UX/UI Designer - Unity Games Contractor

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer - Unity Games Contractor
Company: Filament Games
Location: Madison, Wisconsin (Remote)
Job Type: CONTRACTOR
Category: Game Development Operations / Creative Operations
Date Posted: 2025-09-25
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on providing specialized UX/UI design expertise for Unity game development projects, operating in a contractor capacity.
• Responsibilities include the end-to-end implementation of user interfaces within the Unity engine, from wireframing to polished visual output.
• The position requires a strong understanding of Unity's UI system and the ability to create responsive, scalable layouts for diverse screen resolutions.
• This is a contract role, explicitly not for full-time employment seekers, emphasizing project-based delivery and self-management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly for a contractor, not a full-time employee. The focus is on project-based output within an existing game development pipeline, requiring a high degree of autonomy and proven delivery capabilities. The "Operations" aspect here pertains to the operational efficiency of delivering UI/UX components within a game development framework, ensuring seamless integration and adherence to project timelines and technical specifications.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with game designers, engineers, and artists to translate project requirements and game design intent into intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces.
• Develop wireframes, mockups, and prototypes to clearly define UI layouts, user flows, and interaction patterns.
• Implement and optimize UI elements within the Unity engine, leveraging Unity's UI system (Canvas, RectTransform, Layout Groups, etc.) to build functional interfaces.
• Ensure UI layouts are responsive and scalable, adapting seamlessly to a wide range of screen resolutions and aspect ratios (e.g., 4:3 to 2:1).
• Integrate 2D art assets (icons, backgrounds, characters) into the Unity project, ensuring correct import settings, compression, pivot points, and layer sorting.
• Design and implement clear visual feedback mechanisms for player interactions, including button states, progress indicators, prompts, and call-to-action elements.
• Maintain consistency in UI visual language, adhering to the established art direction and overall game design aesthetic.
• Utilize version control systems (e.g., Git) for managing UI assets and code, adhering to standard game development workflows.
• Communicate effectively with remote or hybrid teams, providing clear documentation and status updates for handoffs and iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibility is the operational delivery of functional UI/UX components within the Unity game engine. This involves not just design but also the technical implementation and integration, requiring a blend of creative design skills and Unity-specific UI development proficiency. The emphasis on "contractor" means the candidate must be adept at self-management and delivering within established project pipelines without extensive onboarding or management oversight.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio showcasing practical application of UX/UI design principles in game development is paramount. Relevant coursework or certifications in game design, UI/UX, or digital art are beneficial.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 shipped projects completed in a consultant or contract role is required, demonstrating the ability to self-manage and deliver high-quality work within established pipelines.
• Experience with iterative design processes and adapting to feedback within a project lifecycle.

Required Skills:

