Senior UI Programmer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Programmer

Company: Torn Banner Studios

Location: Ontario, Canada (Remote Option Available)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Game Development Operations / Technical Operations

Date Posted: September 10, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote (Ontario/Quebec Residents Preferred)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design, development, and ongoing enhancement of intricate UI systems for a large-scale, multiplayer realistic combat game, directly impacting player engagement and overall user experience.

• Drive the implementation of responsive, intuitive, and performant UI features, ensuring seamless integration with core gameplay mechanics, multiplayer functionalities, and backend systems.

• Champion best practices in UI programming, contributing to the establishment and maintenance of coding standards, technical documentation, and efficient development workflows.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Gameplay, Systems, Design, Art, and QA, to translate complex design concepts into polished, functional, and aesthetically consistent user interfaces that align with the game's grounded aesthetic.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Senior" UI Programmer, implying a need for significant ownership, technical leadership, and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced team members. The emphasis on "player-facing experiences" and "grounded aesthetic" highlights the critical link between UI development and the overall player perception and immersion, a key GTM (Go-To-Market) consideration in the gaming industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the game's UI systems, from initial concept and architecture through to implementation, iteration, debugging, and final polish, ensuring a high standard of quality and performance.

• Design and implement robust, responsive UI features, including HUD elements, menus, settings, multiplayer interfaces, and real-time dynamic gameplay states, in close collaboration with Gameplay, Systems, Design, Art, and QA teams.

• Write clear, maintainable, performant, and well-documented C++ code, adhering to established coding standards and architectural patterns relevant to complex game development.

• Build and optimize UI for large-scale multiplayer environments, ensuring seamless management of player information, team communication, objectives, equipment, and other real-time systems.

• Debug, profile, and optimize UI features to guarantee smooth performance across all target platforms, identifying and resolving bottlenecks proactively.

• Translate UI/UX design concepts and artistic visions into fully functional and polished game features, maintaining a high degree of fidelity and responsiveness.

• Establish and enforce UI programming standards, patterns, and best practices across the project, fostering consistency and maintainability.

• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for UI systems, clearly communicating capabilities, limitations, and technical constraints to relevant stakeholders.

• Collaborate with the broader programming team to tackle complex technical challenges, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to the overall technical roadmap of the game.

• Actively participate in improving the tools, workflows, and development practices used for UI creation and maintenance, driving efficiency and innovation.

• Proactively identify opportunities for enhancing the usability, performance, reliability, and maintainability of the game's UI, contributing to continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive, ownership-driven approach. For a Senior role, this translates to not just executing tasks but also identifying areas for improvement in processes, tools, and system architecture. The focus on "large-scale multiplayer game" implies a need for understanding and implementing scalable UI solutions that can handle high volumes of real-time data and interactions, a critical aspect of GTM success for online titles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is often preferred for Senior technical roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be strongly considered. Experience:

• Minimum of 3+ years of professional experience in video game programming.

• A minimum of 1+ years of dedicated professional experience in developing game UI, with a strong preference for experience on collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. Required Skills:

• C++ Proficiency: Strong and demonstrable expertise in C++ programming, essential for high-performance game development.

• Unreal Engine Expertise: Proficient and hands-on experience with Unreal Engine, including its UI systems (UMG - Unreal Motion Graphics), programming interfaces, and asset pipelines.

• UI/UX Principles: Solid understanding of fundamental game UI/UX principles, with a genuine passion for creating intuitive, engaging, and player-centric experiences.

• Full Lifecycle Development: Proven experience in taking UI features from initial concept through implementation, iteration, debugging, and final polish.

• Problem-Solving & Debugging: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently investigate and resolve complex technical issues within UI systems.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (programmers, designers, artists, QA).

• Self-Motivation & Ownership: High degree of self-motivation, a strong sense of ownership over assigned tasks and systems, and the initiative to drive projects forward.

