Senior UI Engineer - Sledgehammer Games - Melbourne

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Engineer - Sledgehammer Games - Melbourne

Company: Activision

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Game Development - UI Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: Senior (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and implement user interface (UI) menus and widgets for the Call of Duty franchise, focusing on creating an exceptional player experience.

• Engineer robust UI software using Lua scripting and C/C++ within proprietary UI editors and a shared game engine.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including designers, other engineers, art, audio, and QA, to ensure seamless integration and a high-quality user experience.

• Optimize and debug UI software for PC and console platforms, ensuring high performance, stability, and efficiency across diverse gaming environments.

• Contribute to the maintenance and improvement of internal developer tools that enhance the productivity and efficiency of the global UI team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw data lists "OTHER" for employment type, the context of a "Senior UI Engineer" role within a major game development studio strongly implies a full-time, permanent position. The hybrid work arrangement is explicitly stated.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and debug UI software components using Lua scripting and C/C++ languages, ensuring code quality and adherence to architectural patterns.

• Construct functional and intuitive User Interfaces (UIs) utilizing proprietary UI editing tools, translating design concepts into interactive elements.

• Deploy, evaluate performance, optimize, and rigorously test UI software across PC and console platforms to ensure a consistent and high-quality player experience.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with UI/UX disciplines, designers, and fellow engineers to collectively shape and deliver an outstanding overall user experience.

• Actively participate in co-development efforts and collaborate with other Activision studios leveraging the shared game engine, ensuring consistency and shared best practices.

• Maintain, enhance, and improve developer tools and workflows that directly contribute to the increased productivity and efficiency of the global UI development team.

• Create detailed technical documentation and feature specifications for both internal engineering teams and external partners, facilitating clear understanding and integration.

• Engage in critical aspects of the software development lifecycle, including scheduling, design discussions, performance reviews, and code review processes, contributing expert insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are directly extracted from the provided job description, emphasizing the technical and collaborative aspects of UI engineering within a game development context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Specific educational requirements are not detailed. However, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is typically expected for senior engineering roles in game development. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of dedicated UI experience within the game development industry.

• Demonstrated strength and in-depth knowledge of C/C++, including proficiency in data structures and performance optimization techniques.

• Proven experience with Lua scripting languages, or similar scripting environments. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in C/C++ for game development, with a strong understanding of software architecture and performance tuning.

• Extensive experience in Lua scripting for UI implementation and logic.

• Proven ability to effectively debug complex issues and solve intricate problems within large codebases.

• Demonstrated capability to rapidly acquire expertise in large, unfamiliar, and complex codebases.

• Validated ability to collaborate effectively, coordinate efforts, communicate clearly, and provide support to other team members.

• Strong aptitude for writing efficient, clean, readable, and reliable code that adheres to industry best practices and team standards.

• Experience with model-view architectural patterns and their application in UI development.

• Solid understanding of console and First-Person Shooter (FPS) user experiences and design principles. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI coding, particularly with agentic frameworks, for enhanced UI interactivity.

• Extensive experience working within large, complex codebases, demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in C# for tool development or other relevant scripting tasks.

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

• Familiarity with UI authoring tools such as Unity UI, Rive, or similar industry-standard software.

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

• Interest and understanding of User Experience (UX) principles and design.

• Knowledge of the Call of Duty franchise and other FPS games, demonstrating a passion for the genre.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Player Profile" section of the provided text directly translates to the required and preferred skills, with an emphasis on game development specific competencies like Lua scripting, C++, and console experience. Education is inferred based on industry standards for senior roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant UI projects, ideally from shipped titles or substantial game prototypes, demonstrating your contribution and impact.

• For each project, clearly articulate the specific UI challenges encountered, your engineering approach, and the solutions implemented.

• Provide examples of complex UI systems you have designed and engineered, highlighting efficiency, scalability, and maintainability.

• Include code samples (where permissible) that demonstrate your proficiency in C/C++ and Lua, focusing on clean architecture, performance optimization, and robust debugging. Process Documentation:

• Detail your process for translating design mockups and wireframes into functional, interactive UI elements within a game engine environment.

• Explain your methodology for performance profiling and optimization of UI elements, including specific techniques used to ensure smooth frame rates and responsiveness on target platforms.

• Describe your approach to debugging UI issues, including the tools and strategies employed to identify and resolve bugs efficiently across PC and console.

