ is particularly valuable, suggesting that the role may involve scripting or direct interaction with game engine code.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of implemented UI screens from previous game projects, showcasing pixel-perfect execution and adherence to design specifications.

• Case studies detailing contributions to UI frameworks or systems, highlighting technical problem-solving and efficiency improvements.

• Examples of how user feedback and playtesting results were incorporated to iterate and refine UI implementations.

• Visual evidence of collaboration with UI artists and engineers, illustrating successful integration of designs into game builds.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase of workflow for implementing UI designs from redlines/mock-ups to final in-game assets.

• Evidence of participation in technical feasibility assessments for UI designs.

• Examples of contributions to defining or utilizing data contracts for UI functionality.

• Documentation of iterative design processes driven by playtesting and performance analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. It should not only display visual design accuracy but also provide concrete examples of the candidate's technical contributions, problem-solving abilities within a game development context, and collaborative experience. Focus on projects where you actively translated designs into functional features.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated base pay range for this role is $60 - $80 USD per hour.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Matching 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy.

• Employee wellness program to support overall health and well-being.

• Coveted employee discounts on PlayStation products and other Sony offerings.

• Potential eligibility for a bonus package.

Working Hours: The role is structured around a standard 40-hour work week, typical for full-time contract positions. While flexibility might be possible, the on-site nature and need for collaboration suggest adherence to core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is hourly, which is common for contract roles. This range is competitive for a Senior UI Technical Designer in San Diego, CA, reflecting the specialized skills and experience required. The benefits package is robust, indicating a commitment to employee well-being even for contract positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development / Entertainment Technology. PlayStation Global is a leader in interactive entertainment, known for producing high-quality games and hardware. San Diego Studio specifically focuses on developing acclaimed PlayStation titles.

Company Size: PlayStation Global (Sony Interactive Entertainment) is a very large, multinational corporation (part of Sony Group Corporation), employing thousands globally. San Diego Studio itself is a significant development studio within this ecosystem. This size implies structured processes, opportunities for cross-team collaboration, and access to extensive resources.

Founded: Sony Group Corporation was founded in 1946, with Sony Interactive Entertainment (and thus PlayStation) emerging later in 1993. This history signifies a company with established leadership, a long-term vision, and deep roots in innovation and entertainment.

Team Structure:

• The UI Technical Designer will be part of the San Diego Studio's UI team, which likely includes UI Artists, UI Designers, and potentially dedicated UI Engineers or Technical Artists.

• This role will report to a UI Lead or a Director of UI/UX within the studio.

Methodology:

• The team likely follows agile or iterative development methodologies, common in game development, involving regular sprints, feedback loops, and continuous integration.

• A strong emphasis is placed on data-driven design, utilizing playtesting results, performance metrics, and user feedback to inform UI decisions and implementations.

• Workflow optimization is crucial, with a focus on efficient asset pipelines, clear communication protocols, and robust technical solutions to support complex game features.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large AAA studio like San Diego Studio means operating within a professional, structured environment where collaboration and adherence to established pipelines are key. The company culture values innovation, quality, and a passion for gaming, which should be reflected in an applicant's approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior level within the UI Technical Design specialization. It requires a significant depth of experience in UI implementation for games and the ability to work with a high degree of autonomy. The "Senior" title suggests leadership potential in technical execution and problem-solving within the UI domain.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Technical Designer will report to a UI Lead or a similar management figure within the San Diego Studio's UI department. This structure facilitates direct mentorship and alignment with departmental goals.

Operations Impact: While this role is primarily in the creative and technical domain rather than traditional "revenue operations," its impact on revenue is indirect but substantial. A well-designed and technically sound UI is critical for player engagement, retention, and overall game satisfaction. A poor UI can lead to frustration, decreased playtime, and ultimately, lower revenue and brand reputation. The technical implementation directly supports the user experience, which is a core driver of game success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced UI implementation techniques, specific game engine UI tools, or emerging UI technologies.