• Research Acumen: Comfort and ability to research and learn unfamiliar technologies, systems, and tools as needed.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with performance profiling and optimization techniques specifically for UI elements in real-time applications.

• Familiarity with UI animation systems and visual scripting within Unreal Engine.

• Knowledge of front-end web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and their application in game development contexts (though not directly required, can inform understanding of UI principles).

• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, Perforce) in a team environment.

• Understanding of data-driven design patterns for UI configuration and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation strongly suggests that candidates will be evaluated not just on their technical skills but also on their ability to contribute to architectural decisions, mentor junior developers, and influence technical direction. The emphasis on Unreal Engine and C++ is critical for this specific role within the gaming industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate UI System Ownership: Showcase projects where you took significant ownership of a UI system, detailing its architecture, key features, and your specific contributions to its development and improvement.

• Showcase Responsive Design Implementation: Include examples of UI elements or systems that adapt effectively to different screen resolutions, aspect ratios, or input methods, highlighting your understanding of responsive design principles in a game context.

• Illustrate Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide case studies or project descriptions that clearly outline your collaboration with UI/UX designers and artists, demonstrating how you translated visual concepts into functional UI.

• Highlight Performance Optimization: Present examples where you identified and resolved UI performance issues, detailing the tools used for profiling and the specific optimizations implemented to improve frame rates or responsiveness.

• Process Documentation Examples: If available, include samples of technical documentation for UI systems you've developed, demonstrating your ability to communicate technical constraints, capabilities, and implementation details clearly.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your experience in contributing to or defining UI development workflows, including how you've identified bottlenecks and proposed solutions for increased efficiency and quality.

• Implementation & Automation: Discuss your approach to implementing UI features within existing engine frameworks (like Unreal Engine's UMG) and any experience you have with automating repetitive UI tasks or asset generation.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Be ready to explain how you measure the success and performance of UI features, including metrics you prioritize and methods for analyzing user interaction data (if applicable).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UI Programmer role, the portfolio is crucial. It needs to go beyond simple code samples and demonstrate architectural thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and a deep understanding of the UI development lifecycle within a game engine context. The emphasis should be on showcasing impact and ownership.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 CAD per year.

• This range is competitive for a Senior UI Programmer in the Ontario/Quebec tech and gaming markets. The specific salary offered will be determined by the candidate's unique experience, demonstrated skill level, and alignment with the specific needs of the role and team. Factors such as extensive experience in AAA game UI development, deep expertise in Unreal Engine, and a proven track record of leading UI initiatives can justify compensation towards the higher end of the range. Benefits:

• Generous Paid Time Off: 6.5 weeks of paid vacation annually, providing excellent work-life balance.

• Employee Stock Options Plan: Opportunity to participate in the company's success through stock options, aligning employee interests with company growth.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Choice of remote, hybrid, or on-site work, with specific requirements for Ontario or Quebec residency or willingness to relocate.

• Comprehensive Healthcare: A robust healthcare and benefits plan for employees and their families, covering medical, dental, and vision needs.

• Parental Leave: 100% top-up for 16 weeks of parental leave for Canadian employees, supporting new parents.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. The company offers flexibility in scheduling, allowing for remote or hybrid arrangements, which can accommodate personal needs while ensuring project deadlines and team collaboration are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is explicitly stated and includes context for how it might be adjusted. The benefits are comprehensive and highlight a strong commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which are key factors for attracting and retaining talent in competitive tech roles. The specific mention of parental leave top-up is a significant differentiator.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Torn Banner Studios operates within the highly competitive and innovative independent game development sector, specializing in multiplayer realistic combat games. This environment demands creativity, technical excellence, and a passion for delivering engaging player experiences.

Company Size: Approximately 100 employees. This size suggests a studio that balances the collaborative spirit and close-knit feel of a smaller team with the resources and project scope of a more established entity. Operations and development teams likely work closely together.

Founded: 2010. With over a decade of experience, Torn Banner Studios has established a significant presence in the gaming industry, demonstrating resilience, growth, and a consistent ability to deliver successful titles.

