Senior UI Programmer - 7 Days to Die | Programmeur·se UI sénior·e - 7 Days to Die

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Programmer - 7 Days to Die | Programmeur·se UI sénior·e - 7 Days to Die

Company: Behaviour Interactive

Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

Job Type: Permanent Full-Time

Category: Game Development Operations / Software Engineering

Date Posted: May 20, 2026

Experience Level: 6+ Years (Senior)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, architect, and develop flexible, reusable, and optimized UI systems and frameworks for the game "7 Days to Die" utilizing the Unity engine.

• Lead the implementation of complex in-game HUDs and various gameplay UI screens, ensuring a seamless user experience.

• Define and maintain performance budgets and memory allocation standards for the UI subsystem.

• Collaborate closely with UI/UX/VFX designers and game direction to establish and uphold the highest quality standards for user interfaces.

• Contribute to a cross-disciplinary team environment, working alongside programmers, designers, animators, and artists to deliver a cohesive product.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a Senior UI Programmer, the "Operations" aspect is derived from the critical function of building and optimizing the user interface systems that directly impact the player's interaction and overall game performance. This involves operationalizing the UI development process, ensuring efficiency, maintainability, and scalability, which are core tenets of operational excellence in software development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Architect and implement robust, scalable, and performance-optimized UI systems and frameworks within Unity, adhering to best practices in software engineering.

• Develop and maintain complex UI screens, including in-game HUD elements, menus, and various gameplay-related interfaces, ensuring functionality and aesthetic alignment with game design.

• Proactively identify and address performance bottlenecks, memory leaks, and other technical challenges within the UI subsystem through rigorous testing, debugging, and code optimization.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of UI development processes by mentoring junior team members, participating actively in code reviews, and advocating for design patterns and clean code principles.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including UI/UX designers, VFX artists, and game directors, to translate conceptual designs into functional and visually appealing user interfaces.

• Ensure UI systems are built with consideration for localization, input handling, and lifecycle management to support a global player base.

• Document UI architecture, systems, and critical components to facilitate knowledge sharing and long-term maintainability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize "architect," "develop," "optimize," "mentor," and "collaborate," which are key operational functions in a software development context. The focus on performance, memory, and quality standards highlights the operational rigor required for a senior role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of professional programming experience within the video game industry.

• At least 4 years of hands-on game development experience using Unity3D.

• A minimum of 2 years specifically focused on UI development using Unity's UI systems (UGUI) and/or NGUI.

Required Skills:

• Unity3D Expertise: Deep understanding and practical application of Unity's UI development tools, including UGUI.

• C# Proficiency: Strong object-oriented programming (OOP) skills and extensive experience with C# for game development.

• UI Architecture & Design Patterns: Ability to design flexible, reusable, and maintainable UI systems, with a solid grasp of common design patterns (e.g., MVC, MVVM, Observer).

• Performance Optimization: Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve performance issues related to UI rendering, memory allocation, and CPU usage.

• Game Development Lifecycle: Understanding of the full game development cycle, from concept to post-launch support, with a focus on UI integration.

Preferred Skills:

• NGUI Experience: Familiarity with or experience using NGUI as an alternative or complementary UI framework.

• C++ Proficiency: Experience with C++ is a strong asset, especially for understanding engine-level optimizations or working with foundational game systems.

• Unreal Engine & UMG: Experience with Unreal Engine and its UI system (UMG) can provide valuable cross-engine perspective.

• Localization & Input Systems: Experience implementing robust localization pipelines and flexible input management for diverse gaming platforms.

• UI/UX Design Principles: A keen understanding of UI/UX design principles and best practices to effectively collaborate with design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements lean heavily into specific technical proficiencies (Unity, C#, UGUI/NGUI) and experience with shipped titles, which are typical for senior roles in game development. The "operations" aspect is reflected in the emphasis on architecture, performance optimization, and process adherence (code review, mentoring).

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• UI System Demonstrations: Showcase examples of complex UI systems you have architected and implemented, highlighting reusability, scalability, and maintainability.

• Performance Optimization Case Studies: Present specific instances where you identified and resolved critical UI performance issues, detailing the problem, your solution, and the measurable impact (e.g., frame rate improvements, memory reduction).

• System Design Documentation: Include samples of UI architecture diagrams, flowcharts, or design documents that illustrate your approach to building robust and well-organized UI frameworks.

• Collaboration Examples: If possible, provide examples of your collaboration with designers or artists, demonstrating how you translated visual concepts into functional UI elements.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Detail your approach to designing and optimizing UI development workflows, including how you integrate with design and art pipelines.

• Implementation & Automation: Evidence of how you've implemented complex UI features and any automation strategies used to streamline UI development or testing.

• Measurement & Analysis: Demonstrate how you measure UI performance, track key metrics, and use data to drive further optimization and improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role in a creative and technical field like game development, a portfolio is crucial. The requirements here are tailored to demonstrate not just technical skill but also the operational thinking required for building and maintaining complex systems efficiently.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Dental Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision care.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contribution matching programs for retirement savings.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, and public holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, conferences, and access to learning resources.

