Senior UI Engineer - Sledgehammer Games - Melbourne

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Engineer

Company: Sledgehammer Games

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-time (OTHER)

Category: Software Engineering / Game Development

Date Posted: August 28, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for the end-to-end engineering and coding of UI menus and widgets within the Call of Duty user experience, utilizing Lua scripting and C++.

• Develop, modify, and debug UI software, ensuring robust performance and seamless integration across PC and console platforms.

• Collaborate closely with UIX disciplines, designers, and fellow engineers to craft exceptional user experiences.

• Contribute to the co-development and maintenance of shared Engine technologies and developer tools, enhancing global UI team productivity.

• Participate actively in scheduling, design, performance, and code review processes to uphold high-quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior UI Engineer," the responsibilities heavily lean into game development, specifically for UI elements within a major franchise. The "OTHER" employment type is unusual and might require clarification from the employer. The core focus is on technical implementation of UI for a gaming product.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engineer and code UI menus and widgets for the entire Call of Duty user experience using Lua scripting and C++.

• Build functional User Interfaces (UIs) using proprietary UI editors and tools.

• Deploy, evaluate performance, optimize, and test UI software on both PC and console platforms.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including UIX disciplines, designers, artists, audio engineers, and QA, to ensure a cohesive and exceptional user experience.

• Co-develop and collaborate with other Activision studios on shared Engine technologies, ensuring consistency and efficiency.

• Maintain and improve internal developer tools to enhance the productivity of the global UI team.

• Create detailed software and feature documentation for internal and external engineering teams.

• Actively participate in scheduling, design, performance, and code review processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct coding, tool development, cross-functional collaboration, and participation in the full software development lifecycle within a game development context. The emphasis on "proprietary UI editors" and "shared Engine" suggests a need for adaptability to specific internal tools and frameworks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Not explicitly specified, but a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is typically expected for senior engineering roles.

Experience: 5+ years of UI experience specifically within game development.

Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency in C/C++, data structures, and performance optimization.

• Experience with Lua scripting language (or similar scripting languages).

• Proven ability to debug and problem-solve complex issues.

• Ability to quickly gain expertise in large, unfamiliar, and complex codebases.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, coordinate, communicate, and support other team members effectively.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and code review.

• Ability to write efficient, clean, readable, and reliable code. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI coding, particularly with agentic frameworks.

• Proficient with C#.

• Background developing on modern consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox).

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

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

• Interest in UX (User Experience) design principles.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize core C++ and Lua programming, problem-solving, and adaptability to large codebases. Preferred skills indicate a desire for candidates with broader game development experience, including console development, UI tools, and an understanding of the FPS genre. The "Nice to Have" section is crucial for differentiating candidates and shows a potential path for growth within the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of UI engineering work within game development projects.

• Code samples showcasing proficiency in C/C++ and Lua, particularly for UI implementation.

• Case studies detailing UI development challenges, problem-solving approaches, and performance optimizations implemented.

• Evidence of contributions to complex codebases and collaborative development environments.

• Examples of UI elements or systems developed using proprietary tools or specific game engines. Process Documentation:

• Showcase understanding of UI development workflows, from concept to implementation and testing.

• Examples of how you have participated in code reviews, design discussions, and performance analysis.

• Documentation or descriptions of how you approach debugging and optimizing UI performance.

• Evidence of collaborating with designers and other engineers to refine UI features and user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UI Engineer role in game development, a portfolio is critical. It should not just show finished products but also the underlying code, design thinking, and problem-solving processes. The emphasis should be on practical application of C++ and Lua for UI, performance optimization, and collaborative development, especially within the context of complex game engines and proprietary tools.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Engineers in Melbourne, Australia, with 5-10 years of experience in specialized fields like game development UI engineering, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $130,000 - $180,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Melbourne and the high demand for experienced technical talent in the gaming sector.

Benefits:

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

• Opportunity to work on world-renowned gaming franchises like Call of Duty.

• Professional development and growth opportunities within a leading game development studio.

• Access to Sledgehammer Games' and Activision Blizzard's internal tools and technologies.

• Collaborative and creative work environment with a passionate team of game developers.

• Potential for contributions to shared Engine development and internal tool enhancement.

Working Hours: While not explicitly stated, standard full-time working hours in the game development industry are typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature may offer some flexibility in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical senior engineering roles in Melbourne, Australia, considering the specialized nature of game UI engineering. Specific benefits are inferred from the company's description and typical offerings for tech roles in major studios. The "OTHER" employment type might affect specific benefits like health insurance or retirement plans, which would need direct confirmation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Sledgehammer Games is a prominent studio within this industry, known for its contributions to the highly competitive and fast-paced First-Person Shooter (FPS) genre, particularly the Call of Duty franchise.

Company Size: Part of Activision Blizzard, which is now owned by Microsoft, Sledgehammer Games operates as a significant development studio. While the exact size of the Melbourne studio isn't specified, Activision Blizzard as a whole is a large global entity, implying robust infrastructure and resources.

Founded: Sledgehammer Games was founded in 2009. This history suggests an established studio with a mature development process and a deep understanding of the gaming landscape.