Team Structure:

• The UI programming team is likely part of a larger engineering department, working in close conjunction with dedicated UI/UX designers, 2D/3D artists, and game designers.

• Reporting structure would typically involve a lead programmer or engineering manager, with senior members like this role expected to provide technical guidance and mentorship.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, involving constant communication and iterative feedback loops with art, design, and gameplay programming teams to ensure UI is integrated seamlessly and effectively. Methodology:

• Data-Driven UI Development: While not explicitly stated for UI, the overall industry trend and the "grounded aesthetic" requirement suggest a data-informed approach to UI design and implementation. This could involve using analytics to understand player behavior and iterating on UI based on feedback and performance metrics.

• Agile/Iterative Development: Game development, especially for live-service or multiplayer titles, typically follows agile or highly iterative methodologies. UI development would be integrated into sprints, with regular reviews and adjustments.

• Best Practices in Engine Usage: Emphasis on leveraging the full capabilities of Unreal Engine for UI development, adhering to its established patterns and best practices for performance and maintainability.

Company Website: https://tornbanner.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context provides a strong foundation for understanding the operational environment. A studio of ~100 people focused on niche multiplayer combat games implies a culture that values deep domain expertise, iterative development, and strong cross-functional teamwork. The "grounded aesthetic" is a key GTM differentiator that the UI must support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Technical Contributor. This role represents a significant step beyond junior or mid-level programming. A Senior UI Programmer is expected to be a technical leader within their domain, capable of architecting complex systems, mentoring others, and influencing the technical direction of UI development.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Lead UI Programmer, UI Engineering Manager, or potentially a Technical Director. They will collaborate extensively with UI/UX Designers, Art Directors, and Gameplay Programmers.

Operations Impact: The UI Programmer's work has a direct and profound impact on the player's experience, influencing engagement, retention, and overall game satisfaction. A well-designed and performant UI is critical for the game's commercial success, directly affecting conversion rates for in-game purchases (if applicable) and player retention in a competitive multiplayer market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced UI programming techniques, engine internals, performance optimization, or specific UI frameworks within Unreal Engine.

• Leadership Path: Transition into a Lead UI Programmer role, taking on greater responsibility for team management, technical direction, and project planning.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expansion: Develop skills in related areas such as gameplay programming, engine architecture, or technical art, broadening career versatility.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to mentor junior programmers, conduct code reviews, and contribute to internal training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

• Project Leadership: Take ownership of significant UI features or entire UI systems for future game titles, driving their success from conception to release.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the nature of game development imply significant growth potential. The GTM aspect here is that a successful UI programmer contributes directly to the product's marketability and player loyalty, which in turn can open doors to more influential roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Torn Banner Studios offers flexibility with remote, hybrid, or on-site options. For those opting for on-site or hybrid, the office environment in Toronto, Ontario, is likely a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and teamwork within the game development industry.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This location is a significant hub for the Canadian tech and gaming industry.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Whether remote or in-office, the culture emphasizes collaboration. This means active participation in team meetings, clear communication via digital tools (e.g., Slack, Discord), and iterative feedback sessions.

• Tools and Technology: Access to powerful development workstations, the latest versions of Unreal Engine, and industry-standard development tools. Remote workers will need to ensure they have appropriate hardware and internet connectivity.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse team of artists, designers, and fellow programmers, fostering a rich learning and creative exchange.

Work Schedule:

• While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the emphasis on flexible schedules and remote/hybrid work suggests a results-oriented environment. Employees are generally expected to manage their time effectively to meet project milestones and deadlines, with flexibility in daily start/end times where feasible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The flexibility in work arrangements (remote/hybrid/on-site) is a key feature. For operations roles, this flexibility often translates into a better ability to manage workflow, integrate with global teams, and maintain focus during intensive development periods.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess technical qualifications and relevant experience.

• Technical Interview 1 (Phone/Video): Focus on core C++ and Unreal Engine knowledge, general programming concepts, and initial UI/UX understanding. May include basic problem-solving questions.