• Illustrate your experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and collaborative development workflows, including code review processes and integration strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on engineering and development, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of skills in C++, Lua, and UI development is crucial. The "Process Documentation" section infers how a candidate should articulate their workflow and problem-solving capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UI Engineer in Melbourne, Australia, with 5-10 years of experience in game development, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $120,000 - $170,000. This range accounts for the senior level, specialized skills in game UI engineering, and the cost of living in Melbourne.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

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

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

• Paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry conferences.

• Access to state-of-the-art development tools and technology.

• Hybrid work arrangement, offering flexibility between office and remote work.

• Potential for relocation assistance for qualified candidates.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

• Discounts on Activision Blizzard products and merchandise.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are approximately 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, the gaming industry often requires flexibility and occasional overtime, especially leading up to project milestones or game releases. The hybrid work model allows for some flexibility in structuring the work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering roles in Melbourne, Australia, considering the specific domain of game development. Benefits are inferred based on standard offerings from large, established companies like Activision.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Activision Blizzard is a global leader in interactive entertainment, known for its iconic franchises like Call of Duty®, Crash Bandicoot™, and World of Warcraft®. Sledgehammer Games, as part of Activision, contributes to this legacy by focusing on high-quality game development, particularly in the first-person shooter genre.

Company Size: Activision Blizzard is a large, publicly traded company with a global presence, employing thousands of individuals across various studios and departments. Sledgehammer Games itself is a significant studio with multiple locations, including Melbourne, indicating a substantial team size within the broader organization. This large scale offers opportunities for diverse projects and cross-studio collaboration.

Founded: Sledgehammer Games was founded in 2009. Activision as a company has a much longer history, dating back to 1979. The studio's founding date signifies a period of significant growth and evolution in the gaming industry, characterized by technological advancements and the rise of blockbuster titles.

Team Structure:

• The UI Engineering team at Sledgehammer Games is likely composed of specialized engineers focusing on different aspects of the UI pipeline, from core engine integration to feature implementation.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a UI Lead or Engineering Manager, with senior engineers potentially mentoring junior members and leading specific feature development efforts.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of game development, requiring close interaction with UI/UX designers, artists, gameplay engineers, QA testers, and producers to deliver cohesive game experiences. Methodology:

• Data-driven development is implicit in game development, where performance metrics, player feedback, and analytics inform design and engineering decisions.

• Workflow optimization is critical, with a focus on efficient toolchains, robust pipelines, and streamlined processes for content creation and iteration.

• Automation is employed where possible, particularly in build systems, testing, and asset integration, to accelerate development cycles and improve reliability.

Company Website: http://www.sledgehammergames.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company information is derived directly from the provided text, highlighting the scale and focus of Activision and Sledgehammer Games within the video game industry. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on standard practices in AAA game development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior level within the UI Engineering discipline. This implies a high degree of technical autonomy, the ability to mentor junior engineers, and significant responsibility for architectural decisions and complex feature development. Senior engineers are expected to be key contributors to project success and often act as subject matter experts.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Engineer will likely report to a Lead UI Engineer or an Engineering Manager within Sledgehammer Games. They will be expected to collaborate closely with UI/UX Designers, Artists, and other Engineering disciplines (e.g., Gameplay, Engine, Tools) to deliver integrated features.

Operations Impact: The work of a Senior UI Engineer has a direct and significant impact on the player experience. Well-designed, performant, and intuitive UIs are critical for player engagement, accessibility, and overall game satisfaction. This role directly influences how players interact with the Call of Duty universe, impacting key metrics such as player retention, completion rates, and overall game enjoyment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced UI engineering techniques, engine architecture, and performance optimization for cutting-edge platforms.

• Leadership Development: Transition into Lead UI Engineer or Technical Director roles, managing teams, driving technical strategy, and mentoring other engineers.

• Cross-Disciplinary Experience: Gain exposure to other areas of game development, such as gameplay programming, engine development, or tools engineering, broadening skill sets.

• Project Leadership: Take ownership of major UI features or systems, driving them from conception through to release and post-launch support.

• Industry Engagement: Represent the studio at conferences, contribute to technical discussions, and stay at the forefront of UI technology trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation is key here. The analysis focuses on the responsibilities, impact, and growth trajectory expected for an individual at this level within a large game development studio, emphasizing technical leadership and career progression within the specialized field of UI engineering.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Sledgehammer Games operates a hybrid work environment for this role. This means a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. The office itself is designed to foster creativity and collaboration, likely featuring open-plan workspaces, private meeting rooms, and dedicated areas for focused development.

