Principal Technical Designer, UX/UI

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Technical Designer, UX/UI

Company: Bad Robot Games

Location: United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Game Development - UI/UX Technical Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-02

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote (United States)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical design and implementation of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) systems for AAA games, focusing on Unreal Engine 5.

• Architect and maintain scalable, reusable UI systems and frameworks, including the adoption and extension of the MVVM pattern for robust data binding and engineering integration.

• Drive the implementation of complex UI layouts, interactive elements, and visual polish, ensuring seamless integration with underlying gameplay logic and systems.

• Define technical standards and best practices for UI implementation, pushing visual fidelity through advanced materials and shaders while adhering to performance benchmarks.

• Champion the player experience by creating intuitive, engaging, and seamless user journeys across multiple platforms, particularly PC and PlayStation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Principal Technical Designer, indicating a senior level of expertise and leadership. The emphasis on Unreal Engine 5, MVVM framework, and AAA game development suggests a need for deep technical proficiency and architectural thinking in UI/UX implementation. The remote-first nature within the United States, coupled with a California market rate, points towards a highly competitive compensation structure for a senior operational role in game development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and evangelize the technical vision and standards for UI implementation across game projects, ensuring consistency and scalability.

• Architect, design, and implement complex UI systems and features within Unreal Engine 5, utilizing Blueprints and integrating with core gameplay logic.

• Own and evolve the Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) framework, establishing data bindings and ensuring seamless integration with engineering frameworks and other UI components.

• Develop and maintain interactive UI layouts, buttons, and other visual elements, connecting them to underlying gameplay systems and logic.

• Create and optimize advanced UI materials and shaders to achieve high visual fidelity and performance targets, defining and enforcing best practices.

• Collaborate closely with art, design, and engineering teams to translate UX/UI concepts into robust, implementable technical solutions.

• Mentor and guide junior technical designers and other team members in the effective use of UI systems and Unreal Engine.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of player-centered design principles, ensuring intuitive and engaging user experiences.

• Provide technical direction and quality oversight for UI elements developed by external outsource studios.

• Identify and implement solutions for UI accessibility features to ensure broad player reach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic technical leadership, hands-on implementation, and team mentorship, characteristic of a Principal level role. The specific mention of MVVM, Blueprints, and Unreal Engine 5 indicates a deep dive into the technical architecture of game UIs. The inclusion of outsource studio collaboration and accessibility points to a comprehensive understanding of modern game development workflows and inclusive design practices.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of skills is paramount. A degree in Computer Science, Game Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is beneficial.

Experience: 10+ years of experience in AAA game development, with a significant focus on UI/UX implementation and a proven track record of shipping multiple titles.

Required Skills:

• 4+ years of hands-on experience implementing UI art, animations, and visual assets within Unreal Engine (UE4/UE5).

• Demonstrated expertise in architecting, developing, and owning complex UI systems and frameworks, with specific experience in MVVM or similar patterns.

• High proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, including advanced use of Blueprints for UI logic and system implementation.

• Strong command of UI asset creation tools, particularly Adobe Photoshop, for creating UI art assets, mockups, and visual polish.

• Deep understanding of core UI/UX principles, including iconography, layout, typography, visual design, and player-centered design methodologies.

• Proven experience shipping titles on multiple platforms, with specific experience on PC and PlayStation.

• Excellent creative problem-solving skills with the ability to devise practical and innovative solutions for complex UI/UX challenges.

• Passion for creating seamless, intuitive, and engaging user experiences that enhance gameplay. Preferred Skills:

• Experience leading UI performance and optimization efforts within a game development context.

• Proven experience collaborating with and directing outsource studios, including providing technical direction, feedback, and quality assurance.

• Knowledge of game accessibility features and best practices for implementing them within UI systems.

• Familiarity with motion graphics and visual effects implementation within game engines.

