Senior UI Programmer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Programmer

Company: Frima Studio

Location: Quebec, Quebec, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Game Development / Software Engineering

Date Posted: June 9, 2026

Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote Eligible (for Quebec residents)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the integration of complex game interfaces within the Unreal Engine environment, focusing on menu systems, HUDs, and loading screens.

• Act as a senior technical authority, providing guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level programmers on UI development and best practices.

• Drive performance optimization initiatives for UI elements, specifically addressing GPU/CPU profiling, memory management, and rendering bottlenecks.

• Develop and maintain robust, modular, and reusable UI systems leveraging Unreal Engine's Slate, UMG, and C++ frameworks.

• Contribute to the evolution of UI tools and pipelines through close collaboration with designers and technical artists.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Senior UI Programmer within a game development studio, focusing heavily on Unreal Engine and C++ for interface implementation. The emphasis is on technical leadership, performance optimization, and cross-functional collaboration within a game development lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with UI/UX designers and artists to translate interface mockups and wireframes into functional, in-game UI elements within Unreal Engine.

• Develop and implement advanced UI systems using Unreal Engine's Slate, UMG, and C++ to create dynamic and interactive menus, heads-up displays (HUDs), and in-game notifications.

• Conduct thorough performance analysis of UI elements, utilizing GPU and CPU profiling tools to identify and resolve rendering issues, memory leaks, and frame rate drops.

• Architect and build modular, reusable UI components and frameworks to enhance development efficiency and maintainability across multiple projects.

• Mentor and guide other programmers on the team regarding UI development best practices, Unreal Engine specifics, and effective code review processes.

• Actively participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to ensure code quality, adherence to standards, and knowledge sharing.

• Troubleshoot and debug complex UI-related issues, working cross-functionally with other development disciplines to achieve seamless integration.

• Contribute to the documentation of UI systems, tools, and development processes to foster knowledge transfer and standardize practices within the studio.

• Engage in agile development methodologies, including participation in daily Scrum meetings, sprint planning, and sprint reviews, providing technical insights and progress updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level expectation for technical leadership, system design, and problem-solving in the UI programming domain within game development. The emphasis on Unreal Engine, C++, performance profiling, and mentoring is critical.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• University or college degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field. Experience:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of professional programming experience.

• At least one (1) year of direct experience programming with Unreal Engine (versions 4 or 5).

• Proven experience in developing complex system architectures that integrate various components like SDKs, game servers/clients, Unreal Engine, and streaming protocols.

• Demonstrated comfort and success working within long-term game development cycles. Required Skills:

• Excellent command of the C++ programming language, with a strong understanding of object-oriented principles and memory management.

• Deep proficiency with Unreal Engine, specifically in UI development using Slate, Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG), and Blueprints.

• Experience in UI/UX integration, translating design specifications into functional game interfaces.

• Skills in GPU/CPU profiling and memory management to optimize UI performance.

• Familiarity with system architecture design, considering how different technical components interact.

• Experience with agile development methodologies, including Scrum and participation in sprint reviews.

• Proficiency in code review processes and providing constructive technical feedback.

• Excellent command of both written and spoken English; fluency is required due to collaboration with international partners. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in mobile game development is a strong asset.

• Familiarity with SDK integration, game server/client architectures, and streaming protocols.

• Experience with technical art pipelines and tools for UI development.

• Understanding of best practices for documentation and standardization of development processes.

• Interest in or experience with mentoring junior developers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a deep technical background in C++ and Unreal Engine, coupled with extensive experience in game development systems and performance optimization. The requirement for both English and French proficiency is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least one significant project involving complex UI development within Unreal Engine (e.g., a menu system, HUD, or in-game editor).

• Demonstrate mastery of C++ for UI implementation, highlighting modularity, reusability, and performance considerations.

• Include examples of system architecture design, particularly where UI components interact with backend services or game logic.

• Provide evidence of performance optimization efforts for UI elements, ideally with quantifiable results from profiling. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented UI systems, tools, or development processes in previous roles.

• Case studies detailing your approach to troubleshooting and resolving complex UI bugs or performance issues.

• Demonstrations of how you have collaborated with designers and technical artists to improve UI workflows or tools.

