Senior UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Designer

Company: Starbreeze

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Game Development - UI/UX Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-25

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end UI design process for assigned game systems and features, encompassing concept, wireframing, interaction design, and visual execution, ensuring a seamless player experience.

• Establish and uphold robust UI design systems, component libraries, and interaction guidelines to guarantee visual consistency and thematic coherence across the entire game project.

• Foster close collaboration with UX designers, UI artists, and engineers to deliver visually compelling, interaction-sound interfaces that are seamlessly integrated into the game's narrative and mechanics.

• Drive the creation of UI animations, transitions, and micro-interactions that elevate usability and contribute to a polished, responsive player experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Senior UI Designer within the game development industry, focusing on player-facing interfaces. The emphasis is on ownership of the entire UI design lifecycle and the creation of cohesive design systems, requiring a blend of creative vision and technical understanding of game production pipelines.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the UI design process for assigned game systems and features end-to-end, from initial concept, wireframing and interaction design through to final visual design and implementation support.

• Define and maintain UI design systems, component libraries, and interaction guidelines that ensure visual consistency and design coherence across the project.

• Collaborate closely with UX designers, UI artists, and engineers to ensure interfaces are visually compelling, interaction-sound and seamlessly integrated into the game experience.

• Develop UI concepts, mood boards, and style explorations that align with and reinforce the game's artistic direction, contributing a strong visual design perspective to the creative process.

• Create and maintain UI animations, transitions, and micro-interactions that enhance usability and contribute to a polished, responsive player experience.

• Conduct and apply player research, usability testing, and playtesting insights to evaluate and iterate on interface and interaction design decisions.

• Define and maintain UI design guidelines and visual standards, ensuring consistency and scalability across the project.

• Troubleshoot UI design and implementation issues, advocating for design quality and player-centered thinking across disciplines.

• Mentor and support less experienced UI designers and artists, sharing knowledge of design principles, visual craft, and production workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level individual contributor role with a strong emphasis on leadership through mentorship. The scope covers the full UI design lifecycle, from foundational concept to implementation support and iterative improvement based on player feedback.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and mastery of UI design principles is essential.

Experience: Significant years of experience as a UI Designer in the games industry, with a strong portfolio showcasing shipped titles and high-quality UI design work across both interaction design and visual execution.

Required Skills:

• Significant years of experience as a UI Designer in the games industry.

• Strong portfolio showcasing shipped titles and high-quality UI design work across interaction design and visual execution.

• Deep understanding of interaction design, information architecture, and player-centered design principles.

• Strong visual design skills across typography, iconography, layout, and composition.

• Good understanding of game pipelines and experience collaborating cross-disciplinarily with UX, art, and engineering teams. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with live service or GaaS (Games as a Service) titles.

• Proficiency in design tools such as Figma or Adobe XD.

• Solid working knowledge of Unreal Engine, including UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) and UI animation tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical experience and a portfolio as primary evidence of skill. While specific tools like Figma and Unreal Engine are mentioned, the core requirement is a deep understanding of UI/UX principles within the game development context, with GaaS experience being a significant plus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 shipped game titles with significant UI contributions.

• Detail the end-to-end UI design process for at least one major game feature or system, from initial concept to final implementation.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final visual assets.

• Include examples of UI design systems, component libraries, and style guides developed for games.

• Present case studies that highlight problem-solving, iteration based on user feedback (playtesting/usability), and collaboration with other disciplines. Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate the design process followed for each project, emphasizing how player needs and game mechanics were integrated.

• Document the approach to defining and maintaining visual consistency and interaction standards.

• Illustrate how UI design was translated into production-ready assets and supported through implementation.

• Provide examples of contributions to and utilization of UI design systems and component libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UI Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It must not only display visual polish but also demonstrate strategic thinking, process ownership, and the ability to work within a complex game development pipeline. Evidence of collaboration and iteration based on player feedback is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UI Designers in Stockholm, Sweden, with 5-10 years of experience in the gaming industry, a competitive salary range would typically fall between 50,000 - 75,000 SEK per month, or approximately 600,000 - 900,000 SEK annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Stockholm and the specialized nature of game UI design.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.

• Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick leave).

• Pension scheme contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and access to design resources.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing.

• Relocation assistance for international candidates.

• Access to company-provided equipment and software.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. While Starbreeze operates on-site 5 days a week, there may be flexibility within daily schedules, subject to team and project needs, particularly during critical development phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on publicly available data for senior design roles in Stockholm, Sweden, and are adjusted for the gaming industry's typical compensation structure. Benefits are inferred based on common offerings for established game development studios.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Game Development, specifically focused on creating immersive and engaging gaming experiences. Starbreeze is known for its work on titles like PAYDAY and its commitment to innovative gameplay.

