Senior UI Engineer [6 Month FTC - Remote OR Onsite]

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Engineer (6 Month Fixed Term Contract)

Company: Rocket Science Group

Location: London, UK (On-site) OR UK Remote

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Game Development Operations / UI Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Mid to Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote Friendly (UK-based)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the technical implementation and development of User Interface (UI) elements for AAA game projects, demanding advanced C++ proficiency and a deep understanding of UI engineering principles within the game development lifecycle.

• The Senior UI Engineer will be responsible for designing, building, and optimizing robust and performant UI frameworks and specialized widgets, directly impacting the player's interactive experience.

• Key to this position is the ability to scrutinize UI designs, identify technical requirements, and translate them into functional, high-quality game UI components, ensuring alignment with project milestones and product specifications.

• The role emphasizes collaboration with UI designers, game designers, and other engineering disciplines, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills to deliver an elegant and effective player experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior UI Engineer," the core responsibilities and required skills, particularly C++ and game development experience, place this role within the broader context of technical operations for game studios. The emphasis on building frameworks, widgets, and ensuring performance aligns with operations-focused engineering roles that optimize the user experience and development process. The contract nature suggests a project-driven need for specialized engineering expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain robust and performant UI frameworks and specialized UI widgets using C++ for AAA game titles.

• Scrutinize UI designs and technical specifications to identify necessary components and develop efficient implementation strategies, ensuring technical feasibility and best practices.

• Collaborate closely with UI designers, game designers, artists, and other engineering disciplines to ensure seamless integration of UI elements into the game engine and overall player experience.

• Proactively plan, estimate, and manage personal and team workload to meet product specifications, project milestones, and delivery timelines.

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex UI-related technical challenges, ensuring a high-quality, bug-free user experience.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of UI development processes, tools, and workflows within the engineering team.

• Mentor and share technical knowledge with other UI engineers and team members, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

• Ensure UI implementations adhere to accessibility standards and accommodate a variety of player needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on development, technical leadership, and process involvement, typical of a senior operations-aligned engineering role. The focus on "robust and performant UI frameworks" and "efficient implementation strategies" directly relates to optimizing the technical foundation of the game's user experience, a key operational concern for development studios.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic foundation in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field is typically expected for a role of this nature. Practical experience and demonstrated skill are prioritized.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in UI engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to game development. Experience with at least one commercial game project from concept to shipping is essential.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in C++ with substantial professional development experience.

• Proven experience in UI engineering for games, including the development of interfaces that adhere to best practices and technical intent.

• Practical knowledge of building and optimizing UI frameworks and specialized widgets.

• Strong understanding of the game development lifecycle and the role of UI within it.

• Excellent time management, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and support others.

• Effective communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex technical ideas clearly to diverse audiences.

• A collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal skills for cross-disciplinary teamwork.

• A genuine passion and enthusiasm for game UI development. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Unreal Engine and Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG).

• Practical experience in accommodating a variety of player accessibility needs within UI design and implementation.

• Familiarity with game engine architecture and performance optimization techniques.

• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, Perforce).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on C++, UI frameworks, and game development experience points to a highly specialized technical role. The preferred skills in Unreal Engine and accessibility indicate a need for engineers who can leverage specific industry tools and adhere to inclusive design principles, which are critical operational considerations for game studios targeting broad audiences.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing significant contributions to shipped game titles, with a clear focus on UI development.

• Detailed case studies of complex UI features or systems implemented, highlighting technical challenges, solutions, and performance outcomes.

• Demonstrations of UI framework design, including architectural choices, component reusability, and scalability.

• Examples of specialized UI widgets and their integration into a game context, illustrating problem-solving and technical ingenuity.

• Evidence of work on UI performance optimization and efficiency improvements. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their involvement in UI development workflows, including design-to-implementation handoffs, iterative development cycles, and bug-fixing processes.

• Ability to articulate how they have contributed to or improved UI development processes, such as establishing coding standards, implementing testing methodologies, or streamlining asset integration.

• Examples of how they have documented their work, including technical designs, API usage, or integration guides for UI components.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UI Engineer role, a portfolio is crucial to demonstrate practical application of skills. The focus on "robust and performant UI frameworks" and "specialized UI widgets" implies that candidates should be ready to showcase the architecture and technical depth of their UI solutions, not just the visual output. This aligns with operations' focus on scalable and maintainable systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UI Engineer with 5-10 years of experience in London, UK, a competitive salary range for a 6-month FTC is estimated between £70,000 - £100,000 per annum (pro-rata), depending on experience and specific project requirements. For UK remote positions, this range would generally apply, with potential minor adjustments based on the specific remote location within the UK.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Private Pension Scheme

• Private Medical Insurance

• Group Life Assurance

• Competitive holiday allowance (pro-rata for FTC) with studio-wide closures in summer and winter.

