Senior UI Engineer - Sledgehammer Games - Melbourne

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Engineer - Sledgehammer Games

Company: Activision Blizzard, Inc.

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Software Engineering / Game Development (UI Focus)

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and implement user interfaces and menus for the Call of Duty franchise, focusing on enhancing the player experience across PC and console platforms.

• Engineer robust UI software solutions using C/C++ and Lua scripting, adhering to model-view architectural patterns for seamless integration within the game engine.

• Collaborate closely with UIX designers, engineers, artists, and producers to deliver exceptional graphical interfaces and the underlying data structures.

• Optimize UI performance, conduct rigorous debugging, and participate in code reviews to ensure high-quality, efficient, and reliable software.

• Contribute to the improvement of internal developer tools, enhancing the productivity of the global UI team and maintaining shared engine codebases.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Senior UI Engineer within Sledgehammer Games, a key studio in the Activision Blizzard portfolio, focusing on the Call of Duty franchise. The hybrid nature indicates a structured on-site presence is expected, likely to foster collaboration and leverage studio resources. The emphasis on C/C++, Lua, and UIX disciplines points to a role deeply embedded in game engine development and graphical interface engineering.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and debug UI software components using Lua scripting and C/C++ languages, ensuring functionality and adherence to project specifications.

• Construct functional and intuitive User Interfaces utilizing proprietary UI editors and tools developed by Sledgehammer Games.

• Deploy, evaluate performance metrics, optimize, and rigorously test UI software across various PC and console platforms, ensuring a consistent player experience.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with other UIX disciplines, game designers, and software engineers to architect and implement an outstanding overall user experience.

• Actively engage with cross-functional departments including Production, Art, Audio, and Quality Assurance (QA) to ensure seamless integration and timely delivery of UI features.

• Co-develop and collaborate with other Activision studios on shared Engine technologies, contributing to the evolution of the game's underlying architecture.

• Maintain and enhance existing developer tools and create new ones to boost the productivity and efficiency of the global UI development team.

• Produce detailed technical documentation for software features, intended for both internal engineering teams and external development partners.

• Participate actively in all phases of the software development lifecycle, including scheduling, design discussions, performance analysis, and code review processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct coding, system-level contribution, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "proprietary UI editors" and "shared Engine" suggests a need for adaptability and a capacity to work within established, complex internal toolchains and architectural frameworks common in AAA game development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic foundation in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field is highly recommended. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of dedicated UI engineering experience within the game development industry.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated strength and deep knowledge in C/C++, including advanced data structures and performance optimization techniques.

• Proficiency in Lua scripting language, or a comparable scripting language, for UI logic and implementation.

• Proven ability to debug complex software issues and apply effective problem-solving methodologies.

• Capacity to quickly acquire expertise in large, unfamiliar, and intricate codebases.

• Validated ability to collaborate, coordinate, communicate effectively, and provide support to fellow team members.

• Demonstrated track record of writing efficient, clean, readable, and reliable code. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI coding, particularly with agentic frameworks.

• Previous experience working within large, complex codebases.

• Proficiency in C#.

• Background developing for modern console platforms (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox).

• Familiarity with UI authoring tools such as Unity UI, Rive, or similar.

• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, Perforce) and continuous integration pipelines.

• A keen interest in User Experience (UX) principles and application.

• Knowledge of the Call of Duty franchise and other First-Person Shooter (FPS) games.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills strongly emphasize core game engineering competencies. The preferred skills indicate areas where candidates can differentiate themselves, particularly those with experience in modern game development ecosystems, AI, and a genuine interest in UX. The "Nice to Have" section is crucial for candidates aiming to stand out in a competitive field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of two distinct UI engineering projects that demonstrate your ability to design, develop, and implement complex graphical interfaces within a game engine context.

• For each project, clearly articulate the technical challenges faced, the specific solutions implemented using C/C++ and Lua, and the impact on user experience and performance.

• Provide evidence of working with proprietary or specialized UI authoring tools, if applicable, detailing your proficiency and contributions.

• Include examples of performance optimization efforts specifically related to UI elements, with quantifiable improvements in load times, frame rates, or memory usage.