Company Size: Starbreeze is a medium to large-sized game development studio. This size often allows for both a structured environment with clear processes and a close-knit team feel where individual contributions are highly visible.

Founded: Starbreeze was founded in 1998, giving it a long history and deep experience within the gaming industry. This longevity suggests a stable company with a proven track record and a mature understanding of game development cycles and player expectations.

Team Structure:

• The UI Design team likely consists of UI Designers, UI Artists, and potentially UX Designers.

• Reporting structure would typically be to a Lead UI/UX Designer or a Creative Director.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close partnerships with game designers, engineers, narrative designers, and QA testers. Methodology:

• Agile development methodologies are common in game development, implying iterative design processes and frequent feedback loops.

• Emphasis on player-centric design, incorporating feedback from playtesting and usability studies.

• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing analytics from live games (if applicable) to inform design choices.

• Strong focus on visual storytelling and maintaining artistic integrity throughout the UI.

Company Website: https://jobs.starbreeze.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Starbreeze's background in established game franchises like PAYDAY suggests a culture that values deep gameplay mechanics and strong artistic direction. The company's long history implies stability and a wealth of experience, which can translate into robust internal processes and a clear vision for its products.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position within the UI/UX design discipline in game development. It signifies a transition from executing tasks to owning significant parts of the design process, mentoring others, and contributing strategically to the overall game vision. A Senior UI Designer is expected to be a subject matter expert, capable of driving complex design challenges independently.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Designer will likely report to a Lead UI/UX Designer or a Creative Director. They will work closely with a cross-functional team of game designers, engineers, and artists, influencing their work through clear design direction and collaboration.

Operations Impact: The Senior UI Designer's impact is critical to the player's overall experience. Well-designed UI enhances immersion, improves usability, and directly contributes to player satisfaction and retention. This role directly influences how players interact with and perceive the game, impacting engagement and potentially monetization in live service titles.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced UI animation, procedural UI generation, or specific engine features (e.g., advanced UMG features in Unreal Engine).

• Leadership Track: Progress to a Lead UI/UX Designer role, managing a team, setting design direction, and overseeing multiple projects.

• Cross-Disciplinary Skills: Develop a stronger understanding of UX research methodologies, game design principles, or technical art pipelines to broaden skill set and influence.

• Senior Individual Contributor: Remain a highly valued individual contributor, tackling the most complex UI challenges and acting as a go-to expert for design excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior title implies a mentorship component and a strategic contribution beyond just execution. Growth paths clearly lead towards team leadership or becoming a highly specialized expert within the game development pipeline.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and requires 5 days a week in the office. This suggests a traditional studio environment that prioritizes in-person collaboration, spontaneous brainstorming, and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): The office is located at Birger Jarlsgatan 61, Stockholm, 113 56, Sweden. This is a central location within Stockholm, likely offering good accessibility via public transport and proximity to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative studio environment where designers, artists, and engineers work in close proximity.

• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware, including powerful workstations and relevant licenses.

• Opportunities for informal knowledge sharing and critiques within the UI/UX team and across other disciplines.

• Potential for dedicated design labs or spaces for playtesting and user feedback sessions.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, 5 days a week in the office. While the specific daily hours might offer some flexibility, the emphasis on on-site presence indicates a culture that values face-to-face interaction and team synergy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for 5 days a week in the office in Stockholm points to a company culture that values direct collaboration and team presence, typical of many established game development studios.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will review applications and portfolios.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A dedicated session with hiring managers and/or senior team members to dive deep into the candidate's portfolio, focusing on design process, problem-solving, and technical skills. Expect detailed questions about specific projects.

• Technical/Design Challenge: A practical exercise, potentially involving UI wireframing, mock-up creation, or a brief design critique, to assess problem-solving abilities and design thinking in a game context.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members and stakeholders to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Starbreeze's culture.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects, ideally shipped games, that demonstrate end-to-end UI design ownership.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, your solutions, and the impact/outcome. Use visuals effectively – show wireframes, user flows, mockups, and final implementation.

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked with game designers, engineers, and artists.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your approach to research, ideation, iteration, and implementation support.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your toolset (Figma, Adobe XD, Unreal Engine/UMG) and how you leverage them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Anticipate challenges related to designing for specific game genres, player types, or technical constraints common in game development.