• Technical Leadership: Potential to mentor junior UI Technical Designers or take ownership of specific UI systems or features within future projects.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Opportunities to gain broader knowledge in UI Art, UX Design, or Game Design through collaboration and project involvement.

• Future Contract Extensions/Full-Time Opportunities: Successful performance in this 12-month contract could lead to extensions or full-time positions within PlayStation Studios, depending on business needs and individual performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This contract role offers a valuable stepping stone for experienced UI Technical Designers. The "Senior" designation implies a strong foundation, and growth would likely involve taking on more complex systems, leading technical aspects of UI features, or potentially transitioning into a full-time role with further career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role at San Diego Studio. The studio environment is likely a professional, collaborative workspace designed for game development, featuring dedicated areas for art, design, programming, and testing.

Office Location(s): San Diego, California, United States. This location offers a vibrant tech and gaming hub environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace where close interaction with UI Artists, Game Designers, and Engineers is standard. This fosters rapid iteration and problem-solving.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard hardware and software, including powerful workstations, game engines (likely Unreal Engine or proprietary engines), and specialized UI development tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, stand-ups, and design reviews are integral to the daily workflow, promoting knowledge sharing and alignment.

Work Schedule: The role is based on a 40-hour work week. The nature of AAA game development can sometimes lead to periods of intense work ("crunch time") closer to deadlines, though companies are increasingly focused on sustainable work practices. Adherence to core business hours is expected for effective team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration for this role. Candidates should be prepared for a studio environment where teamwork and direct communication are paramount for achieving the high standards of PlayStation game development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Technical Interview: Likely involves discussions about your experience with UI frameworks, programming concepts, and specific tools. You may be asked to walk through your portfolio and explain technical challenges you've overcome.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you present selected projects, detailing your role, technical contributions, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your work.

• Design/Collaboration Exercise: Potentially a small design or technical challenge, or a scenario-based discussion to evaluate your problem-solving skills, understanding of UI principles, and ability to collaborate with different disciplines.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with hiring managers or senior team members to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and overall suitability for the role and PlayStation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Technical Implementation: Focus on projects where you translated complex designs into functional UI elements. Provide clear examples of your code, scripts, or technical solutions.

• Showcase Process: Detail your workflow from receiving mock-ups/redlines to final implementation. Explain how you ensured pixel-perfection and technical feasibility.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Include examples of how you worked with UI Artists, Game Designers, and Engineers. Highlight specific instances of problem-solving through collaboration.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or specific outcomes to demonstrate the effectiveness of your UI implementations (e.g., improved player engagement, reduced loading times, successful integration of features).

• Tailor to PlayStation: Review PlayStation's current game UIs and tailor your presentation to show how your skills align with their aesthetic and technical standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review UI Frameworks: Refresh your knowledge of common game UI frameworks (e.g., UMG in Unreal Engine, proprietary engine tools).

• Understand Data Contracts: Be prepared to discuss how UI elements communicate with game data and backend services.

• Practice Explaining Technical Concepts: Articulate your understanding of programming methodologies and technical challenges in a clear, concise manner.

• Prepare Case Studies: Have 2-3 detailed case studies ready that exemplify your strongest contributions in UI technical design, focusing on problem, solution, and outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential technical challenges underscores the practical, hands-on nature of this role. Candidates must be ready to demonstrate their technical skills and problem-solving abilities directly.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Game Engine UI Systems: Likely proficiency in Unreal Engine's Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG) or proprietary engine-specific UI tools. This is crucial for implementing and managing UI elements within the game.

• Scripting/Programming Languages: Familiarity with C++ is highly desirable. Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Lua, Python) may also be beneficial for certain tasks.

• Version Control Systems: Experience with systems like Git, Perforce, or SVN, essential for collaborative development and managing code changes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Contract Definition: Understanding how to define and work with data structures that UI elements consume.

