UI Artist (Fixed Term)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Artist (Fixed Term)

Company: PUBG Madison

Location: Madison, WI

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary (6-Month Fixed Term)

Category: Art & Design / Game Development

Date Posted: April 06, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Remote OK (US & Canada), On-site Preferred (Madison, WI)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop high-quality, in-game User Interface (UI) assets, including HUD elements, menus, icons, and overlays, ensuring clarity, responsiveness, and alignment with the game's established visual identity.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Creative Directors, Gameplay Engineering, and Art Direction, to ensure UI is intuitive, performant, and effectively supports the intended player experience and gameplay mechanics.

• Iterate on UI designs based on critical feedback from playtests, usability testing, and technical performance constraints, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and player-centric design.

• Contribute to a positive and inclusive studio culture by fostering a culture of respectful critique and collaborative feedback, essential for high-performing game development teams.

• Actively participate in playtesting sessions to gain a deep understanding of the product, game mechanics, and player journey, enabling more informed and impactful UI design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a fixed-term, 6-month position. While remote work is permitted within the US and Canada, preference is given to candidates willing to relocate or work locally in Madison, WI, indicating a desire for strong on-site collaboration and integration. The role emphasizes not only technical UI/UX skills but also cultural contribution and active participation in the game development lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create compelling and functional in-game UI assets, including HUD elements, menus, icons, and overlays, ensuring they are clear, responsive, and aesthetically consistent with the game's overall visual identity and brand guidelines.

• Partner with stakeholders across Creative, Art Direction, and Engineering to translate gameplay requirements and design visions into intuitive and performant UI solutions that enhance player engagement and understanding.

• Proactively iterate on UI designs by integrating feedback from playtesting, usability studies, and performance analysis, demonstrating an iterative design process focused on optimization.

• Champion and contribute to an inclusive and respectful studio culture by actively participating in critique sessions, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a collaborative environment for all team members.

• Engage in regular playtesting sessions to thoroughly understand the game's mechanics, player flow, and overall experience, leveraging these insights to inform and refine UI design decisions.

• Contribute art assets to the game build, ensuring proper integration and adherence to technical specifications and pipeline requirements.

• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to UI asset implementation, working closely with engineering and QA teams to ensure seamless integration and functionality.

• Collaborate with QA and Leads to assess, prioritize, and fix UI-related bugs, ensuring a high level of polish and stability for the player experience.

• Actively participate in team feedback sessions, playtests, and other studio-wide activities to foster a cohesive development environment and shared understanding of project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to UI asset creation, a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration within a game development context, and a structured feedback and iteration process. The inclusion of "contribute content to the build," "troubleshoot technical problems," and "work with QA and Leads to assess and fix bugs" indicates a need for candidates who can bridge the gap between design and technical implementation, a common requirement in game UI roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Interactive Media, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is often preferred and can be beneficial.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in UI/UX design or game interface design, with a proven track record in a related games industry position.

Required Skills:

• UI/UX Design Expertise: Demonstrated ability to create user-centered interfaces with a strong sense of visual hierarchy, usability, and aesthetic appeal.

• Game Interface Design: Proven experience designing interfaces specifically for video games, with an understanding of player psychology and readability in high-action environments.

• Illustrative Style: A strong portfolio showcasing game UI work that includes examples of expressive and engaging illustrative styles, particularly relevant for character or thematic elements.

• Design Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Figma, or similar contemporary UI/UX design platforms.

• Game Engine Implementation: Hands-on experience implementing UI assets and systems within Unreal Engine 5, understanding its UI tools and workflows.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse teams including Art Direction, Creative Directors, Gameplay Engineers, and QA.

• Feedback Integration: Proficiency in iterating on designs based on playtest feedback, usability testing results, and technical constraints.

• Production Tool Proficiency: Familiarity with common game development production tools including Shotgrid (or similar project management software), MIRO (for wireframing/collaboration), Slack (communication), Perforce (version control), JIRA (issue tracking), Google Workspace, and MS Office.