• Game Development Perks: Potential for game-related benefits, such as early access to titles, employee discounts, or in-game currency/items.

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to work both remotely and from the Montreal office.

• Team Events & Social Activities: Regular opportunities for team building and social engagement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week of 40 hours.

• The role is designated as Hybrid, allowing for a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. Specific office days will be determined in coordination with the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry data for senior game programmers in a major Canadian tech hub like Montreal. Benefits are standard for the tech/gaming industry and tailored to support a hybrid work model and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development, Entertainment Software. Behaviour Interactive operates within a highly dynamic and competitive global market, known for its innovative service-based development for major IPs and its successful original titles.

Company Size: Over 1200 employees. This large studio size indicates a well-established organization with robust internal processes, dedicated support departments, and opportunities for cross-studio collaboration.

Founded: 1992. With a long history, Behaviour Interactive has a proven track record and deep experience in the gaming industry, fostering a culture of resilience, adaptation, and continuous learning.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Aspect: The UI programming team is a specialized unit within the larger programming department, likely comprising a lead, senior programmers, and junior programmers. They operate within a project-based structure, aligning with specific game titles like "7 Days to Die."

• Reporting Structure: Senior UI Programmers typically report to a Lead UI Programmer or a Programming Director, who in turn reports to higher levels of studio management.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role is inherently cross-functional. You will work daily with UI/UX Designers, VFX Artists, Game Designers, and other Programmers (engine, gameplay, tools) to ensure the UI is integrated seamlessly into the overall game experience.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven UI Development: While game development is creative, UI development often relies on data from playtesting, analytics, and user feedback to inform design and optimization decisions.

• Agile/Iterative Development: Expect to work in an agile or iterative development environment, involving regular sprints, stand-ups, and feedback loops to refine UI features.

• Best Practice Adoption: The company emphasizes maintaining high standards through code reviews, design pattern usage, and continuous learning from industry trends and technologies.

Company Website: https://www.bhvr.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Behaviour Interactive's size and longevity suggest a mature operational framework. The emphasis on both services and original games means the UI team must be adaptable and capable of meeting diverse project requirements, a key aspect of operational readiness.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UI Programmer. This level signifies a high degree of technical expertise, independent problem-solving capability, and the ability to mentor others. You are expected to take ownership of significant UI subsystems and contribute to architectural decisions.

Reporting Structure: You will report to a Lead Programmer or Programming Director. Your daily interactions will be heavily cross-functional, involving close collaboration with UI/UX designers, artists, and other engineering disciplines.

Operations Impact: As a Senior UI Programmer, your work directly impacts player engagement, satisfaction, and the overall perceived quality of the game. Efficient and intuitive UI systems are critical for player retention and positive reviews, directly influencing the commercial success of "7 Days to Die."

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced UI techniques, engine-specific optimizations, or emerging UI technologies within game development.

• Leadership Development: Progress to a Lead UI Programmer role, taking on more responsibility for team management, technical direction, and project planning.

• Cross-Disciplinary Skill Acquisition: Gain broader knowledge of game design, engine programming, or VFX, enabling more holistic contributions to game development.

• Project Ownership: Lead the UI development for entire game features or even smaller titles, managing scope, resources, and timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior UI Programmer at a studio like Behaviour Interactive involves not just technical advancement but also leadership and broader game development understanding, reflecting a structured approach to talent development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Behaviour Interactive operates a modern studio environment that fosters collaboration and creativity. Given the Hybrid work arrangement, expect a blend of in-office and remote work. The office is designed to support both focused individual work and team-based project activities.

Office Location(s): The primary office for this role is located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This location is a major hub for the gaming and technology industries, offering a vibrant professional community.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and breakout zones designed to encourage spontaneous discussions and collaborative problem-solving among team members.

• Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance development workstations, necessary software licenses (Unity Pro, etc.), and robust network infrastructure to support both in-office and remote development.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for face-to-face interaction with colleagues during designated office days, facilitating mentorship, knowledge sharing, and team cohesion.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week.

• The Hybrid model offers flexibility, allowing employees to balance work-from-home days with in-office collaboration days. This structure aims to optimize productivity and work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key operational consideration for the work environment, requiring robust remote access and communication tools, alongside a physical office space designed for effective collaboration on designated days.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application, focusing on your resume and portfolio for relevant experience and skills.

• Technical Interview (Phone/Video): Expect to discuss your experience with Unity, C#, UI development, and game architecture. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio and explain technical challenges and solutions.

• Coding Challenge/Take-Home Assignment: A practical exercise designed to assess your coding proficiency, problem-solving skills, and ability to implement UI features within Unity, often with specific performance constraints.

• On-Site/Virtual Interview Loop: This typically involves meeting with several team members, including other programmers, UI/UX designers, and potentially a producer or director. You'll discuss your approach to teamwork, problem-solving, and your understanding of the game's UI needs.

• Portfolio Review Presentation: Be prepared to present key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, technical contributions, design decisions, and the outcomes achieved, especially regarding performance and user experience.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 2-4 of your strongest and most relevant projects that demonstrate your UI programming expertise, particularly those involving Unity and complex interfaces.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, your specific contributions, the technologies/patterns used, and the measurable results (e.g., performance improvements, user satisfaction).