• Unity UI System Mastery: Deep understanding of Unity's UI components, including Canvas, RectTransform, layout groups, scroll views, and prefab workflows.
• Responsive UI Layout Design: Proven ability to create UI layouts that adapt effectively to various screen resolutions and aspect ratios.
• Design Interpretation & Translation: Skill in translating game design intent, wireframes, and mockups into functional, polished Unity UI implementations.
• Figma Proficiency: Experience with design tools like Figma for creating and exporting wireframes, mockups, and UI assets.
• 2D Art Asset Integration: Ability to import, organize, and optimize 2D art assets within Unity projects.
• Visual Feedback Design: Expertise in designing effective visual feedback for player actions and system states.
• Attention to Detail & Consistency: Meticulous approach to ensuring visual language consistency and adherence to art direction.
• Collaboration Skills: Comfort working collaboratively with cross-functional teams (designers, engineers, artists) in a remote or hybrid setting.
• Game Development Workflows: Familiarity with standard game development processes, including version control (Git) and Unity project organization.
• Clear Communication & Documentation: Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective remote collaboration and handoffs.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with animation within Unity UI.
• Familiarity with shader implementation for UI elements.
• Basic understanding of C# scripting for UI interactions.
• Experience with performance optimization for UI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, demonstrable experience in a contract capacity, highlighting self-sufficiency and the ability to integrate into existing development workflows. The "Operations" aspect here is the candidate's ability to operationally deliver UI/UX components efficiently and effectively within the constraints of a game development project.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Deliverables: Showcase at least two shipped projects where you acted as a UI/UX consultant or contractor, detailing your contributions and the final UI implementation.
• Unity UI Implementation Examples: Include specific examples or case studies demonstrating your proficiency in building UI within Unity, highlighting the use of Canvas, RectTransform, and responsive layouts.
• Design Translation Case Studies: Present instances where you translated wireframes, mockups, or Figma files into functional Unity UI, explaining your process and any challenges overcome.
• Asset Integration & Optimization: Provide examples of how you imported, organized, and optimized 2D art assets for Unity UI, demonstrating an understanding of performance and visual quality.
• Visual Feedback & Player Communication: Detail your approach to designing button states, indicators, and other visual feedback mechanisms that enhance player experience.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate your process for moving from initial design concepts to final UI implementation in Unity, including any documentation you create for handoffs.
• System Integration: Explain how your UI designs integrate with game logic and other development systems, even if you don't write the code yourself.
• Performance Analysis: If applicable, include any examples of how you considered or addressed UI performance during the design and implementation phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for demonstrating operational capability. It needs to clearly show not just design skills but the ability to implement those designs within Unity and integrate them into a development pipeline. This means showcasing practical application of Unity's UI system and efficient asset management, which are key operational aspects for a contractor.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As a contractor role, compensation will likely be determined on an hourly or project basis. Based on industry standards for experienced Unity UI/UX contractors in the US, an hourly rate could range from $45 to $85+, depending on experience, portfolio strength, and specific project demands.
• Methodology: This estimate is derived from research on contract UX/UI designer rates in the US tech and gaming sectors, considering the specialized nature of Unity development and the requirement for shipped projects. Rates can vary significantly based on the client's budget, the project's complexity, and the contractor's negotiation skills.

Benefits:

• As a contractor, standard employee benefits (health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans) are typically not provided by the hiring company.
• Contractors are responsible for their own benefits. However, Filament Games may offer access to certain company-wide resources or internal communities.
• Potential for Repeat Business: Successful completion of projects can lead to ongoing opportunities with Filament Games or its network.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Contractors often have more flexibility in setting their working hours, provided project deadlines are met.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, but often with flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and personal scheduling, as long as deliverables are met. The contract nature implies a focus on output rather than strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: Compensation and benefits for contractors differ significantly from full-time roles. The emphasis is on the hourly/project rate and the contractor's responsibility for their own benefits. The "operations" aspect of benefits here is the contractor's own operational management of their business and financial planning.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Filament Games operates within the digital learning games and interactive media sector. Their mission is to create engaging and educational experiences that improve lives through playful mechanics and curriculum-based game design.
• Operations Implication: This industry requires a strong focus on translating learning objectives into engaging gameplay, demanding a structured approach to design and development that balances educational goals with entertainment value.

Company Size:

• Filament Games is a medium-sized studio. This size often means a more collaborative and agile environment where individuals can have a significant impact on projects.
• Operations Implication: Medium-sized companies typically have established processes but may still offer flexibility for contractors to influence workflows and contribute to process improvements.

Founded:

• Filament Games was founded with a mission to leverage games for education, emphasizing a deep understanding of pedagogical principles integrated with game design.
• Operations Implication: The company's founding mission suggests a culture that values thoughtful design, educational efficacy, and a commitment to quality in their interactive experiences.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Aspect 1: Contractors will join project-specific teams, likely comprising a mix of internal staff (designers, engineers, artists) and potentially other specialized contractors.
• Operations Team Aspect 2: Reporting structure will likely be to a project lead or a senior member of the internal team responsible for UI/UX oversight.
• Operations Team Aspect 3: Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring effective communication and integration with different disciplines to achieve project goals.

Methodology:

• Operations Process 1: Data-driven design informed by learning objectives and user feedback.
• Operations Process 2: Iterative development cycles focused on translating learning goals into engaging gameplay mechanics.
• Operations Process 3: Emphasis on quality assurance and usability testing to ensure both educational effectiveness and player engagement.

Company Website: filamentgames.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Filament Games' mission in educational gaming is key. For a contractor, this means aligning their UI/UX design approach with the goal of effective learning and engagement, which requires operationalizing educational content into intuitive game interfaces.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is for an experienced contractor, aligning with mid-level to senior individual contributor roles in a permanent capacity. It requires a proven track record and the ability to operate with minimal supervision.
• Operations Industry Context: As a contractor, "growth" is less about traditional hierarchical advancement within Filament Games and more about expanding one's portfolio, client base, and skill set through diverse project experiences.