• Demonstrate experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, Perforce) by providing code snippets or project structure examples that highlight collaborative development workflows. Process Documentation:

• Present case studies that detail your process for debugging and resolving complex UI issues, including methodologies used for root cause analysis and verification of fixes.

• Document your approach to collaborating with designers and other engineers, illustrating how you translate design concepts into functional UI implementations while managing technical constraints.

• Outline your strategy for optimizing UI performance on target platforms, including specific techniques for profiling and iterative refinement.

• Provide examples of your contribution to or development of internal developer tools, showcasing how these tools improved team productivity or workflow efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UI Engineer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showing finished products; it must detail the engineering process, the technical challenges, and the quantifiable impact of the candidate's work, particularly concerning performance and collaboration within a game development pipeline.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UI Engineers in Melbourne, Australia, with 5+ years of experience in AAA game development, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $130,000 - $180,000. This range accounts for the specialized skills, significant experience, and the high-impact nature of the role within a leading game studio.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., Superannuation contributions).

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and workshops.

• Access to cutting-edge gaming hardware and software for development and personal use.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options as part of Activision Blizzard's compensation package.

• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position in the Australian tech and gaming industry. While the role is hybrid, specific on-site days will be determined by studio policy and team needs, likely requiring attendance for key meetings, collaborative sessions, and core development sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on research from Australian job boards (e.g., Seek, LinkedIn Salary) and global gaming industry compensation data for similar senior engineering roles in major tech hubs. Benefits are standard for large, established tech companies like Activision Blizzard and are tailored to attract and retain top talent in the competitive gaming sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Sledgehammer Games operates within the highly competitive and rapidly evolving AAA gaming sector, with a primary focus on the First-Person Shooter (FPS) genre. The company is known for its significant contributions to the Call of Duty franchise, a global powerhouse in interactive entertainment.

Company Size: Activision Blizzard, Inc. is a large, publicly traded company with thousands of employees worldwide. Sledgehammer Games itself is a substantial studio, employing hundreds of professionals across various disciplines.

Founded: Sledgehammer Games was founded in 2009. Its history includes developing critically acclaimed Call of Duty titles, establishing it as a premier developer within the Activision ecosystem.

Team Structure:

• The UI Engineering team at Sledgehammer Games is likely a specialized unit within the broader Engineering department, comprising Senior Engineers, Engineers, and potentially UI Technical Artists.

• Reporting structure typically involves a Lead UI Engineer or Engineering Director, with clear lines of communication to Producers and Design leads.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, with UI Engineers working daily with UI/UX Designers, Gameplay Engineers, Engine Engineers, Art teams, and QA testers. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is expected, with UI performance metrics, player feedback, and A/B testing results informing development choices.

• Agile methodologies are commonly employed, emphasizing iterative development, continuous integration, and frequent feedback loops.

• A strong focus on code quality, maintainability, and robust engineering practices ensures the stability and scalability of the game engine and its UI components.

Company Website: www.sledgehammergames.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of Sledgehammer Games as a AAA developer within Activision Blizzard is critical. This implies a high-pressure, high-reward environment with significant resources, demanding quality standards, and a focus on delivering blockbuster titles. The hybrid model suggests a company culture that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration essential for complex game development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a requirement for significant technical expertise, proven problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to mentor junior engineers. Senior engineers are expected to take ownership of complex features, drive technical solutions, and contribute to architectural discussions.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Engineer will report to a Lead UI Engineer or a higher-level engineering manager. They will work closely with UI/UX Designers, Producers, and other engineering disciplines, acting as a key technical contributor within the UI team.

Operations Impact: The UI Engineer's work directly impacts the player's interaction with the game. By creating intuitive, responsive, and visually appealing interfaces, they significantly influence player engagement, satisfaction, and overall game experience. Their contributions are critical to the commercial success of titles like Call of Duty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced UI engineering, engine architecture, performance optimization, or specific platform development.

• Leadership Development: Transition into Lead UI Engineer roles, mentoring teams, overseeing feature development, and contributing to technical strategy.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exploration: Gain exposure to other areas of game development, such as gameplay engineering, engine development, or technical art, potentially leading to broader engineering roles.