Preferred Skills:

• FPS Experience: Specific experience designing UIs for First-Person Shooter (FPS) games, understanding the unique demands and conventions of the genre.

• Motion Graphics: Familiarity with motion graphics principles and tools for creating dynamic UI animations and transitions.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with dedicated prototyping tools that allow for interactive UI mockups and user flow simulation.

• Version Control Systems: Deeper expertise with version control systems like Perforce, crucial for managing game assets in a team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements strongly emphasize a portfolio that showcases not just functional UI but also artistic flair ("illustrative styles"), suggesting the game has a distinct visual theme. Proficiency in Unreal Engine 5 is a critical technical requirement, pointing to the game's development platform. The breadth of production tools listed indicates a structured and collaborative development pipeline.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive UI/UX Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 detailed case studies that articulate the design process from concept to implementation. Each case study should clearly outline the problem, your design approach, iterations, and the final solution.

• Visual Hierarchy & Readability Examples: Include specific examples demonstrating your ability to create clear visual hierarchies and ensure readability of text and critical information, especially in fast-paced gaming environments.

• Illustrative UI Elements: Feature examples of UI elements that incorporate illustrative art, showcasing your ability to integrate artistic style seamlessly with functional design.

• Unreal Engine 5 Integration Showcase: Where possible, provide evidence or descriptions of UI implementation within Unreal Engine 5, highlighting your understanding of its UI editor and workflow.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration Examples: If possible, include examples or descriptions of how you've collaborated with engineers, artists, or designers on UI projects, detailing your role and contribution.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of how to map out and optimize UI workflows, from initial wireframing and prototyping to final asset delivery and implementation.

• Iterative Design & Feedback Loops: Illustrate your process for incorporating feedback from playtesting, usability studies, and team reviews, showcasing how you refine designs based on data and input.

• System Implementation Standards: Provide examples of how you ensure UI systems are implemented efficiently, are performant, and adhere to established technical and artistic guidelines.

• ROI Demonstration: While direct ROI is harder for UI artists, focus on how your designs contribute to key metrics such as player engagement, retention, clarity of gameplay, and reduced player friction. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "reduced menu navigation time by X% through improved flow").

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UI Artist role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not only aesthetic talent but also a deep understanding of user experience principles within the context of interactive entertainment. Emphasis on Unreal Engine 5 integration and the ability to work within a structured development pipeline are key differentiators. The "ROI" aspect should be framed around how good UI directly impacts player satisfaction and retention.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a UI Artist with 3+ years of experience in Madison, WI, the estimated salary range is typically between $75,000 - $105,000 annually. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and the exact nature of the fixed-term contract.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Employer-Funded Healthcare: Full medical coverage with zero out-of-pocket costs for in-network care.

• Dental & Vision Insurance: Employer-paid premiums for comprehensive dental and vision coverage.

• Disability & Life Insurance: Employer-paid premiums for short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.

• Generous Time Off: 20 days of prorated Paid Time Off (PTO), 12 paid holidays annually, and a studio-wide holiday break.

• Annual Sick Leave: Dedicated sick leave days to support employee well-being.

• Reimbursements: Annual allowances for health & wellness, video games, and continuing education.

• Family Planning Benefits: Industry-leading support through Carrot Fertility, including fertility care and gender-affirming care.

• On-site Amenities: Free catered lunches, meal reimbursements, and complimentary snacks and beverages for in-office staff.

• Team Engagement: Regular team outings and events to foster a positive company culture.

• Retirement Savings: 401K plan with a company match to support long-term financial planning.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are assumed to be 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role. Given the fixed-term nature, there might be periods of intense work leading up to milestones, but the overall structure aims for a sustainable work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is estimated based on industry benchmarks for UI Artists in mid-sized US cities with a strong tech/gaming presence. Madison, WI, offers a good quality of life and a competitive job market. The extensive benefits package is a significant plus, especially the employer-funded healthcare and comprehensive insurance offerings, which are highly attractive to employees. The fixed-term nature implies pro-rated PTO.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development, specifically focusing on the Battle Royale genre and new IP development. PUBG Madison is part of PUBG Studios, a major player in the global gaming market.