Reporting Structure:

• Contractors typically report to a Project Manager, Lead Designer, or Lead Engineer on a specific project. The relationship is often task-oriented, focusing on the successful execution of UI/UX deliverables.
• Operations Team Dynamics: The dynamic involves integrating into an existing team and contributing specialized skills to meet project objectives.

Operations Impact:

• The UI/UX designer's work directly impacts player engagement, usability, and the overall effectiveness of the learning games. Well-designed interfaces ensure that users can navigate the game easily, understand the learning objectives, and remain engaged with the content.
• Revenue/Business Impact: For a contractor, this translates to building a strong reputation, securing repeat business, and commanding higher rates based on demonstrated impact and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Gaining experience with a wider range of Unity projects and potentially exploring different genres or educational domains.
• Portfolio Expansion: Each successful contract project adds valuable experience and tangible results to the contractor's portfolio, enhancing future marketability.
• Network Building: Opportunity to build professional relationships within the game development and educational technology industries, leading to future contract opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contractor, career growth is defined by their ability to secure and successfully complete projects. The "operations" aspect is the contractor's personal business development and skill diversification, rather than internal company progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is advertised as "Madison, Wisconsin (Remote)", indicating a remote-first or remote-friendly work environment.
• Operations Workspace Context: Contractors are expected to have a dedicated remote workspace equipped with the necessary hardware and high-speed internet to perform their duties effectively.

Office Location(s):

• While based in Madison, Wisconsin, the role is remote, meaning physical presence in Madison is not required. This offers flexibility for candidates located anywhere within reasonable time zones for collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Though remote, collaboration is key. Expect regular virtual meetings, use of communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Discord), and project management tools.
• Operations Tools and Technology: Contractors will need to be proficient with their own design software (e.g., Figma) and Unity, and be able to integrate with Filament Games' chosen project management and version control systems.
• Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with project teams via video calls, screen sharing, and collaborative design sessions.

Work Schedule:

• The role is listed as having 40 working hours per week, typical for contract roles. However, flexibility is often a hallmark of contract work, allowing for adjustment around project deadlines and personal needs, provided deliverables are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the work emphasizes the contractor's responsibility for their own workspace setup and self-discipline. The "operations" of their work environment are their own to manage.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and relevance to Unity UI/UX design.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will walk through your portfolio, highlighting specific projects, your design process, and your Unity implementation skills. Be prepared to discuss your contributions and the operational challenges you overcame.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a small take-home challenge or a live screen-sharing session demonstrating Unity UI implementation skills, focusing on responsive layouts or specific UI components.
• Team/Culture Fit: A discussion with project leads or team members to assess collaboration style and communication effectiveness, crucial for remote contract work.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Unity Implementation: Clearly demonstrate your ability to build UI within Unity, not just design it. Show case studies of Canvas setup, RectTransform usage, and responsive layout implementation.
• Highlight Contractor Experience: Emphasize projects where you self-managed, delivered within scope, and collaborated effectively with remote teams.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or specific examples to show how your UI designs improved user experience, engagement, or learning outcomes.
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss challenges you faced (e.g., complex art integration, performance issues, difficult design constraints) and how you operationally solved them.
• Tailor Examples: Select portfolio pieces that best align with the type of games Filament Games produces (educational, interactive).

Challenge Preparation:

• Unity UI Practice: Refresh your skills with Unity's UI system. Practice creating responsive layouts, implementing common UI patterns (buttons, menus, HUDs), and integrating art assets.
• Figma to Unity Workflow: Be prepared to discuss or demonstrate the process of taking a design from Figma (or similar) and implementing it efficiently in Unity.
• Communication Practice: Rehearse how you would clearly explain your design decisions and technical implementation process, especially in a remote context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a contractor heavily relies on the portfolio. It serves as proof of operational capability and ability to deliver. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate not just design talent but practical, efficient implementation within the specified technical environment (Unity).