• Industry Engagement: Represent Sledgehammer Games at industry conferences, contribute to technical talks, and stay at the forefront of UI technology trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a path toward technical leadership or management within the engineering hierarchy. The growth opportunities are framed within the context of a large game development studio, where specialization and cross-functional experience are highly valued for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Sledgehammer Games' Melbourne studio, operating in a hybrid capacity. This means a combination of in-office work and remote work. The studio environment is designed to facilitate collaboration, creativity, and access to specialized development hardware and resources.

Office Location(s): The studio is located on Clarke Street in Melbourne, Australia. This location provides access to a vibrant tech and creative hub within the city.

Workspace Context:

• The on-site workspace will likely feature modern office setups with dedicated workstations equipped for demanding game development tasks, including high-performance PCs and multiple monitors.

• Collaboration spaces, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated playtesting areas will be available to foster teamwork and rapid iteration.

• Access to studio-specific tools, development kits, and internal networks is a key benefit of working on-site.

• The environment encourages interaction with colleagues from diverse disciplines, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: The hybrid work schedule will likely involve a set number of days per week in the office (e.g., 2-3 days) and the remainder remote. Specific days may be flexible or dictated by project needs and team coordination. This arrangement aims to balance the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should expect a structured approach to on-site presence, typical for AAA studios that value face-to-face collaboration for critical development phases.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, assessing your experience against the core requirements.

• Technical Assessment: You may be asked to complete a coding challenge or technical screening, likely focusing on C++, data structures, or Lua scripting relevant to UI development. This could be an online test or a live coding session.

• On-site/Virtual Interviews: Expect multiple rounds of interviews with engineering leads, senior engineers, and potentially UI designers. These interviews will delve into your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and experience with game development workflows.

• Portfolio Review: A significant portion of the interview process will involve presenting and discussing your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through your projects, explain your technical contributions, and articulate the impact of your work.

• Cultural Fit Assessment: Interviews will also assess your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and align with Sledgehammer Games' studio culture and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest UI engineering projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role (C++, Lua, performance optimization, complex interfaces).

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, your specific technical contribution, the tools and languages used, and the quantifiable results (e.g., performance improvements, user satisfaction metrics).

• Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss your code, design decisions, and problem-solving approaches in detail. Explain why you made certain choices.

• Visual Presentation: If possible, include video demonstrations or interactive prototypes of your UI work.

• Tailor to the Role: Highlight projects that demonstrate experience with console development, FPS interfaces, or working within large codebases.

Challenge Preparation:

• Core Languages: Brush up on C++ fundamentals, common data structures, and algorithms. Practice Lua scripting for logic implementation.

• UI Concepts: Review UI architecture patterns (e.g., Model-View-Controller, Model-View-ViewModel), event handling, and performance optimization techniques specific to graphical interfaces.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for questions that require you to break down complex problems, consider edge cases, and propose well-reasoned solutions.

• Studio Research: Understand Sledgehammer Games' history, their role in the Call of Duty franchise, and their general approach to game development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role in AAA game development is rigorous. The portfolio review is a critical component, serving as tangible evidence of a candidate's technical capabilities and problem-solving approach. Candidates should anticipate in-depth technical discussions and be prepared to justify their engineering decisions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• C/C++: The primary programming languages for core engine and UI development. Proficiency in modern C++ standards is expected.

• Lua: Heavily used for scripting UI logic, event handling, and rapid prototyping.

• Proprietary UI Editors: Sledgehammer Games likely utilizes custom-built tools for creating and managing in-game user interfaces, requiring adaptability and a willingness to learn internal systems.

• Version Control: Perforce or Git are standard for managing large game codebases and facilitating team collaboration.

• Build Systems: Familiarity with build tools and processes for PC and console platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Profilers: Tools like Visual Studio Profiler, NVIDIA Nsight, or platform-specific profilers (e.g., PIX for Xbox, Xcode Instruments for PlayStation) will be essential for identifying and resolving UI performance bottlenecks.

• Debugging Tools: Integrated Development Environment (IDE) debuggers (e.g., Visual Studio Debugger), console debuggers, and custom logging systems.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly CRM-related, candidates should be comfortable with tools that automate build processes, testing pipelines, and deployment workflows.

• CI/CD Tools: Experience with continuous integration and continuous deployment pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI) can be beneficial for improving development efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on game engine development. Proficiency in C/C++ and Lua is non-negotiable, and experience with proprietary tools and performance profiling is key. Candidates should highlight any experience with console-specific development environments and tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Craft: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished, and technically sound UI solutions that meet the demanding standards of AAA gaming.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively within a multidisciplinary team, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to achieve collective goals.