• Explanations of your experience with agile methodologies, such as Scrum, and how you contribute to sprint ceremonies.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it will be used to assess practical UI development skills in Unreal Engine, C++ proficiency, system design capabilities, and problem-solving approaches to performance optimization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Programmers in Quebec, Canada, with 10+ years of experience and specialized Unreal Engine/UI skills, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $100,000 - $150,000. This range is an estimate and can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• 4.5-day work week (Friday afternoons off year-round).

• Flexible working arrangements: 100% remote (for Quebec residents), hybrid, or 100% in-person.

• Up to 7 weeks of vacation per year, plus sick days and personal days.

• Comprehensive group insurance coverage from day one.

• Contribution to your RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan).

• $400 allowance for the purchase of ergonomic equipment.

• Access to on-site amenities: chair massages, fresh fruit and snacks, gym, and sports activities.

• Regular presentations of studio projects and new developments. Working Hours:

The standard work week is structured around a 4.5-day schedule, offering a significant work-life balance benefit. While specific daily hours may vary based on team needs and chosen work arrangement (remote, hybrid, in-person), the expectation is a commitment to project timelines and agile ceremonies. The role implicitly supports approximately 40 hours of work per week, with flexibility around the Friday afternoon off.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on standard compensation for senior-level software engineers in the Canadian tech market, specifically within the game development sector in Quebec. The listed benefits are highly attractive and contribute significantly to the overall compensation package, emphasizing work-life balance and employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Frima Studio operates within the dynamic and competitive global video game industry, known for its rapid technological advancements, creative demands, and passionate communities. This context means a focus on innovation, quality, and player experience.

Company Size: Hundreds of passionate talents. Frima Studio is a mid-to-large-sized game development studio, indicating a robust organizational structure with established processes but still retaining a sense of community and close-knit teams. This size allows for significant projects while fostering collaborative environments.

Founded: Over 20 years ago. With over two decades of experience, Frima Studio has a proven track record and deep expertise in game development, suggesting stability, a strong understanding of the industry, and a mature development pipeline.

Team Structure:

• The UI programming team is likely composed of specialized programmers focused on interface development, working alongside dedicated UI/UX designers, technical artists, and potentially other engineering disciplines.

• Reporting structure typically involves a Lead Programmer or Technical Director overseeing the UI team, with direct collaboration across game designers, artists, and other engineering sub-teams (e.g., gameplay, engine).

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, where UI programmers work closely with visual designers for aesthetic implementation, technical artists for asset integration and pipeline efficiency, and gameplay programmers for data integration and functionality. Methodology:

• Data analysis is crucial for performance optimization, involving profiling tools to understand bottlenecks in UI rendering, memory usage, and CPU load.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are applied to streamline the UI development process, including the creation of reusable components and efficient pipelines.

• Automation and efficiency practices are employed through the development of custom tools, robust frameworks, and effective code structures to speed up iteration and reduce manual effort.

Company Website: https://frimastudio.com/en/

📝 Enhancement Note: Frima Studio's established presence and size suggest a professional development environment where specialized roles like Senior UI Programmer are integral to large-scale game production. The emphasis on collaboration and modern development practices is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level role within the engineering discipline. As a Senior UI Programmer, you are expected to not only execute complex tasks but also provide technical leadership, mentor junior team members, and contribute to architectural decisions related to UI systems. Your impact extends beyond individual contributions to shaping the efficiency and quality of the UI development process.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a Lead Programmer or a Technical Director who oversees the programming department or specific game projects. You will also collaborate extensively with UI/UX Designers, Technical Artists, and Project Managers. This structure allows for clear guidance and impactful cross-functional teamwork.

Operations Impact: As a Senior UI Programmer, your work directly influences the player's experience within the game. A well-designed, performant, and intuitive UI is critical for player engagement, satisfaction, and overall game quality. Your expertise in optimization ensures smooth gameplay, preventing frustrations related to slow menus or laggy HUDs, which can significantly impact game reviews and player retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced Unreal Engine UI features, C++ performance tuning, or explore related areas like engine architecture or graphics programming.

• Leadership Development: Transition into a Lead UI Programmer role, managing a team, guiding technical direction, and taking on more architectural responsibilities.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to other areas of game development, such as gameplay programming, engine development, or pipeline tools, potentially leading to broader engineering roles.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop strong mentorship skills, helping to shape the next generation of UI programmers at Frima Studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior title implies a significant level of autonomy, responsibility, and a mandate to influence technical direction within the UI domain. Growth opportunities are geared towards deeper technical expertise or leadership within the programming team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Frima Studio offers a choice between 100% remote (for Quebec residents), hybrid, or 100% in-person work arrangements. This provides significant flexibility to suit individual preferences and needs. The in-person environment is described as having access to amenities like a gym, sports activities, and a studio atmosphere.