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unity: Essential for UI implementation. Deep familiarity with its UI system (UGUI) is non-negotiable.
• Figma: Likely the primary tool for wireframing, mockups, and UI asset design.
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator): Useful for 2D art asset preparation, optimization, and integration.
• Version Control (Git): Standard for managing project assets and code. Familiarity with Git workflows (branching, merging, pull requests) is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics implementation, understanding how UI impacts user behavior and learning metrics is beneficial. Familiarity with in-game analytics platforms is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UI/UX role, but understanding how user data and interaction patterns feed into broader CRM or business intelligence systems can be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Unity's UI system and Figma are the core technical requirements. The "operations" aspect refers to the efficient and effective use of these tools within a game development pipeline, including asset management and version control.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to delivering polished, high-quality UI that enhances the user experience.
• Player-Centricity: Designing with the end-user (the learner/player) in mind, ensuring clarity, ease of use, and engagement.
• Collaboration & Communication: Openness to feedback, clear communication, and a team-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Efficiency & Deliverability: An understanding of project timelines and the ability to deliver functional UI components effectively and on schedule.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with designers, engineers, and artists, bridging the gap between creative intent and technical implementation.
• Process Improvement: Willingness to adapt to and suggest improvements within the team's established development and design workflows.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing insights and best practices related to UI/UX and Unity implementation to help the team succeed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Filament Games values the intersection of educational goals and engaging game design. For a contractor, this means embodying values of quality, player-centric design, and collaborative efficiency, ensuring their UI/UX contributions align with the company's mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Educational Goals with Engaging Gameplay: Designing UI that effectively communicates learning objectives without sacrificing player fun or immersion.
• Technical Constraints of Unity UI: Navigating the complexities of Unity's UI system to achieve desired visual fidelity and responsiveness across various platforms and resolutions.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining seamless communication and workflow integration with a distributed team, ensuring clear understanding and timely feedback.
• Diverse Project Needs: Adapting design style and technical implementation to a variety of game projects, each with unique learning goals and aesthetic requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Unity Engine Expertise: Deepening knowledge of advanced Unity UI features and optimization techniques.
• Educational Game Design Principles: Gaining insight into how UI/UX can be leveraged to enhance learning outcomes.
• Cross-Disciplinary Experience: Working with diverse teams to understand different facets of game development.
• Portfolio Diversification: Building a robust portfolio with a range of successful contract projects in the educational gaming space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for adaptive problem-solving and a strong operational approach to design and implementation. Growth opportunities are focused on expanding the contractor's skill set and portfolio through project experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy: Be prepared to discuss your approach to UI/UX design, particularly how you balance aesthetics, functionality, and player experience in a game context.
• Unity UI Implementation: Expect questions about your experience with specific Unity UI components, responsive design techniques, and how you handle asset integration.
• Collaboration Scenarios: Discuss how you would handle design conflicts, interpret feedback, or communicate technical requirements to non-technical team members in a remote setting.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding Filament Games' Mission: Research their work in educational games. Be ready to discuss how your UI/UX approach supports learning objectives and engagement.
• Contractor Mindset: Be prepared to articulate how you operate as a self-sufficient contractor, manage your time, and ensure project success with minimal oversight.
• Portfolio Walkthrough: Have a clear narrative for each project in your portfolio, explaining the problem, your solution, your process, and the outcome, focusing on your operational contribution.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visual aids extensively. Walk through your Unity implementations, Figma mockups, and any interactive prototypes.
• Focus on Process and Problem-Solving: For each project, detail the initial requirements, the design process, technical challenges encountered in Unity, and how you operationally addressed them.
• Quantify Results: If possible, mention project success metrics, user feedback, or how your UI contributed to project goals.
• Highlight Contractor Value: Emphasize your ability to self-manage, deliver on time, and integrate smoothly into existing project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical skills, a collaborative spirit, and the operational efficiency expected of a contractor. The portfolio is the central piece of evidence for these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided BambooHR link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features at least two shipped projects where you acted as a UI/UX consultant or contractor, with a strong emphasis on your Unity UI implementation work.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with Unity's UI system, responsive design, Figma, and successful contract project delivery. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on demonstrating your problem-solving skills, collaboration approach, and ability to deliver within a game development pipeline.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Filament Games' mission and their portfolio of educational games to articulate how your skills align with their specific operational needs and values.

⚠️ 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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