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your development process, including how you collaborated with designers, handled feedback, and approached optimization.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to dive deep into the technical aspects of your implementations, including architecture, code structure, and performance considerations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Unity & C# Fundamentals: Revisit core Unity concepts and C# OOP principles.

• UI-Specific Challenges: Practice implementing common UI elements (menus, HUDs, lists) and consider performance implications from the outset.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach common UI challenges, such as dynamic layouts, complex data binding, or performance tuning under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only technical skills but also the candidate's ability to operate effectively within a team and contribute to a complex product, aligning with operational requirements for senior roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unity3D: The core game engine for development. Proficiency with its UI systems (UGUI, potentially NGUI) is essential.

• C#: The primary programming language for scripting within Unity.

• Version Control Systems: Git (likely with GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket for repository management).

• IDEs: Visual Studio or JetBrains Rider for C# development.

Analytics & Reporting:

• In-Game Analytics Tools: While not directly developing them, understanding how UI systems feed into analytics platforms (e.g., for player behavior tracking) is beneficial.

• Performance Profilers: Unity's built-in profiler, Xcode Instruments (for iOS), or platform-specific tools for diagnosing performance issues.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for tracking tasks, bugs, and sprint progress.

• CI/CD Tools (Potentially): While not directly managed by UI programmers, understanding Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment pipelines can be advantageous for understanding the broader development workflow.

• Bug Tracking Systems: Integrated within project management tools or dedicated systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on the Unity game development environment. The "operations" aspect comes into play with the tools used for project management, version control, and performance analysis, which are critical for efficient development operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A drive to deliver high-quality, polished, and performant UI systems that meet or exceed player expectations and project goals.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams, valuing input from designers, artists, and fellow programmers to achieve shared objectives.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture of learning, innovation, and adaptation, encouraging the exploration of new technologies and methodologies to enhance UI development processes.

• Problem-Solving Mindset: A proactive approach to identifying and tackling technical challenges, with a focus on finding efficient and elegant solutions.

• Player-Centricity: A deep understanding that UI is a critical component of the player experience, with a commitment to creating intuitive and engaging interfaces.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Open communication channels and regular interaction with UI/UX designers, VFX artists, and other engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of UI elements into the game.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: A willingness to give and receive constructive feedback during code reviews and design discussions to collectively improve the product.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are geared towards producing high-quality game experiences through collaborative and technically proficient operations, emphasizing both creative output and process efficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Performance and Features: Developing visually rich and feature-complete UI systems while adhering to strict performance budgets (frame rate, memory) is a perpetual challenge in game development.

• Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensuring UI elements function and appear correctly across different platforms (PC, potentially console/mobile in future projects) requires careful design and implementation.

• Evolving Game Design: Adapting UI systems to accommodate changes in game design, features, or mechanics throughout the development lifecycle.

• Legacy Code Integration: Working with existing UI frameworks or codebases, potentially from previous versions of "7 Days to Die" or other projects, and integrating new features or systems.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Unity UI Techniques: Deep dive into Unity's latest UI features, optimization strategies, and custom UI solutions.

• Engine-Level Understanding: Gain deeper insights into how the Unity engine handles UI rendering, input, and memory, enabling more profound optimizations.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Develop skills in guiding junior programmers, leading UI feature development, and contributing to architectural decisions.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunity to attend leading game development conferences (e.g., GDC) to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: These challenges are inherent to senior roles in game UI development and highlight the need for strong operational problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI system you designed and implemented in Unity. What were the key architectural decisions, and how did you ensure its performance and maintainability?" (Focus on system design, OOP principles, and operational aspects of maintainability.)

• "Walk me through your process for debugging and optimizing a UI element that is causing performance issues. What tools do you use, and what are your typical steps?" (Emphasize systematic problem-solving and use of profiling tools.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about working on '7 Days to Die' and Behaviour Interactive?" (Research the game's current UI state and Behaviour's portfolio.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment?" (Prepare examples of teamwork, mentorship, and constructive feedback.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, follow a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly state the project's goal, your specific role and tasks, the actions you took (technical implementation, problem-solving), and the quantifiable results.

• Highlight Technical Choices: Explain why you made certain architectural or coding decisions, referencing design patterns, performance considerations, or maintainability goals.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visual aids (screenshots, short video clips, live demos if feasible) to showcase your work.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics – e.g., "reduced UI draw calls by X%," "improved menu load time by Y ms," "handled Z localization languages."

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions are designed to probe your operational thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to contribute effectively to a game development team, assessing your fit beyond just technical ability.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Programmer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Unity3D, C#, UGUI/NGUI, UI architecture, and performance optimization. Quantify achievements with numbers and metrics wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-4 of your most relevant UI programming projects that demonstrate your skills in Unity, C#, and complex UI development. Ensure case studies clearly articulate challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Prepare for Technical Interviews: Review core Unity, C#, and UI development concepts. Practice explaining your portfolio projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Research Behaviour Interactive: Understand the company's history, its games (especially "7 Days to Die"), and its culture to articulate your interest and alignment.

⚠️ 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.