• Experience with shader development and UI material creation in Unreal Engine.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a strong blend of technical engine proficiency (Unreal Engine 5, Blueprints), architectural design (MVVM, systems ownership), and artistic/design sensibility (Photoshop, visual principles). The preference for optimization, outsource management, and accessibility reflects a mature understanding of the demands of modern AAA game production. The "10+ years of experience" and "4+ years in Unreal Engine" clearly delineate a senior, specialized role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a strong command of UI/UX implementation for AAA games.

• Include detailed examples of interactive UI layouts, demonstrating robust logic connections between gameplay systems and UI components.

• Showcase examples of motion graphics, visual polish, and user-centered design principles applied in practical implementations.

• Provide case studies that highlight the architecture and implementation of complex UI systems or frameworks (e.g., MVVM), detailing challenges and solutions.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating and applying advanced UI materials and shaders, with a focus on visual fidelity and performance. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their process for designing and implementing UI systems, from initial concept to final polish.

• Demonstrate experience in defining technical standards and best practices for UI implementation within a team environment.

• Provide evidence of workflow optimization and efficiency improvements in UI development processes.

• Showcase how performance standards and optimization strategies were integrated into the UI development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio is critical for this role, as it serves as tangible proof of technical implementation skills, architectural thinking, and visual polish capabilities. The requirement to demonstrate knowledge of systems like MVVM and the ability to create advanced materials and shaders directly ties into the core technical demands of the role. Documenting process and optimization strategies is also key for a Principal-level position.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $160,000 - $170,000 USD per year. (This range is based on the provided data and reflects California market rate, as stated by the company, regardless of work location within the US.)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and holiday schedule.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

• Professional development opportunities, including conferences and training.

• Remote-first work environment with flexibility.

• Potential for travel (up to 10%) for studio offsites, team events, and industry conferences.

• Access to resources and talent from Bad Robot Productions.

Working Hours: Standard full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. Flexibility is expected to meet project deadlines, with the understanding that overtime may be required periodically.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated to be based on California market rates, which is a common practice for tech and gaming companies even for remote roles across the US. This indicates a premium compensation structure. The mention of up to 10% air travel for events is a standard perk for remote roles requiring occasional in-person collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development, Entertainment Technology. Bad Robot Games operates at the intersection of interactive entertainment and storytelling, leveraging the established brand and creative talent of Bad Robot Productions.

Company Size: While specific current numbers are not provided, Bad Robot Games is a growing studio, likely falling into the medium-sized category for game development studios, allowing for both specialized focus and agile collaboration.

Founded: Bad Robot Games was founded to expand the storytelling universe of Bad Robot Productions, bringing their signature approach to interactive media. This lineage suggests a culture that values originality, high-quality narrative, and innovative gameplay.

Team Structure:

• The UI/UX team is likely structured to support game development projects, consisting of Technical Designers, UI Artists, UX Designers, and potentially UX Researchers.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a Lead Technical Designer or Director of UI/UX, with this Principal role offering significant influence and direction.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, working closely with game designers, engineers, narrative teams, and producers to integrate UI/UX seamlessly into the overall game experience. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making for UI/UX, leveraging player feedback, analytics, and A/B testing where applicable.

• Agile development methodologies are likely employed to iterate rapidly on UI/UX features and systems.

• Emphasis on iterative design and implementation, with continuous feedback loops between design, art, engineering, and QA.

• Focus on building scalable and maintainable systems to support long-term game development and potential future titles.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The connection to Bad Robot Productions provides a unique cultural backdrop, suggesting an emphasis on storytelling, IP development, and high production values. The company's remote-first approach within the US indicates a commitment to talent acquisition beyond geographical limitations, fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Principal Technical Designer, UX/UI. This role represents a senior individual contributor position, often seen as a subject matter expert and technical leader within the UI/UX discipline. It signifies deep specialization and the ability to influence technical direction and standards.