Office Location(s): The studio is based in Quebec City and Montreal, Quebec, Canada. For those choosing in-person or hybrid, these locations offer vibrant urban environments. Remote workers within Quebec can maintain their connection to the studio culture from their chosen location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Even with remote options, the studio emphasizes close-knit, caring, and inclusive teams. This suggests a culture that values open communication and teamwork, facilitated through digital collaboration tools and regular team meetings.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard development tools, including powerful workstations optimized for game development, and the full Unreal Engine suite. The company also provides an ergonomic equipment allowance, ensuring a comfortable and productive workspace regardless of the chosen arrangement.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction occur through daily Scrum meetings, sprint reviews, code reviews, and informal communication channels, ensuring continuous collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members.

Work Schedule: The studio operates on a 4.5-day work week, with Friday afternoons off year-round. This schedule is designed to promote work-life balance while ensuring project deliverables are met through efficient work practices during the core working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The flexibility in work arrangements (remote, hybrid, in-person) is a significant factor. The description implies a supportive environment that provides the necessary tools and fosters collaboration, regardless of the employee's location within Quebec.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Submission: Submit your resume and any supporting materials (portfolio link).

2. Recruiter Screening: An initial call with HR to discuss your background, interest in the role, and cultural fit.

3. Technical Interview (Part 1): A focused interview with a Senior Programmer or Lead Programmer to assess your C++ proficiency, Unreal Engine knowledge, and understanding of UI development principles. Expect questions on data structures, algorithms, memory management, and Unreal Engine specifics.

4. Technical Interview (Part 2) / Portfolio Review: A deeper dive, potentially involving a live coding exercise or a comprehensive review of your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your projects in detail, explain your design choices, and highlight your contributions. Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving skills and your approach to performance optimization.

5. Team/Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the hiring manager or key team members to evaluate your fit with the team culture, leadership potential, and collaborative style. Discuss your experience with mentoring and working in cross-functional teams.

6. Final Interview (Optional): A final discussion with a studio director or senior leadership, potentially covering broader strategic alignment and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Your Best: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your Senior UI programming skills in Unreal Engine. Prioritize projects with complex UI systems, performance optimization challenges, or significant system architecture.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Quantify your impact whenever possible (e.g., "reduced UI load time by X%", "implemented a reusable component that saved Y hours of development").

• Showcase Code Quality: If possible, provide snippets of clean, well-documented C++ code that demonstrates your understanding of best practices for UI development.

• Explain Technical Decisions: Be ready to discuss why you made certain architectural choices, what trade-offs you considered, and how your decisions impacted performance and maintainability.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: If your projects involved cross-functional work, be prepared to discuss how you collaborated with designers, artists, and other engineers.

Challenge Preparation:

• Unreal Engine UI Deep Dive: Brush up on Slate, UMG, Blueprint communication, and common UI patterns within Unreal Engine.

• C++ Performance Tuning: Review concepts like memory management, data structures, algorithmic efficiency, and profiling techniques relevant to C++.

• System Design Thinking: Practice articulating how different systems (UI, backend, game logic) interact and how you would design for scalability and maintainability.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to walk through how you would approach debugging a complex UI performance issue or implementing a new, challenging UI feature.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit for a senior role. A strong, well-prepared portfolio is paramount for showcasing practical skills and experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unreal Engine (UE4/UE5): The core game engine. Proficiency in its UI frameworks (Slate, UMG) and C++ integration is essential.

• C++: The primary programming language for engine-level and complex UI development.

• Visual Studio / IDEs: Standard integrated development environments for C++ development.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Unreal Engine Profiling Tools: Including GPU Visualizer, CPU Profiler, and Memory Profiler to diagnose UI performance issues.

• Custom Debugging Tools: Potentially developed or utilized for specific UI debugging needs.

CRM & Automation:

• Version Control Systems: Git, Perforce (common in game development) for code management and collaboration.

• Issue Tracking Systems: Jira, Asana, or similar for managing tasks, bugs, and sprint progress.