• Technical Interview 2 (Video/In-Person): Deeper dive into Unreal Engine UI systems (UMG), C++ best practices, and specific UI development challenges. This stage often involves a live coding exercise or detailed discussion of portfolio projects.

• Portfolio Review & Design Discussion: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio. Expect to explain your design choices, technical implementations, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your work. This is where you'll demonstrate your understanding of UI/UX principles and your ability to translate designs into functional interfaces.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members (programmers, designers, artists) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural alignment with Torn Banner Studios.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or director to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm compensation details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 2-3 of your strongest UI programming projects that best demonstrate your skills in C++, Unreal Engine, and UI/UX.

• Structure Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role and contributions, the technical solutions implemented (especially C++ and Unreal Engine specifics), challenges faced, and the quantifiable results or impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use video demonstrations, interactive prototypes, or well-annotated screenshots to showcase the UI in action. Highlight responsiveness, animations, and user flow.

• Explain Technical Decisions: Be prepared to articulate why you made certain technical choices, discuss trade-offs, and explain how your implementation meets performance and maintainability requirements.

• Highlight Ownership: Emphasize projects where you had significant ownership, from initial concept to final polish, demonstrating leadership potential.

Challenge Preparation:

• Unreal Engine UI (UMG) Exercises: Be ready for questions or coding challenges related to creating widgets, managing widget hierarchies, data binding, event handling, and using Unreal Engine's UI tools.

• C++ Problem Solving: Practice common C++ interview problems, focusing on data structures, algorithms, memory management, and object-oriented design principles, as they might apply to UI systems.

• UI/UX Scenario Questions: Prepare to discuss how you would approach designing or implementing specific UI features (e.g., a complex inventory system, a dynamic HUD for a multiplayer game, a user-friendly settings menu) and the trade-offs involved.

• Performance Optimization Scenarios: Think about how you would diagnose and fix UI-related performance issues (e.g., slow loading, frame drops) within Unreal Engine.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to thoroughly evaluate technical proficiency, problem-solving ability, and cultural fit. The portfolio review is highlighted as a critical component, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just coding ability but also strategic thinking and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• C++: The core programming language for game logic and systems.

• Unreal Engine (UE): The primary game engine. Specific focus on its UI systems, particularly Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG) for creating user interfaces. Proficiency with Blueprints within Unreal Engine may also be beneficial for rapid prototyping or specific feature implementations.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a primary tool for UI programmers, understanding how UI performance data and player interaction analytics are collected and used is beneficial. Tools like Unreal Engine's built-in profiling tools, custom analytics SDKs, or third-party analytics platforms may be involved.

• Profiling Tools: Unreal Engine's built-in profiling tools (e.g., stat fps, stat unit, Unreal Insights) are critical for diagnosing performance issues.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable in the traditional sense for this role, but workflow automation within the development pipeline (e.g., build systems, asset processing) is relevant. Understanding how UI assets are integrated into the game's build process is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily centered around Unreal Engine and C++. This is standard for high-fidelity game development. The emphasis on UMG is specific to the UI aspect of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Craftsmanship: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished work, reflecting the studio's dedication to creating exceptional gaming experiences.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong belief in working together across disciplines, valuing diverse perspectives and collective problem-solving.

• Innovation & Passion: A drive to push boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and maintain a genuine passion for video games and their development.

• Player Focus: An underlying dedication to creating experiences that resonate with players, ensuring the UI contributes positively to immersion and enjoyment.

• Continuous Improvement: An ethos of always seeking ways to enhance processes, tools, and the game itself, fostering a learning environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Iterative and Feedback-Driven: Expect a culture where feedback is regularly exchanged and incorporated, leading to iterative improvements on UI features.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Strong emphasis on working seamlessly with artists and designers to ensure visual fidelity and functional integrity are maintained.