Reporting Structure: This role will likely report to a Lead Technical Designer, Director of UI/UX, or potentially a Technical Director overseeing multiple disciplines. They will have significant autonomy in their area of expertise and will be responsible for guiding and mentoring other technical designers.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is direct and significant, shaping the player's primary interaction point with the game. Effective UI/UX implementation is critical for player engagement, retention, and overall game quality, directly influencing critical business metrics like player satisfaction and game success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership: Potential to grow into a Lead Technical Designer or Director of UI/UX role, managing larger teams and broader technical initiatives.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as advanced Unreal Engine features, performance optimization, accessibility, or emerging UI technologies.

• Cross-Disciplinary Influence: Contribute to broader technical strategy and architecture across game projects, influencing how UI/UX integrates with other game systems.

• Mentorship: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior team members and shaping the technical talent within the UI/UX discipline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" title signifies a high level of expertise and potential for leadership, offering a clear career trajectory within the game development industry. The impact on player experience and game success is a key motivator for operations professionals in this domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote-first. This means the primary work environment is digital and distributed, with the company supporting employees in working from their home offices.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the company is based in the United States, and the salary is benchmarked against California market rates. Occasional travel (up to 10%) may be required for in-person meetings, team offsites, or studio events.

Workspace Context:

• Employees are expected to maintain a functional home office setup conducive to remote work, including reliable internet connectivity.

• The company likely provides access to necessary software licenses and digital collaboration tools.

• Opportunities for virtual collaboration and team interaction are facilitated through various communication platforms.

• The remote-first culture encourages asynchronous work where possible, balancing productivity with work-life flexibility.

Work Schedule: While the core work hours are around 40 per week, the remote-first nature may offer some flexibility in scheduling, provided project deadlines and collaborative needs are met. This allows for better integration of personal life with professional responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first nature is a significant aspect of the work environment, enabling a distributed team and offering flexibility. The requirement for occasional travel is standard for maintaining team cohesion and strategic alignment in a remote setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and experience.

2. Technical Interview: A deep dive into your Unreal Engine expertise, UI/UX implementation skills, systems architecture knowledge (e.g., MVVM), and problem-solving abilities. This may involve live coding or code review exercises.

3. Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you present key projects from your portfolio, explaining your technical approach, design decisions, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved.

4. Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Discussions focused on your leadership potential, team collaboration style, understanding of player experience, and cultural fit with Bad Robot Games' values.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Unreal Engine Proficiency: Showcase specific examples of UI implementation in UE5, including Blueprints, materials, and shaders.

• Demonstrate Systems Architecture: Clearly articulate your role in designing and implementing UI frameworks like MVVM, detailing the architecture and its benefits.

• Showcase Player-Centered Design: Include projects where you've actively considered and implemented principles of intuitive UX and engaging player experiences.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, explain your workflow – from requirements gathering and technical design to implementation, iteration, and polish.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success and impact of your UI/UX solutions (e.g., improved player retention, reduced friction).

• Visual Polish: Ensure your portfolio clearly communicates your eye for detail, typography, iconography, and overall visual aesthetic.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach building specific UI systems from scratch in Unreal Engine.

• Anticipate questions about optimizing UI performance and managing the technical challenges of cross-platform development.

• Practice articulating your design philosophy and how you balance technical constraints with creative vision.

• Prepare to discuss your experience working with outsource teams and providing effective technical direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is explicitly stated as a requirement, underscoring its importance. Candidates should prepare to not only show but also articulate the technical depth and strategic thinking behind their work, especially concerning Unreal Engine implementation and system architecture.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Game Engine: Unreal Engine 5 (Advanced proficiency with Blueprints, UI systems, materials, and shaders is essential).

• UI/UX Design Software: Adobe Photoshop (High proficiency), potentially Adobe After Effects for motion graphics, and other industry-standard mockup tools.