Team Structure:

• The UI Engineering team is likely part of a larger engineering department within the studio.

• This role involves close collaboration with UIX (User Experience) designers, other UI engineers, gameplay engineers, and potentially engine programmers.

• As a senior role, there may be mentorship responsibilities towards more junior engineers.

• Collaboration extends across different Activision studios, requiring effective remote communication and integration. Methodology:

• Emphasis on agile development methodologies, common in game development, involving iterative cycles of design, development, testing, and feedback.

• Strong focus on performance optimization, crucial for delivering high-fidelity experiences on PC and consoles.

• Utilization of proprietary game engines and UI development tools, requiring adaptability and a learning mindset.

• Rigorous code review processes to ensure code quality, maintainability, and adherence to studio standards.

Company Website: www.sledgehammergames.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in game development, emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and the pursuit of high-quality player experiences. The hybrid work model suggests a modern approach to workplace flexibility, balanced with the need for in-person collaboration in a studio environment. The influence of Activision Blizzard and Microsoft indicates a large-scale, professional operational framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position within the Engineering track. It signifies a professional who not only executes complex tasks but also contributes to technical direction, mentors others, and understands the broader implications of their work on the game's overall user experience and performance.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Engineer will likely report to a Lead UI Engineer or Engineering Manager. They will work closely with UI/UX Designers, Producers, and other engineering disciplines.

Operations Impact: The UI is the primary interface players interact with. A Senior UI Engineer's work directly impacts player engagement, usability, and the overall perception of game quality. Their contributions are critical for a smooth player journey from game launch to deep engagement, directly influencing player retention and satisfaction for major titles like Call of Duty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced UI engineering techniques, engine architecture, or specific UI technologies (e.g., AI integration for UI).

• Leadership: Progress to Lead UI Engineer, managing a team, defining technical roadmaps, and overseeing project execution.

• Cross-Disciplinary Roles: Transition into broader engineering management, technical directing, or even contributing to engine development.

• Mentorship: Develop leadership and communication skills by mentoring junior engineers.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience working on one of the largest gaming franchises globally, with potential for exposure to new technologies and industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies significant responsibility beyond coding, including architectural input, mentorship, and problem-solving for complex technical challenges. Growth paths are well-defined within game development studios, moving from individual contributor to leadership roles. The impact of UI engineering on player experience is paramount, making this a critical role for game success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Sledgehammer Games’ Melbourne studio, operating in a hybrid working capacity. This suggests a modern office environment designed to support both individual focused work and collaborative team sessions.

Office Location(s): Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The specific address would be provided upon inquiry or during the application process.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment likely fosters collaboration, with shared spaces for design reviews, code critiques, and team meetings.

• Access to high-performance development hardware and software, including specialized UI editors and game engine environments.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with designers, artists, and other engineers, facilitating rapid feedback loops and iterative development.

• The hybrid model allows for focused work at home, balanced with in-office collaboration and team building.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected. The hybrid arrangement may offer some flexibility in daily start/end times, but core collaboration hours will likely be established.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect, indicating a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. For an engineering role, access to robust development tools and hardware is crucial. The collaborative nature of game development means that even with hybrid work, in-office days are likely to be highly interactive.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your resume and portfolio for essential qualifications.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions on C++, Lua, data structures, performance optimization, and problem-solving. This may include live coding exercises or whiteboard challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, discuss specific projects, your role, technical challenges, and solutions. Be prepared to explain your design choices and optimization strategies.

• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Questions will assess your collaboration skills, ability to work in a hybrid environment, passion for games, and how you handle feedback and challenges.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or a studio director, focusing on your overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those demonstrating UI engineering for games, complex codebases, and performance optimization.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "reduced UI load time by X%").

• Showcase Code Quality: Provide access to code samples (e.g., GitHub repository, private link) that demonstrate clean, efficient, and well-documented C++ and Lua.

• Explain the "Why": For each project, explain the problem you were solving, your technical approach, the challenges encountered, and how you overcame them.

• Demo Functionality: If possible, provide video demonstrations of UI elements in action, showcasing their responsiveness and visual appeal.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge of C++, data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design.

• Lua Scripting: Be ready to discuss Lua's role in UI scripting and potential use cases.

• Performance Optimization: Prepare to discuss strategies for optimizing UI rendering, memory usage, and load times.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions that require you to break down complex UI problems and propose solutions.

• Game Industry Context: Understand the specific challenges of UI development in games (e.g., console limitations, cross-platform consistency, fast-paced development).

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just coding skills but also their thought process, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative approach within the context of game development. The interview process is likely to be rigorous, testing both technical depth and practical application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• C++: The core programming language for engine and core UI development.

• Lua: Used extensively for scripting UI logic, menus, and dynamic elements.

• Proprietary UI Editors: Sledgehammer Games will have its own internal tools for building and managing UI assets and layouts. Familiarity with such systems is key.

• Game Engines: While not explicitly stated, experience with engines like Unreal Engine (which Activision Blizzard utilizes) or similar proprietary engines is highly relevant.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Profiling Tools: Tools for analyzing UI rendering times, memory usage, and overall performance on target platforms.