• Focus on Process: Even with limited time, demonstrate a clear thought process, problem-solving approach, and ability to make reasoned design decisions.

• Communicate Effectively: Be prepared to articulate your design choices clearly and concisely, explaining the rationale behind them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenges highlights the practical, skill-based nature of hiring for creative roles in game development. Candidates should be prepared to defend their design decisions and demonstrate their process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma/Adobe XD: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, and creating high-fidelity UI mockups. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Unreal Engine (UMG): Crucial for implementing UI within the game. Familiarity with UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) for creating UI elements and animations directly in the engine is a strong requirement.

• UI Animation Tools: Potentially After Effects or built-in engine tools for creating dynamic UI elements and transitions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly the responsibility of a UI Designer, understanding how UI performance is tracked (e.g., through game analytics platforms) and how design impacts player behavior metrics is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UI Design role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of Unreal Engine and UMG is critical. This isn't just about visual design; it's about designing UI that can be effectively implemented within a specific, powerful game engine.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A core value is to prioritize the player experience above all else, ensuring interfaces are intuitive, enjoyable, and enhance gameplay.

• Craftsmanship & Polish: A commitment to high-quality visual design, attention to detail, and a polished final product.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong belief in working together across disciplines to achieve a shared vision for the game.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in game UI.

• Passion for Games: A genuine love for gaming and a desire to create memorable experiences for players.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with game designers to understand mechanics, engineers for implementation feasibility, and UI artists for visual execution.

• Iterative Feedback: A culture of open feedback, critiques, and iterative design based on playtesting and team input.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, techniques, and insights through presentations, workshops, or informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect a typical creative studio environment focused on delivering high-quality, player-focused experiences through collaborative effort.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: The primary challenge is to create visually stunning interfaces that are also highly functional, intuitive, and performant within the game engine.

• Technical Constraints: Working within the technical limitations of the game engine and production pipeline, requiring creative problem-solving to achieve design goals.

• Evolving Player Expectations: Keeping pace with rapidly changing trends in game UI and player expectations for modern, engaging interfaces.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively translating design vision to diverse teams (engineers, artists, producers) and advocating for design integrity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Unreal Engine: Advanced training on UMG, Blueprints for UI logic, and engine-specific optimization techniques.

• Advanced Interaction Design: Exploring cutting-edge interaction patterns and micro-interactions for enhanced player engagement.

• Game Design Fundamentals: Gaining a deeper understanding of game design principles to better inform UI decisions.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, solidifying personal knowledge and developing leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to game development UI design, requiring a blend of artistic skill, technical understanding, and strong communication. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise and moving into leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new UI system from scratch for a game feature. Walk us through a specific example from your portfolio." (Focus on your end-to-end ownership, wireframing, visual design, and implementation support.)

• "How do you balance artistic vision with technical constraints and player usability when designing game interfaces?" (Highlight your problem-solving approach, understanding of game pipelines, and player-centric methodology.)

• "Tell us about a time you had to collaborate with engineers or game designers on a challenging UI implementation. What was the challenge, and how did you resolve it?" (Demonstrate your communication skills and ability to advocate for design while finding practical solutions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Starbreeze and our games, specifically?" (Research Starbreeze's recent projects and their overall brand identity.)

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers or sharing your knowledge with the team?" (Showcase your leadership potential and collaborative spirit.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in UI design, particularly within the gaming industry?" (Demonstrate your passion for continuous learning and industry awareness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Start with a high-level overview of your role and the project's goals. Then, dive into specific design challenges and solutions with clear visuals.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use mockups, prototypes, and ideally, video clips of UI in action. Explain why you made certain design choices.

• Quantify When Possible: If you have data from playtesting or analytics that informed your design, present it.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect questions about specific pixel placements, animation timings, interaction logic, and your reasoning behind them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process and problem-solving skills within the specific context of game development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Starbreeze careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight 2-3 of your most relevant shipped game UI projects that demonstrate end-to-end ownership, strong visual design, and interaction expertise. Ensure it's easily navigable and clearly showcases your process.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your experience in the gaming industry, specific UI/UX skills (Figma, Adobe XD, Unreal Engine/UMG), and achievements in shipped titles. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and collaboration experiences, using specific examples from your portfolio. Be ready to discuss your approach to UI systems and player-centric design.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Starbreeze's existing games, their art style, and their company mission. Understand their focus on player experience and collaboration.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding salary and specific company culture nuances, should be verified directly with Starbreeze during the application and interview process.