• Gym Membership Allowance

• Free Eye Tests

• Free on-site parking (if applicable to on-site role)

• Electric Car Scheme

• Season Ticket Loans (if applicable to on-site role)

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. While the role emphasizes autonomy, adherence to project schedules and milestone delivery is crucial. Flexibility may be offered, but core working hours will likely be established for effective team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior-level engineering roles in the UK's technology and gaming sectors, adjusted for a fixed-term contract. The provided benefits are comprehensive and typical for established companies, indicating a strong commitment to employee well-being, which is a key factor in attracting and retaining specialized talent in operations-adjacent roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development (AAA Titles). Rocket Science Group acts as a recruitment partner for a AAA game development studio, implying a fast-paced, creative, and technically demanding environment focused on delivering high-quality interactive entertainment.

Company Size: While Rocket Science Group's size isn't explicitly stated, they partner with AAA game studios, which are typically large organizations with hundreds to thousands of employees, employing specialized teams for various development disciplines.

Founded: The founding date of the specific AAA game studio is not provided, but the mention of "Space Rangers team" and "AAA game development studio" suggests an established entity with a history of producing significant titles.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UI Engineer will be part of the "Space Rangers" team, working within a dedicated UI engineering group at the client studio.

• This team likely comprises UI engineers, UI artists, and UI/UX designers, reporting to a Lead UI Engineer or a Technical Director.

• Close collaboration with other development disciplines such as gameplay programming, engine programming, QA, and art is expected. Methodology:

• Operations within game development often involve agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) for iterative development and rapid iteration.

• Emphasis is placed on robust engineering practices, performance optimization, and efficient workflows to manage complex game development projects.

• Data-driven decision-making, particularly regarding player experience and game performance, is common.

Company Website: https://www.rocketscience.gg/ (Rocket Science Group); the client AAA studio's website is not directly provided.

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of AAA game development implies a highly collaborative and technically challenging environment. For operations roles within this space, understanding the iterative nature of development, the importance of performance metrics, and the need for seamless integration between different technical disciplines is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior level within UI Engineering, a specialized technical discipline that supports the overall operations of game development. It requires advanced technical expertise, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to mentor others.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Engineer will likely report to a Lead UI Engineer or a Technical Director within the game studio's engineering department. They will work closely with UI artists and designers and collaborate with other engineering teams.

Operations Impact: The UI Engineer's work directly impacts the player's interaction with the game, influencing user experience, engagement, and ultimately, the game's commercial success. Efficient and well-designed UI systems are critical operational components that enhance player retention and satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Unreal Engine, UMG, and advanced C++ UI development, potentially leading to Lead UI Engineer roles.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to other areas of game development, such as gameplay programming or engine architecture, by collaborating with different teams.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers, contribute to team processes, and potentially take on project leadership responsibilities.

• Accessibility Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in game accessibility, a growing and critical area in game development operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-focused roles, growth often involves deepening technical expertise in core systems, expanding influence across development disciplines, and contributing to process improvements. This Senior UI Engineer role offers a clear path for technical leadership and specialization within the critical domain of game UI.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role can be performed either on-site in London, Bromley (on-site) or remotely within the UK. The on-site environment is likely a modern game studio designed for collaboration and creativity.

Office Location(s): London, Bromley, UK (for on-site option). Remote work is available within the UK.

Workspace Context:

• On-site: Expect a collaborative studio environment with dedicated workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially access to gaming hardware and testing facilities. The atmosphere is likely dynamic and creative.

• Remote: Requires a self-sufficient home office setup with reliable internet connectivity. Communication tools and regular virtual check-ins will be essential for maintaining team cohesion and operational efficiency.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard development tools, including C++ IDEs, version control systems, and potentially game engine-specific editors (like Unreal Engine).

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with the possibility of flexibility. The contract is for 6 months, indicating a project-focused engagement. Deadlines and milestones will drive the work schedule, requiring proactive time management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The flexibility in remote or on-site work is a significant operational consideration. For remote employees, establishing clear communication protocols and ensuring access to necessary tools and information becomes paramount to maintaining operational continuity and team integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess suitability for the role, focusing on C++ experience, game UI development history, and shipped titles.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion on C++ programming, UI engineering principles, game development concepts, and problem-solving scenarios. Expect questions related to performance optimization and framework design.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, presenting specific examples of your UI work, discussing technical challenges, and explaining your contributions to shipped projects.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with potential team members or leads to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with the studio's culture.

• Final Interview (if applicable): May involve a final discussion with a hiring manager or director to confirm fit and discuss contract details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that clearly demonstrate your C++ UI engineering skills in a game development context.

• For each project, prepare to discuss: the problem you were solving, your specific technical contributions, the challenges encountered, your solutions, and the impact on the final product (e.g., performance improvements, usability enhancements).

• Be ready to present code samples (if permissible) or detailed architectural diagrams of UI frameworks you've built.

• Clearly articulate your role in the team and how you collaborated with other disciplines.

• Highlight any experience with Unreal Engine/UMG and accessibility features. Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential live coding exercises or take-home challenges focused on C++ and UI implementation.

• Practice articulating technical solutions clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a mixed audience of engineers and non-engineers.

• Review common UI patterns and best practices in game development.