Company Size: PUBG Madison is a growing studio. While the specific size isn't stated, its "Top Workplace" recognition suggests a company that prioritizes employee experience and culture, likely a medium-sized studio with a dedicated team.

Founded: PUBG Studios was founded in 2017. The Madison studio is developing a new IP, indicating a forward-looking and innovative environment.

Team Structure:

• Art Department: The UI Artist reports to the Director of Art, indicating a clear hierarchy within the art discipline.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with Creative Directors, Gameplay Engineering, and Art Direction, highlighting a highly integrated development process.

• Project Teams: UI Artists are likely part of specific project teams working on the new IP, interacting daily with game designers, engineers, and other artists.

Methodology:

• Agile/Iterative Development: Game development, especially for new IPs, typically follows agile methodologies, emphasizing iterative design, regular feedback loops, and continuous integration.

• Data-Driven Design: The emphasis on playtesting and usability testing suggests a data-informed approach to UI/UX decisions.

• Collaborative Environment: The "Top Workplace" status and emphasis on inclusive culture point towards a collaborative and supportive work environment where ideas are shared and valued.

Company Website: PUBG Studios (Note: Direct link to PUBG Madison studio page might not be public, but general PUBG Studios info is available)

📝 Enhancement Note: PUBG Madison's "Top Workplace" designation is a strong indicator of a positive and supportive culture. The company's focus on a new IP suggests an environment that values innovation and creative risk-taking. The collaboration structure implies that UI Artists are integral to the core development team, not siloed.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Level. A UI Artist at this stage is expected to work independently on assigned tasks, contribute meaningfully to design discussions, and mentor junior team members if applicable. They are moving beyond basic execution to influence design direction and problem-solving.

Reporting Structure: The UI Artist reports directly to the Director of Art. This provides a clear line of communication for artistic guidance, career development, and project oversight. Within the project team, they will also report functionally to leads or directors overseeing specific game features or systems.

Operations Impact: The UI Artist's impact is crucial for player experience, which directly influences player retention, satisfaction, and overall game success. Effective UI design can streamline gameplay, improve accessibility, and enhance the game's aesthetic appeal, all of which contribute to the game's commercial viability and positive reception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UI/UX, such as motion graphics, technical UI implementation, or player accessibility.

• Lead Roles: Progress to a Senior UI Artist or UI Lead position, taking on more responsibility for design direction, team management, and project strategy.

• Cross-Disciplinary Roles: Transition into related fields like Technical Art, UX Research, or Game Design, leveraging their understanding of player interaction and visual communication.

• Learning & Development: Utilize provided reimbursements for continuing education, attend industry conferences (e.g., GDC), and gain certifications to stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in UI/UX and game development.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a fixed-term role, this is an excellent opportunity for a mid-level artist to gain experience on a high-profile project and potentially secure a permanent position or use the experience to move into more senior roles elsewhere. The growth opportunities are tied to specialization within UI/UX or broader transitions within game development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: PUBG Madison is located in Madison, WI, and has been recognized as a "Top Workplace." This suggests a modern, well-equipped office environment that prioritizes employee comfort and collaboration. The mention of "free catered lunches, meal reimbursements, and snacks and beverages for in office staff" indicates a focus on employee well-being and a positive in-office experience.

Office Location(s): Madison, WI. The description highlights the city's vibrant culture, natural beauty, and amenities, suggesting a desirable place to live and work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The "Top Workplace" status and emphasis on team outings suggest a design that encourages interaction and teamwork, likely with open-plan areas and dedicated collaborative zones.