• Version Control: Git, Perforce, or similar systems commonly used in game development.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed for this role, an understanding of how UI/UX impacts game analytics and player behavior data is beneficial. Experience with in-game analytics platforms or data visualization tools could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this technical design role, but an understanding of how UI systems interact with backend game services and data management is relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep expertise in Unreal Engine 5. Proficiency in industry-standard design tools like Photoshop is also critical. Knowledge of version control systems is a baseline expectation for any software development role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A commitment to pushing boundaries in game design and storytelling, reflecting the Bad Robot brand.

• Player-Centricity: A deep understanding and focus on creating exceptional experiences for players.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and teams work together effectively.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to high-quality execution and attention to detail in all aspects of game development.

• Originality & IP Development: A focus on creating new intellectual properties and unique worlds.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with cross-functional teams working closely together.

• Emphasis on open communication, constructive feedback, and shared ownership of project goals.

• Remote-first collaboration tools and practices are integral to daily operations.

• A culture that encourages sharing knowledge and best practices across disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with the creative and narrative-driven nature of Bad Robot. The emphasis on player-centricity and craftsmanship is crucial for a role focused on user experience and technical polish.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Complexity: Implementing intricate UI systems in Unreal Engine that are both visually stunning and highly performant across multiple platforms.

• Balancing Vision and Constraints: Translating creative visions into technically feasible solutions while adhering to performance budgets and development timelines.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively collaborating and maintaining team cohesion in a distributed, remote-first environment.

• Evolving Technology: Staying current with the rapid advancements in game engine technology, UI/UX best practices, and player expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Working with the latest features of Unreal Engine 5 and exploring new UI implementation techniques.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining insights from the broader Bad Robot ecosystem, including film and TV production talent.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Opportunities to mentor junior team members and influence the technical direction of the UI/UX discipline.

• Professional Growth: Support for attending industry conferences, workshops, and pursuing relevant certifications to enhance skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in AAA game development, requiring a blend of technical mastery, problem-solving, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are geared towards leadership and continuous skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for architecting a complex UI system in Unreal Engine, from initial concept to final implementation. How would you ensure it's scalable and maintainable?"

• "Walk us through a challenging UI/UX implementation project from your portfolio. What were the technical hurdles, how did you overcome them, and what was the impact?"

• "How do you approach optimizing UI performance in Unreal Engine? Can you provide specific examples of techniques or tools you've used?"

• "Discuss your experience with the MVVM framework in game development. What are its benefits and potential drawbacks, and how would you integrate it with gameplay systems?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Bad Robot Games' mission to reinvent how stories are played, and how do you see your role contributing to that?"

• "How do you foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within a remote team environment?"

• "What does player-centered design mean to you, and how do you ensure it's a priority in your technical implementations?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Technical Depth: For each project, clearly explain the Unreal Engine implementation details, the systems you architected, and the technical challenges you solved.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use video demonstrations or interactive prototypes to showcase the UI's functionality, polish, and responsiveness.

• Highlight Your Role: Be specific about your contributions, especially in architectural design and complex implementation tasks.

• Quantify Results: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback demonstrating the success of your UI/UX solutions.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical decisions, and how you would approach hypothetical scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating deep technical understanding of Unreal Engine, architectural design principles, and a strong player-centric mindset. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring candidates to articulate their technical process and problem-solving skills effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Technical Designer, UX/UI position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ashby link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of AAA game development experience, specifically emphasizing your 4+ years of Unreal Engine UI/UX implementation, systems architecture (MVVM), and shipped titles on PC/PlayStation. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest projects that best showcase your Unreal Engine 5 expertise, system design capabilities, visual polish, and player-centered design approach. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your ability to implement complex UI elements, materials, and shaders.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your technical process, problem-solving strategies, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your portfolio during interviews.

• Research Bad Robot Games: Understand their mission, their connection to Bad Robot Productions, and their commitment to original IPs and storytelling. This will help you align your responses with their company culture 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.