• Build Systems: Potentially custom build pipelines or Unreal Engine's build system for compiling code.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Unreal Engine's specific UI systems (Slate, UMG) and C++ for game development is non-negotiable. Familiarity with profiling tools within Unreal Engine is critical for performance optimization tasks.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impactful Player: A drive to make a significant contribution to the game's development and success. This translates to taking ownership of tasks and seeking solutions that elevate the final product.

• Well-being Focused: Emphasizes a healthy work-life balance through flexible hours, reduced work weeks, and ample time off, encouraging sustainable productivity.

• Collaborative Spirit: Values teamwork, open communication, and mutual support across disciplines, fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed.

• Continuous Improvement: Encourages learning, sharing knowledge, and seeking ways to optimize processes, tools, and the overall development pipeline.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Works seamlessly with UI/UX designers, technical artists, and other engineering disciplines to ensure cohesive and high-quality game interfaces.

• Process Review & Feedback: Actively participates in code reviews and team discussions, providing and receiving constructive feedback to enhance code quality and development practices.

• Knowledge Sharing: Demonstrates a willingness to share expertise, mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to the studio's collective knowledge base through documentation and informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Frima Studio's culture appears to prioritize employee well-being and a collaborative, high-impact approach to game development. The value of being an "impact player" combined with strong work-life balance initiatives suggests a driven yet sustainable work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex UI Integration: Integrating intricate UI elements into a live game environment with real-time data and performance constraints.

• Performance Bottlenecks: Diagnosing and resolving challenging performance issues related to UI rendering, memory usage, and CPU load in a demanding game context.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively translating design visions into technical realities and managing expectations across design, art, and engineering teams.

• Evolving Technology: Staying current with the rapid advancements in Unreal Engine and game development technologies to maintain optimal performance and leverage new features.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Unreal Engine UI: Deep dive into advanced features of Slate, UMG, and potentially custom engine modifications for UI.

• Performance Engineering: Develop specialized skills in game performance analysis, optimization techniques, and profiling across different platforms.

• System Architecture Design: Gain experience in designing scalable and maintainable UI frameworks and their integration into larger game architectures.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Opportunity to hone leadership skills by mentoring junior programmers and contributing to the technical direction of UI development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to senior-level roles in game development, focusing on complex problem-solving and technical leadership. The growth opportunities are aligned with deepening technical expertise or moving into leadership positions within the engineering team.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI system you designed and implemented in Unreal Engine. What were the key challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on C++, Slate/UMG, modularity, and performance.)

• "How do you approach optimizing UI performance in Unreal Engine, particularly regarding GPU/CPU profiling and memory management?" (Prepare to discuss specific tools and techniques.)

• "Walk me through your process for collaborating with UI/UX designers and technical artists. How do you ensure their vision is realized technically while maintaining performance?" (Highlight communication and problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Frima Studio and our approach to game development, particularly our emphasis on work-life balance?" (Research the company's values and recent projects.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a collaborative and inclusive team environment, especially given the flexible work options?" (Prepare examples of your teamwork and mentorship experience.)

• "How do you ensure your work aligns with the overall project goals and player experience?" (Connect your technical contributions to the end-user product.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, follow a pattern: Problem -> Solution -> Your Role -> Outcome/Impact.

• Quantify Results: Use data to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., performance improvements, efficiency gains).

• Showcase Code Snippets: Highlight sections of your C++ code that exemplify clean design, efficiency, or clever problem-solving for UI elements.

• Explain Technical Trade-offs: Discuss the decisions you made and why, including any compromises or alternative approaches considered.

• Be Ready for Live Coding/Debugging: Practice common C++ and Unreal Engine UI tasks on the fly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating deep technical expertise in Unreal Engine UI development and C++, showcasing problem-solving skills through project examples, and aligning with the company's values of collaboration and employee well-being.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Programmer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of programming experience, specifically emphasizing your Unreal Engine (UE4/UE5) UI development work, C++ proficiency, and any system architecture or performance optimization achievements. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio showcasing your best Unreal Engine UI projects. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your C++ skills, system design, performance optimization efforts, and collaborative contributions. Be ready to walk through your projects and explain your technical decisions.

• Research Frima Studio: Familiarize yourself with Frima's games, company culture, and their stated values regarding work-life balance and employee well-being. This will help you articulate your interest and cultural fit.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare answers for technical questions related to Unreal Engine UI, C++ performance, and system design, as well as behavioral questions about teamwork, mentorship, and problem-solving.

⚠️ 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.

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