• Technology & Tools: Employees will have access to industry-standard hardware and software, including Unreal Engine 5, Adobe Creative Suite, and essential production tools like Perforce and JIRA. High-performance workstations would be standard for art roles.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with fellow artists, designers, engineers, and leads is expected, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment. The studio also emphasizes regular team outings and events.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is likely Monday to Friday, 40 hours. While remote work is an option, the preference for local candidates and the emphasis on in-office amenities suggest that on-site work is encouraged for collaboration and team building. Flexibility may be available, but core hours are expected for team synchronization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described as positive and supportive, with a strong emphasis on both professional development and employee well-being. The combination of remote flexibility and on-site preference suggests a hybrid approach is ideal, with the company valuing face-to-face interaction for creative synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Submission: Submit resume and a link to your UI/UX portfolio.

2. Portfolio Review: The hiring team will thoroughly review your portfolio for relevant experience, artistic style, technical skills (especially Unreal Engine 5), and adherence to UX principles.

3. Initial Interview: A screening call with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess general fit, experience, and salary expectations.

4. Technical Interview/Art Test: This may involve a practical art test or a discussion focused on your portfolio pieces, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of UI/UX principles in game development. You might be asked to walk through specific projects and explain your design decisions.

5. Team/Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Director of Art and potentially other key team members (e.g., Lead Designer, Lead Engineer) to evaluate your technical proficiency, collaborative skills, and cultural fit.

6. Final Interview (Optional): May involve a higher-level manager or executive for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Showcase projects that best align with the job description, prioritizing game UI work and illustrative styles. For this role, highlight FPS experience if available.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your process, the tools used, your specific contributions, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively to guide the reviewer.

• Demonstrate Unreal Engine 5: Clearly indicate which projects involved Unreal Engine 5 and, if possible, provide specific examples of implementation.

• Focus on Usability & Hierarchy: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your understanding of visual hierarchy, readability, and user-centered design principles.

• Quality over Quantity: A few strong, well-documented projects are better than many weak ones.

Challenge Preparation:

• Art Test: If an art test is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly. Prioritize clarity and functionality, then add stylistic flair. Manage your time effectively to deliver a complete piece.

• Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach common UI challenges, such as designing for different screen resolutions, improving menu navigation, or creating intuitive feedback mechanisms.

• Collaborative Scenarios: Think about how you would handle disagreements with engineers about implementation feasibility or with designers about aesthetic direction. Emphasize communication and compromise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design decisions and demonstrate a deep understanding of game UI principles and Unreal Engine 5 implementation. The fixed-term nature might mean a slightly expedited process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UI Design Software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Figma (or similar vector-based design tools).

• Game Engine: Unreal Engine 5 (crucial for asset implementation and UI system creation).

• Prototyping Tools: Potentially tools like Adobe XD, InVision, or Axure RP for creating interactive mockups.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management/Tracking: JIRA (for bug tracking and task management), Shotgrid (for asset management and pipeline tracking).

• Collaboration Platforms: Slack (real-time communication), MIRO (for brainstorming, wireframing, and visual collaboration).

CRM & Automation:

• Version Control: Perforce (standard in game development for managing large codebases and assets).

• Productivity Suites: Google Workspace, Microsoft Office (for general documentation, communication, and scheduling).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Unreal Engine 5 is a non-negotiable technical requirement for this role, as it's where the UI assets will be implemented. Experience with Perforce is also highly valuable for navigating game development pipelines.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A core value is understanding and prioritizing the player experience, ensuring UI is intuitive, accessible, and enhances gameplay enjoyment.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, feedback is constructive, and team members work together effectively towards common goals.

• Excellence & Polish: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished work that meets rigorous artistic and technical standards, reflecting the PUBG brand.

• Innovation & Iteration: Embracing new ideas, experimenting with solutions, and continuously iterating on designs based on feedback and performance data.

• Respect & Professionalism: Upholding a culture of mutual respect, professionalism, and open communication in all interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: UI Artists are expected to be deeply integrated with engineering and design teams, participating in regular syncs and feedback sessions.