• Debugging Tools: Integrated Development Environment (IDE) debuggers and platform-specific debugging utilities.

CRM & Automation:

• Version Control Systems: Perforce or Git are standard in game development for managing large codebases.

• Continuous Integration (CI) Tools: Jenkins, GitLab CI, or similar for automated builds and testing.

• Project Management Tools: Jira, Confluence, or internal equivalents for task tracking and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in C++ and Lua is non-negotiable. The mention of "proprietary UI editors" and "shared Engine" implies that candidates will need to adapt to Sledgehammer's specific toolchain. Experience with standard game development workflows, including version control and CI/CD, is also expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Games: A deep-seated enthusiasm for video games and the creative process of making them.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong emphasis on working together across disciplines and studios to achieve common goals.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality, polished products that meet player expectations.

• Innovation & Problem Solving: Encouraging creative solutions to technical challenges and pushing the boundaries of game development.

• Adaptability: Willingness to learn new technologies, adapt to evolving project needs, and embrace a fast-paced industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration: Seamless collaboration between UI Engineers, UI/UX Designers, artists, and gameplay engineers is critical.

• Iterative feedback loops: Regular feedback sessions to refine UI elements and ensure they meet design and player experience goals.

• Knowledge sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, code solutions, and insights across the UI team and with other departments.

• Hybrid work synergy: Effective communication and collaboration strategies to bridge the gap between in-office and remote team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is driven by a passion for gaming and a commitment to quality. The collaborative nature, especially in a hybrid setting, requires strong communication and interpersonal skills. The emphasis on innovation and problem-solving aligns with the demands of developing cutting-edge game experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Adapting to Proprietary Tools: Learning and mastering Sledgehammer's specific UI editors and engine frameworks.

• Performance Optimization: Ensuring UI remains performant across diverse PC hardware and console architectures under demanding game conditions.

• Cross-Studio Collaboration: Maintaining effective communication and synchronization with teams in different locations and time zones.

• Balancing Hybrid Work: Effectively contributing and collaborating within a hybrid work model, ensuring seamless team integration.

• Complex Codebases: Navigating and contributing to extremely large and intricate game engine codebases.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UI Engineering: Deepen knowledge in areas like UI animation, performance tuning, accessibility, and cross-platform UI development.

• Engine Architecture: Gain insights into the inner workings of Sledgehammer's custom game engine.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers, developing leadership and communication skills.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend relevant game development conferences (e.g., GDC) to stay abreast of industry trends.

• Cross-Studio Exposure: Working with different teams and projects across Activision Blizzard can broaden experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges common in AAA game development, such as working with complex proprietary tech and demanding performance targets. However, these challenges are balanced by significant growth opportunities, particularly in technical specialization and leadership within a renowned studio.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI challenge you faced in a previous game development project. How did you approach it, what were the technical trade-offs, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, technical depth, and impact.)

• "How do you approach optimizing UI performance for different platforms, especially consoles with varying hardware capabilities?" (Demonstrate understanding of performance constraints and optimization techniques.)

• "How would you ensure effective collaboration with designers and other engineers in a hybrid work environment when developing a new UI feature?" (Highlight communication skills, understanding of hybrid work dynamics, and collaborative mindset.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about working on the Call of Duty franchise and Sledgehammer Games?" (Show genuine passion and research into the studio's work.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest trends in UI engineering and game development?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.)

• "Describe a time you received constructive criticism on your code or design. How did you respond?" (Assess your receptiveness to feedback and ability to improve.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your role and the project's goals. Then, dive into specific UI features you developed, explaining the technical implementation, challenges, and solutions. Conclude with the impact of your work.

• Visuals: Use screenshots, video demos, and clear diagrams to illustrate your points. Show the UI in action.

• Code Snippets: Be ready to show relevant C++ and Lua code samples that highlight your skills, efficiency, and coding standards. Explain what the code does and why it's effective.

• Metrics: Whenever possible, quantify your contributions with data (e.g., performance improvements, bug reduction rates).

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical decisions, and how you collaborated with others.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical proficiency in C++ and Lua, a strong understanding of game UI development challenges, and excellent collaborative skills. The portfolio presentation is a key component, requiring careful curation and articulate explanation of technical contributions and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Sledgehammer Games careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio highlight your most relevant game UI engineering experience, emphasizing C++, Lua, performance optimization, and experience with complex codebases. Tailor your portfolio to showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to work with proprietary tools or in similar engine environments.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 5+ years of UI experience in game development. Use keywords from the job description, such as "UI Engineering," "C++," "Lua," "Performance Optimization," "Debugging," and "Console Development." Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice explaining your portfolio projects, focusing on your specific contributions, technical challenges, and solutions. Prepare to discuss your problem-solving approach and collaboration strategies, especially in a hybrid work context.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Sledgehammer Games' recent titles (especially Call of Duty), their studio history, and their role within Activision Blizzard and Microsoft. Understand their commitment to quality and player experience.

⚠️ 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.