• Open Communication: An environment that encourages open dialogue about technical challenges, design ideas, and potential solutions, often facilitated through regular team meetings and digital communication channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Torn Banner Studios appears to be one that values both technical excellence and collaborative spirit, essential for a studio producing complex multiplayer games. The "player focus" is a critical value that translates directly into the operational goal of creating engaging and intuitive user experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Performance and Fidelity: A core challenge is creating visually appealing and feature-rich UI that remains highly performant, especially in demanding multiplayer environments with numerous dynamic elements.

• Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensuring the UI functions and looks consistent across different target platforms (PC, consoles) and screen resolutions requires careful planning and implementation.

• Integrating Complex Systems: Seamlessly integrating UI with various game systems (combat, inventory, multiplayer matchmaking, progression) can be technically complex and require robust architecture.

• Evolving Design Requirements: Game designs often evolve during development; adapting UI systems to accommodate these changes while maintaining stability and performance is an ongoing challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Unreal Engine Features: Opportunity to master advanced aspects of Unreal Engine, including rendering pipelines, engine architecture, and new feature sets relevant to UI.

• Performance Optimization Mastery: Deepen expertise in game performance analysis and optimization, specifically within the context of UI development.

• Mentorship & Technical Leadership: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior developers and contributing to the technical vision of UI development at the studio.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Potential for attending industry events and workshops to stay abreast of the latest trends in UI development and game technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: These challenges are inherent to senior roles in game development and offer significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development, especially in areas critical to GTM success like performance optimization and user experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• UI Architecture & Design: "Describe how you would architect a robust and scalable UI system for a large-scale multiplayer game. What are the key components, and how would you ensure maintainability and performance?" Focus on modularity, data-driven design, and separation of concerns.

• Performance Optimization: "Imagine a scenario where a specific UI screen is causing frame rate drops. How would you approach diagnosing and fixing this issue in Unreal Engine?" Be ready to discuss profiling tools, common culprits (e.g., complex widgets, frequent data updates, inefficient rendering), and optimization strategies.

• Collaboration & Problem Solving: "Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with a UI/UX designer or an artist regarding a UI implementation. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" Focus on your ability to communicate technical constraints, find compromises, and achieve a shared goal.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Game Appreciation: "What are your favorite game UIs, and why? What makes them effective or ineffective?" This shows your passion and understanding of good UI/UX in the gaming context.

• Studio Alignment: "What interests you specifically about Torn Banner Studios and our games like Chivalry 2?" Research the company's history, recent titles, and their approach to game development.

• Remote/Hybrid Work: "How do you ensure effective collaboration and productivity when working remotely or in a hybrid model?" Be prepared to discuss your strategies for communication, time management, and team integration.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each portfolio piece as a story: the challenge, your solution, the impact.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project. Use "I" when discussing your direct actions and "we" when referring to team efforts.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to dive deep into the C++ and Unreal Engine specific aspects of your implementations. Explain why you chose certain approaches.

• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "improved load times by X%", "reduced bug reports for this feature by Y%").

• Engage with Questions: Treat the portfolio review as a collaborative discussion, not just a presentation. Be open to questions and ready to elaborate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes demonstrating not only technical skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and an understanding of the broader GTM implications of UI development in the gaming industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Programmer position:

• Submit your application through the Torn Banner Studios careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful UI programming projects. Prioritize those showcasing C++, Unreal Engine (UMG), and strong UI/UX principles. Ensure you can clearly articulate your role, technical solutions, and the outcomes.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3+ years of game programming experience and 1+ year of specific UI development. Use keywords from the job description, such as "C++," "Unreal Engine," "UI programming," "performance optimization," and "multiplayer systems." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects. Be ready to explain your technical decisions, challenges faced, and how you collaborated with other disciplines. Prepare to discuss your approach to UI performance and responsiveness.

• Research Torn Banner Studios: Understand their game portfolio (especially Chivalry series), company culture, and their commitment to player experience. Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for their specific environment and their approach to game development.

⚠️ 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.