Office Location(s): The specific role is based at the Sledgehammer Games studio in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This location is part of a vibrant tech and creative hub, offering a dynamic environment for game development professionals.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is designed to encourage spontaneous discussions, brainstorming sessions, and team synergy, crucial for complex game development projects.

• Tools and Technology: Engineers will have access to high-end development hardware, specialized UI authoring tools, powerful workstations, and robust network infrastructure necessary for large-scale game development.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for dedicated in-office days for critical team meetings, collaborative design sessions, and direct interaction with colleagues, balanced with the flexibility of remote work.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, typically from Monday to Friday. Given the demands of game development, there may be periods requiring extended hours, particularly around project deadlines and game launches. The hybrid arrangement offers some flexibility in managing personal time and work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is explicitly stated. The description of the office environment and workspace is inferred based on typical AAA game studio setups, emphasizing collaboration, cutting-edge technology, and the need for flexible scheduling in a demanding industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume to assess your qualifications against the core requirements.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more in-depth technical interviews focusing on your C++, Lua, UI engineering experience, problem-solving skills, and understanding of game development principles. This may involve live coding challenges or discussions of past projects.

• Portfolio Review: You will be asked to present and discuss your UI engineering portfolio, detailing specific projects, your role, technical challenges, and solutions. Be prepared to walk through code samples and demonstrate your design and implementation process.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An interview with potential team members and/or a hiring manager to assess your collaborative abilities, communication style, passion for games, and alignment with Sledgehammer Games' culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader to discuss your overall fit and long-term potential within the studio.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-4 of your strongest, most relevant UI engineering projects that best showcase your skills in C++, Lua, and complex UI systems.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, your specific contributions, the technologies used, and the measurable impact (e.g., performance improvements, user satisfaction metrics, feature success).

• Code Clarity: If sharing code samples, ensure they are clean, well-commented, and demonstrate best practices in C++ and Lua. Highlight specific aspects that solve complex problems.

• Storytelling: Frame your project discussions as compelling narratives. Start with the challenge, explain your approach and decisions, and conclude with the outcome and lessons learned.

• Platform Awareness: Be ready to discuss how your UI solutions were adapted and optimized for different platforms (PC, console).

Challenge Preparation:

• Algorithmic Thinking: Brush up on common data structures, algorithms, and performance optimization techniques relevant to UI development.

• Language Proficiency: Practice coding in C++ and Lua, focusing on syntax, common libraries, and efficient implementation.

• Problem Decomposition: Be prepared to break down complex UI problems into smaller, manageable components and articulate your thought process.

• Game Design Fundamentals: Understand basic game design principles, player experience considerations, and how UI contributes to these.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Sledgehammer Games' titles, their UI styles, and the broader Activision Blizzard portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is designed to provide actionable advice for candidates applying to a senior engineering role. The emphasis is on demonstrating technical depth, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to articulate complex technical contributions through a portfolio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• C/C++: Core programming language for game engine development and high-performance UI systems.

• Lua: Widely used scripting language for implementing game logic, UI behavior, and rapid iteration.

• Proprietary UI Editors: Sledgehammer Games likely utilizes custom-built tools for designing, laying out, and implementing UI elements within their game engine.

• Game Engine: The underlying engine (likely a custom Activision engine or heavily modified Unreal Engine) is the primary development environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• In-house Analytics Tools: Likely custom-built or integrated solutions for tracking UI performance, player interaction data, and debugging information.

• Performance Profilers: Tools for analyzing frame rates, memory usage, and CPU load to identify and resolve UI performance bottlenecks.

CRM & Automation:

• Version Control Systems: Git is standard for managing codebase and collaborative development.

• Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) Tools: Likely used to automate builds, testing, and deployment pipelines for UI assets and code.

• Issue Tracking Systems: Tools like JIRA are commonly used for managing bugs, feature requests, and project tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are directly derived from the job description and common practices in AAA game development. The focus is on the core programming languages, proprietary tools, and supporting development infrastructure.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player Focus: A deep commitment to creating exceptional player experiences, ensuring UIs are intuitive, engaging, and enhance gameplay.

