Junior UI Programmer - Europa Universalis V

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior UI Programmer - Europa Universalis V

Company: Paradox Interactive

Location: Sitges, Catalonia, Spain

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Game Development / Software Engineering (UI Focus)

Date Posted: July 29, 2026

Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Core Function: Implement, debug, and maintain user interface (UI) features for the highly anticipated game, Europa Universalis V, using C++ and proprietary GUI scripting languages.

• Technical Focus: Blend C++ programming expertise with the ability to rapidly learn and apply domain-specific scripting languages for UI development and integration with the game API.

• Collaborative Environment: Work closely with UX designers, artists, and gameplay programmers to translate complex game systems into intuitive and visually appealing player interfaces.

• Productivity Emphasis: A hands-on, execution-focused role designed for immediate contribution to a commercial title, requiring a strong desire to ship features from day one.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a UI Programmer within a game development studio, focusing on the user interface aspects of a large-scale strategy game. The description emphasizes both core programming skills (C++) and specialized scripting, alongside a strong need for collaboration with design and art teams. The "Junior" designation suggests a focus on learning and execution under guidance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Implement and refine UI features, including panels and tooltip systems, by scripting layouts and integrating live game data.

• Utilize an in-house GUI scripting language to construct interfaces that accurately reflect design specifications and connect seamlessly with the game's API.

• Adapt and extend existing UI patterns to accommodate new gameplay systems, features, and evolving design requirements.

• Debug and maintain UI elements to ensure a stable, readable, and performant game product.

• Collaborate effectively with UX designers, artists, and gameplay programmers throughout the entire feature development lifecycle.

• Actively participate in code reviews, task breakdowns, and team retrospectives to foster continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of shared UI patterns, ensuring consistency and adherence to established coding standards across the codebase.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are clearly defined, focusing on the practical implementation and iterative refinement of UI elements. The emphasis on collaboration and participation in team processes indicates a structured development environment common in AAA game development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Formal education in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, or a related technical field is beneficial.

• Equivalent practical experience in programming, particularly with C++, will be considered. Experience:

• Entry-level to early-career experience in software development, with a focus on UI implementation or game programming.

• Demonstrated ability to learn and master new programming languages and scripting environments rapidly. Required Skills:

• Proficiency or demonstrable educational background in C++ programming.

• Strong aptitude for quickly learning and becoming productive in new scripting or domain-specific languages.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, essential for team collaboration and documentation.

• A genuine and demonstrable interest in UI development, game design principles, and collaborative teamwork with designers and artists. Preferred Skills:

• Prior professional experience in game development, particularly within a game engine environment.

• Familiarity with developing or working with tooltip or HUD (Heads-Up Display) systems in games.

• Solid understanding of common UI design patterns and industry best practices for user interface development.

• Experience with Europa Universalis or other Paradox Development Studio games, either as a player or a modder, demonstrating familiarity with the game's complexity and player expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a blend of foundational programming skills (C++) and adaptability. The "Nice to Have" section provides clear indicators of what would make a candidate stand out, especially familiarity with Paradox's specific game genres and UI paradigms.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of UI implementation projects, showcasing the ability to translate design mockups or requirements into functional interfaces.

• Examples of work that highlights data binding or connecting UI elements to underlying game logic or data structures.

• Projects that illustrate an understanding of UI layout, responsiveness, and user flow.

• Any projects involving scripting for UI elements or interaction logic. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their approach to debugging UI issues and maintaining code quality.

• Ability to describe the process of collaborating with designers and artists to refine UI elements.

• Understanding of how to adapt existing UI patterns for new features or gameplay mechanics.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the responsibilities and skills imply that candidates should be prepared to showcase relevant UI development work. This section infers the type of projects that would best demonstrate the required capabilities for a Junior UI Programmer.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on location (Sitges, Spain), experience level (Junior, 0-2 years), and industry (Game Development), a competitive salary range for a Junior UI Programmer would typically fall between €28,000 and €40,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in the Barcelona region and industry benchmarks for entry-level technical roles in game development studios. Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Paid time off, including vacation days and public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training and conference attendance.

• Access to Paradox Interactive's extensive game library and employee discounts.

• Relocation assistance may be available for candidates moving to Sitges.

• Pension scheme contributions. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is fully on-site in Sitges, Barcelona, with some flexibility in daily scheduling expected.

• A 6-month probation period is standard for permanent positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a junior role in Spain. Benefits are typical for a full-time position at a company like Paradox Interactive, aiming to attract and retain talent in the competitive game development industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Paradox Interactive is a renowned publisher and developer of strategy games, known for its deep simulation titles and active modding communities.

Company Size: Paradox Interactive is a global company with multiple studios. Paradox Tinto, the studio developing Europa Universalis V, is a significant part of this ecosystem, likely comprising several hundred employees across various departments.

Founded: Paradox Interactive was founded in 1998. Paradox Tinto has a history of developing Paradox's flagship grand strategy titles.

Team Structure:

• The UI team at Paradox Tinto is part of the larger Europa Universalis V development team.

• This role reports to the UI Lead, with close daily collaboration with senior UI programmers and UX designers.

• Cross-functional interaction is expected with gameplay programmers, content designers, artists, and QA testers. Methodology:

• Development likely follows an agile or iterative approach, common in game development, with regular sprints and feedback loops.

• Emphasis on data-driven UI design, informed by player feedback and internal analytics.

• Workflow optimization through tools and processes designed to streamline UI implementation and iteration.

Company Website: https://career.paradoxplaza.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in PC gaming, particularly strategy titles. The emphasis on collaboration and iterative development is key for a role involving complex UI in a long-term project like Europa Universalis V.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Junior UI Programmer role, representing an entry-level position within the software engineering track of game development. It focuses on foundational UI programming tasks and learning established development processes.

Reporting Structure: The Junior UI Programmer will report directly to the UI Lead. This provides a clear line of mentorship and guidance from an experienced professional within the UI discipline.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the UI programmer's work directly impacts the player's experience, engagement, and understanding of complex game mechanics. A well-designed and functional UI is critical for the success and perceived quality of a grand strategy game, influencing player retention and overall satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Develop advanced C++ and proprietary scripting skills, deepen understanding of UI/UX principles