• Understand the basics of game engine architecture, particularly concerning UI integration and rendering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and technical interviews highlights the critical nature of demonstrating practical, operations-critical skills. Candidates should prepare to "show, not just tell," by providing concrete evidence of their ability to build and optimize complex UI systems that contribute directly to the game's operational success and player experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• C++: The core programming language for the role. Advanced proficiency is a must.

• Unreal Engine: Preferred engine for game development; experience with it is a significant advantage.

• Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG): Specific UI framework within Unreal Engine. Experience here is highly valued.

• Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): Such as Visual Studio, CLion, or Xcode, for C++ development.

• Version Control Systems: Git, Perforce, or SVN for code management and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for data analytics, understanding how UI performance metrics are tracked and reported (e.g., frame rates, load times, user interaction feedback) is beneficial.

• Familiarity with in-game analytics tools or performance profiling tools can be an asset. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable in the traditional CRM sense. However, understanding project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) for task tracking and workflow management is important for operational efficiency.

• Automation of build processes, testing, or asset integration within the game development pipeline might be relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is highly specialized for game development. Proficiency in C++ and Unreal Engine/UMG is paramount. Understanding how these tools contribute to the operational efficiency of game development – from code management to performance monitoring – is key for candidates in operations-adjacent engineering roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to writing clean, efficient, and performant C++ code for UI systems.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support across disciplines.

• Player Focus: Dedication to creating exceptional player experiences through intuitive and engaging user interfaces.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive and creative approach to tackling complex technical challenges inherent in game development.

• Continuous Improvement: An eagerness to learn, adapt, and improve processes and technical skills.

Collaboration Style:

• The culture is described as "friendly and collaborative," with a high degree of autonomy for senior engineers.

• Expect regular code reviews, design discussions, and cross-functional meetings to ensure alignment and shared understanding.

• The studio encourages knowledge sharing and passing experience on to other team members, fostering a mentorship-driven environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: In operations-related roles, cultural alignment is crucial for effective collaboration. The emphasis on teamwork, player-centricity, and continuous improvement directly translates to how operational goals are achieved – through collective effort, a focus on user outcomes, and a drive for efficiency and excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Performance Optimization: Ensuring that complex UI systems run smoothly without impacting game performance, especially on various hardware configurations.

• Cross-Platform Consistency: Maintaining a consistent and high-quality UI experience across different platforms (PC, consoles) if applicable.

• Rapid Iteration: Adapting to frequent design changes and feature requests within a fast-paced game development cycle.

• Technical Debt Management: Balancing the need for rapid development with the maintenance of clean, scalable code for long-term project health.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced C++ & Engine Training: Access to regular training opportunities to deepen technical skills in C++ and Unreal Engine.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior engineers or to mentor junior team members.

• Industry Exposure: Working on AAA titles provides exposure to cutting-edge game development techniques and industry best practices.

• Specialization: Potential to become a subject matter expert in areas like UI performance, accessibility, or specific UI frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding and navigating these challenges is key to success. Growth opportunities should be framed in terms of enhancing operational capabilities, such as improving development efficiency, optimizing technical infrastructure, and developing specialized expertise that directly benefits the studio's output.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI system you designed and implemented. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on C++, performance, and architectural decisions.)

• "How do you approach ensuring UI performance in a demanding game environment? What metrics do you track?" (Demonstrate understanding of optimization and testing.)

• "Walk me through your process for translating a UI design mock-up into a functional in-game UI element or framework." (Highlight your workflow and technical implementation strategy.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with other disciplines (e.g., artists, gameplay programmers) on a UI feature. What were the challenges and how did you ensure a smooth integration?" (Showcase communication and teamwork skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on AAA games, and specifically about UI engineering in this industry?" (Express genuine passion and understanding of the domain.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in game UI development?" (Highlight continuous learning.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative culture?" (Align with the studio's described culture.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your portfolio presentation logically: Introduction, Project Overview, Your Role & Contributions, Technical Details & Challenges, Outcome & Impact, Q&A.

• For each project, clearly articulate the "why" and the "how." What problem did this UI solve, and what was your specific technical approach?

• Use visuals (screenshots, videos, diagrams) effectively to illustrate your points.

• Be prepared to dive deep into code snippets or architectural discussions if asked.

• Practice your presentation to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for operations-aligned roles often involves demonstrating not just technical skill but also strategic thinking, process understanding, and the ability to contribute to operational efficiency and product quality. Candidates should be ready to discuss their impact and problem-solving approaches in concrete terms.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned UI Engineering position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ashby link to Rocket Science Group.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and portfolio to prominently feature your C++ experience, game UI development projects, and any experience with Unreal Engine/UMG. Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., "improved UI load times by X%").

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your years of experience, shipped titles, and specific technical skills relevant to the job description. Use keywords from the posting naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your technical process, problem-solving methodologies, and collaborative experiences. Prepare a concise walkthrough of 1-2 key projects from your portfolio.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Rocket Science Group and the general landscape of AAA game development studios to understand the operational context and potential challenges.

⚠️ 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.