• Innovation & Passion: A drive to explore new technologies, push creative boundaries, and a genuine passion for game development and the player experience.

• Problem-Solving & Resilience: The ability to tackle complex technical challenges with a proactive, analytical, and persistent approach, especially in a fast-paced development environment.

• Player Focus: A deep understanding of and commitment to creating intuitive, engaging, and accessible user experiences that resonate with a global player base.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: UI Engineers are expected to work seamlessly with designers, artists, and other engineering disciplines, fostering open communication and mutual respect.

• Iterative Feedback: A culture of constructive feedback, where code reviews, design critiques, and playtesting sessions are used to refine and improve the product.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned through internal presentations, documentation, and informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at a studio like Sledgehammer Games is likely intense and driven by a shared passion for creating exceptional games. The emphasis on collaboration and player focus is characteristic of successful AAA development teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of AAA Codebases: Navigating and contributing effectively to massive, intricate codebases that have evolved over many years and multiple titles.

• Performance Constraints: Meeting stringent performance targets on diverse hardware (PC, multiple console generations) while implementing visually rich and complex UI features.

• Cross-Studio Collaboration: Coordinating development efforts and maintaining consistency with other Activision studios working on shared engine components or franchise titles.

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: Adapting to fast-paced development schedules and evolving design requirements within a highly competitive market.

• Tooling and Workflow Evolution: Learning and adapting to internal, often proprietary, development tools and workflows that may differ from industry standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UI Engineering: Opportunities to master complex UI systems, advanced rendering techniques, and platform-specific UI development.

• Engine Architecture: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the game engine's architecture and how UI systems integrate with other core engine components.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced senior engineers and leads, developing leadership and mentorship skills.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of emerging UI technologies, design patterns, and tools in the gaming industry through internal knowledge sharing and external resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working on large-scale, long-lifecycle AAA game titles. The growth opportunities are framed around deepening technical expertise and developing leadership potential within a specialized engineering discipline.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you encountered a significant performance bottleneck in a UI system. How did you diagnose it, and what steps did you take to resolve it? What was the impact?" (Focus on C++, profiling tools, and quantifiable results.)

• "Walk us through your process for translating a complex UI design mockup into functional code. How do you handle ambiguity or technical challenges during this process?" (Highlight collaboration with designers, problem-solving, and iterative development.)

• "Explain the benefits and drawbacks of using Lua for UI scripting compared to C++. When would you choose one over the other for a specific feature?" (Demonstrate understanding of language strengths and weaknesses in a game dev context.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Sledgehammer Games and specifically on the Call of Duty franchise?" (Show genuine passion for the studio and the game.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with designers and artists who may have different priorities or perspectives?" (Emphasize communication, empathy, and finding common ground.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to advocate for a technical solution or approach that differed from the initial design or plan." (Focus on reasoned arguments, data, and collaborative problem-solving.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, start with the "what" (the project's goal), then the "how" (your specific role, technical challenges, solutions), and finally the "so what" (the impact, lessons learned, and metrics).

• Quantify Your Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate your achievements – e.g., "reduced UI load time by 30%", "improved frame rate by 15 FPS", "handled X concurrent user events".

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visual aids like screenshots, videos, or live demos to illustrate your work. Explain the code and architecture behind what's being shown.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your code, design decisions, and problem-solving methodologies. Be honest about what you know and what you've learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical proficiency but also the ability to apply that proficiency within the specific context of AAA game development, collaboration, and performance optimization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 of your most impactful UI engineering projects. For each, prepare a concise overview highlighting the problem, your role, the technical solutions (especially C++, Lua, performance optimizations), and quantifiable results.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly emphasizes your 5+ years of UI engineering experience in game development, your proficiency in C/C++ and Lua, and any experience with console platforms or large codebases. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on clear explanations of your technical contributions and their impact. Be ready to discuss your problem-solving approach and collaboration style.

• Research Sledgehammer Games: Familiarize yourself with their recent Call of Duty titles, studio history, and any publicly available information about their development philosophy and culture. Understand their role within Activision Blizzard.

⚠️ 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.