• Constructive Critique: The studio encourages a culture where feedback is given and received constructively, aiming for the best possible outcome for the game.

• Knowledge Sharing: Team members are encouraged to share insights, best practices, and learnings, contributing to a collective growth environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Top Workplace" designation implies a culture that actively promotes positive values and a healthy collaborative style. For a UI Artist, this means being part of a team that values creative input, respects individual contributions, and works towards a shared vision for the game.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: The primary challenge is creating UI that is visually appealing and brand-aligned while also being highly functional, intuitive, and performant within a demanding game environment.

• Technical Constraints: Working within the technical limitations of Unreal Engine 5 and the game's architecture requires creative problem-solving to achieve desired visual outcomes.

• Iterative Feedback Cycles: Managing multiple rounds of feedback from various stakeholders and iterating efficiently while meeting deadlines can be demanding.

• Fixed-Term Contract: Adapting quickly to an ongoing project and delivering high-impact work within a defined 6-month period.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Unreal Engine 5 Mastery: Deepen expertise in Unreal Engine 5's UI tools (UMG) and optimization techniques.

• Industry Trends: Stay current with UI/UX trends in gaming and interactive media.

• Cross-Discipline Exposure: Gain insights into gameplay mechanics, art direction, and engineering processes through close collaboration.

• Portfolio Enhancement: The opportunity to contribute to a major new IP provides significant portfolio enhancement, potentially leading to future long-term opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for game development roles, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are significant, especially given the context of a new IP and the company's investment in employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy: "Describe your approach to designing UI for a fast-paced FPS game. What are the key principles you prioritize?" (Preparation: Focus on readability, clear visual hierarchy, quick access to information, user control, and minimizing distraction.)

• Problem-Solving Scenario: "Imagine we need to design a new inventory management system for our game. What steps would you take, and what information would you seek from the team?" (Preparation: Outline a process from requirements gathering, wireframing, user flow mapping, prototyping, stakeholder feedback, iteration, and final asset creation.)

• Technical Implementation: "Describe a challenging UI implementation you faced in Unreal Engine 5. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn?" (Preparation: Be ready to discuss specific UMG features, performance considerations, or integration issues.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in PUBG Madison and this specific UI Artist role, particularly given it's a fixed-term position?" (Preparation: Research PUBG's games, the new IP's potential, and align your skills with the job description. Express enthusiasm for contributing to a new project and gaining specific experience.)

• Teamwork: "How do you handle constructive criticism from team members, especially when it contradicts your initial design vision?" (Preparation: Emphasize a collaborative mindset, willingness to understand different perspectives, and focus on the best outcome for the game.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Start with an overview of your most relevant projects. For each, clearly state the project goals, your role, the challenges, your process, and the solutions.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out examples that demonstrate your proficiency in UI/UX principles, illustrative design, and Unreal Engine 5 implementation.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific design choices, technical implementation details, and how your work contributed to the player experience.

• Showcase Iteration: If possible, show early concepts or iterations and explain why you moved to the final design, demonstrating your problem-solving process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of artistic talent, UX expertise, technical capability (especially UE5), and strong collaborative skills. Being able to articulate your design process and justify your decisions is critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Artist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your most relevant experience in game UI/UX, illustrative design, and Unreal Engine 5 implementation. For this role, prioritize projects demonstrating clarity, visual hierarchy, and aesthetic appeal suitable for a game.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your years of experience, proficiency with required tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, Unreal Engine 5), and any direct experience with FPS games or similar genres. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for Art Test/Portfolio Discussion: Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail, articulate your design choices, and potentially complete a short art test or problem-solving exercise that reflects the role's requirements.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with PUBG Studios' existing titles and any publicly available information about their new IP development. Understand their reputation as a "Top Workplace" and what that might imply for their culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding salary ranges and specific interview processes, should be verified directly with PUBG Madison during the application or interview stages. The fixed-term nature of the contract is a key detail to consider.