• Excellence in Craft: A dedication to high-quality engineering, clean code, robust design, and meticulous attention to detail in all UI development.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with designers, artists, and other engineers to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the exploration of new techniques to push the boundaries of UI design and implementation.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly learn, adapt, and improve development processes, tools, and the overall quality of the games.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A highly collaborative approach, working closely with UI/UX designers to translate visual concepts into functional interfaces, and with gameplay engineers to ensure seamless integration of UI elements with game mechanics.

• Process Review & Feedback: Open communication channels for regular design reviews, code reviews, and constructive feedback sessions to refine UI elements and development practices.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing of best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned across the UI team and with other disciplines to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Team Culture & Values" are inferred from Activision's stated company values and the typical collaborative environment of a leading game development studio. The emphasis is on player-centricity, technical excellence, and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Codebase Integration: Integrating new UI features and systems into a large, established, and complex game engine codebase while maintaining stability and performance.

• Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensuring a seamless and high-quality UI experience across diverse platforms (PC, current-gen consoles) with varying hardware capabilities and input methods.

• Performance Optimization: Constantly balancing feature richness with performance requirements, ensuring UIs are fluid and responsive without impacting game frame rates.

• Evolving Technology: Adapting to new engine versions, development tools, and platform requirements, requiring continuous learning and skill adaptation.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing requirements and feedback from multiple stakeholders, including design, art, engineering, and production teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UI Architecture: Deepen expertise in scalable and maintainable UI architectures for large-scale game projects.

• Engine Internals: Gain a deeper understanding of the core game engine and its UI subsystems, enabling more impactful contributions.

• Performance Tuning: Develop advanced skills in profiling and optimizing UI performance across various hardware configurations.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers, developing leadership and team management skills.

• Cross-Discipline Exposure: Engage with other engineering disciplines to broaden understanding of the game development pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are derived from the inherent complexities of senior-level UI engineering in AAA game development, focusing on technical hurdles and pathways for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• UI Architecture & Design: "Describe a complex UI system you designed and implemented. What were the key architectural decisions, and why? How did you ensure scalability and maintainability?" (Focus on model-view patterns, separation of concerns, and modularity).

• Problem Solving & Debugging: "Walk me through a particularly challenging UI bug you encountered. What was your process for diagnosing and resolving it, especially on a console platform?" (Highlight systematic debugging, use of profiling tools, and root cause analysis).

• Performance Optimization: "How do you approach optimizing UI performance in a game engine? Can you provide specific examples of optimizations you've implemented and their impact?" (Discuss techniques like draw call batching, texture management, efficient layout calculations, and scripting optimization).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working on the Call of Duty franchise and at Sledgehammer Games specifically?" (Show genuine interest in the IP and studio's contributions).

• "How do you approach collaboration with UI/UX designers and artists to bring a UI vision to life?" (Emphasize communication, iterative feedback, and understanding of design intent).

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your development approach based on feedback from other teams or changing project requirements." (Demonstrate flexibility and a collaborative mindset). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Narrative: Structure each project presentation as a story: the problem, your solution, your specific contributions, technical details, and the outcome.

• Code Walkthrough: Be prepared to show snippets of C++ or Lua code, explaining your logic, design choices, and how it addresses specific challenges.

• Visual Demonstration: Use screenshots, videos, or live demos (if possible) to showcase the UI in action. Highlight key features and user interactions.

• Metrics & Impact: Quantify the success of your work whenever possible (e.g., performance gains, reduction in bugs, positive player feedback).

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, trade-offs made, and how you would approach similar challenges in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on technical depth, problem-solving, and the ability to articulate complex contributions, aligning with the expectations for a senior engineering role in game development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the Activision Careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest UI engineering projects in C++ and Lua, specifically showcasing experience relevant to console and PC game development. Prioritize projects that demonstrate complex UI systems, performance optimization, and successful collaboration.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your 5+ years of UI engineering experience in game development. Use keywords from the job description such as "C++," "Lua," "UI Engineering," "Game Development," "Debugging," and "Performance Optimization." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your technical skills and project experiences clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss your problem-solving methodologies, approach to UI architecture, and experience with game development tools and pipelines.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Sledgehammer Games' history, their contributions to the Call of Duty franchise, and Activision Blizzard's broader portfolio. Understand their commitment to player experience and innovation in gaming.

⚠️ 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.