• Performance Monitoring Tools: Ability to use tools to monitor UI performance (frame rates, memory usage) and identify bottlenecks.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for tracking tasks and progress within development sprints.

• Documentation Tools: Experience with wikis (e.g., Confluence) or similar platforms for documenting UI systems, workflows, and technical specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the required skills strongly suggest experience with Unreal Engine's UMG and a programming language like C++. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these or equivalent technologies used in AAA game development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Play: A genuine enthusiasm for video games and the PlayStation brand is fundamental.

• Innovation & Quality: A drive to push creative and technical boundaries while maintaining the highest standards of quality in user experience.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A commitment to working effectively with diverse teams, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues.

• User-Centricity: A focus on creating intuitive, engaging, and accessible user experiences that delight players.

• Adaptability & Resilience: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative environment and adapt to evolving project requirements and feedback.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where UI Technical Designers work closely with UI Artists, Game Designers, Engineers, and QA testers to bring the game's vision to life.

• Iterative Feedback: A culture that embraces constructive feedback, encouraging open communication and iterative refinement of designs and implementations.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned across teams to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: PlayStation's culture, as implied by their mission and values, is centered around creating exceptional gaming experiences. This means a strong emphasis on quality, player satisfaction, and collaborative innovation. Candidates should demonstrate how they embody these values in their work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Complexity: Implementing intricate UI systems that must perform flawlessly across different hardware configurations and adapt to dynamic game states.

• Balancing Design & Technical Constraints: Translating artistic vision into technically feasible and performant UI elements, often requiring creative problem-solving.

• Strict Deadlines: Delivering high-quality work within compressed timelines common in AAA game development cycles.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively bridging the gap between artistic intent, design requirements, and engineering implementation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UI Implementation: Gaining deeper expertise in specific game engine UI tools and advanced scripting techniques.

• Exposure to AAA Pipelines: Understanding and contributing to the complex development processes of major game titles.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced UI artists, designers, and engineers within a leading game studio.

• Networking: Building professional connections within the PlayStation Studios network, which could lead to future opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for a UI Technical Designer to tackle challenging projects within a high-caliber environment. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly for those looking to specialize further in game UI development or transition into leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI system you implemented in a previous game. What were the technical challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on problem, solution, and technical details.)

• "How do you ensure your UI implementations are pixel-perfect and technically feasible according to artist mock-ups and redlines?" (Highlight your process and attention to detail.)

• "Explain your experience working with data contracts for UI elements. How do you collaborate with engineers on this?" (Demonstrate understanding of backend integration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working for PlayStation and specifically San Diego Studio?" (Express genuine passion for gaming and the brand.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with UI Artists and Game Designers who may have different priorities or perspectives?" (Emphasize communication and problem-solving.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your technical UI implementation skills and experience relevant to AAA gaming.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate: the problem, your specific role and contributions, the technical solutions implemented, and the outcome or impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visual aids (screenshots, videos, GIFs) to demonstrate your work. Be prepared to show relevant code snippets or explain technical workflows.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical choices, problem-solving methods, and collaboration experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your technical contributions in depth. The interviewers will be looking for evidence of your ability to translate designs into functional, high-quality game UI, and your capacity to collaborate effectively within a game development team.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on greenhouse.io.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific experience with UI development for video games, AAA titles, and proficiency in relevant tools and programming languages (especially C++ or Unreal Engine UMG). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of implemented UI screens, technical problem-solving, and collaborative projects. Organize it logically and be ready to present it effectively.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review core UI implementation concepts, programming methodologies, and common game engine UI tools. Practice explaining your technical decision-making process.

• Research PlayStation Studios: Familiarize yourself with San Diego Studio's games and PlayStation's overall UI aesthetic and design philosophy to demonstrate your understanding and alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. While every effort has been made to provide a comprehensive overview, candidates should verify all details directly with PlayStation Global during the application and interview process.