Senior UI Programmer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Programmer

Company: Warner Bros. Discovery

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Game Development Operations / Software Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-09-18

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the implementation of complex UI features and systems within AAA video game development, from initial design through final polish.

• Architect and maintain robust UI systems, leveraging advanced C++ programming and Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) architecture.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including artists and designers, to deliver exceptional and intuitive user experiences.

• Ensure all UI implementations meet stringent performance, memory, and scalability requirements for multi-platform releases.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized within the gaming industry, focusing on the technical implementation of user interfaces. While not a traditional Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role, it requires a strong operational mindset for software development lifecycle management, process adherence, and system performance. The "operations" aspect here pertains to the efficient and effective execution of software development processes to deliver a high-quality product.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design, scheduling, implementation, and polish of UI features and systems across all stages of AAA game production.

• Provide proactive and constructive feedback on new feature development and the refinement of existing UI components.

• Work in close partnership with UI artists and game designers to translate creative vision into functional and visually appealing user interfaces.

• Champion and exemplify development best practices, including strong communication, proactive problem-solving, and a deep commitment to code quality.

• Conduct thorough code reviews to uphold high engineering standards and mentor junior programmers on best practices.

• Optimize UI code for performance, memory usage, and scalability across target platforms, ensuring a smooth player experience.

• Contribute to the architectural design of UI systems, ensuring maintainability and extensibility.

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex UI-related bugs and performance issues throughout the development cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a leadership role in UI development, requiring not just coding ability but also architectural foresight, mentorship, and a holistic approach to the UI development lifecycle. This goes beyond basic task execution and involves shaping the technical direction of UI systems.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is typically expected for senior programming roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in game development, with a significant focus on UI programming for AAA titles. Proven track record of shipping at least one AAA video game title is mandatory.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in C++ programming.

• Solid understanding of computer graphics principles and relevant game technology.

• Demonstrated experience architecting and maintaining complex UI systems for video games, specifically including Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) architecture.

• Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine 5 and its UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) UI designer.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly.

• Proven ability to work effectively within a collaborative team environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Unreal Engine's Common UI framework.

• Familiarity with Unreal Engine's Enhanced Input system.

• Experience with Unreal Engine's MVVM plugin and/or Slate UI framework.

• Knowledge of shaders and Unreal Engine materials for UI elements.

• Experience with implementing accessibility features and localization for user interfaces.

• A strong passion for creating intuitive, polished, and engaging user experiences in video games.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Desired" skills highlight areas where candidates can differentiate themselves. Experience with specific Unreal Engine modules like Common UI and MVVM, along with shader and accessibility knowledge, indicates a need for a candidate who can contribute to advanced and inclusive UI development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing successful UI implementation in complex AAA video games.

• Provide concrete examples of UI systems architected and maintained, highlighting the use of MVVM or similar architectural patterns.

• Include case studies or project breakdowns that illustrate the process of developing UI features from concept to final implementation.

• Showcase code samples (if permissible) or detailed descriptions of complex UI programming challenges solved, emphasizing code quality, performance, and scalability. Process Documentation:

• Detail your involvement in the UI development lifecycle, from design collaboration to implementation and final polish.

• Explain your approach to code reviews, process optimization, and maintaining high engineering standards within a team.

• Describe how you ensure UI features meet performance, memory, and scalability requirements, including any specific methodologies or tools used for measurement and optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior programming role, a portfolio is crucial. It needs to go beyond just showing finished products and delve into the technical architecture, problem-solving, and process management involved in developing robust UI systems. This demonstrates operational excellence in software engineering.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UI Programmers in London with 5-10 years of experience in AAA game development, the estimated salary range is between £70,000 and £95,000 per annum. This can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and performance during the interview process.

Benefits:

• Career-defining opportunities: Work on high-profile, globally recognized gaming titles.

• Thoughtfully curated benefits: Comprehensive package including health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to balance remote work with in-office collaboration (3 days in office, 2 days remote).

• Pension Scheme: Competitive employer-matched pension contributions.

• Annual Leave: Generous paid time off allowance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, conferences, and skill enhancement.

• Employee Assistance Program: Support for well-being and personal challenges.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in structuring the work week, with specific in-office days (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and remote days (Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for senior software engineers in London, specifically within the gaming sector. Benefits are inferred from typical offerings by large entertainment companies and explicitly mentioned in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Entertainment (Media & Entertainment, Gaming). Warner Bros. Discovery is a global leader in creating and distributing premium content across all genres and platforms. Rocksteady Studios, as part of WBD, focuses on developing critically acclaimed, high-quality video games.

Company Size: Warner Bros. Discovery is a large, multinational corporation. Rocksteady Studios itself is a significant game development studio, likely comprising several hundred employees. This size offers both stability and the potential for impact within specialized teams.

Founded: Warner Bros. Discovery was formed in 2022 through the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc. Rocksteady Studios was founded in 2004. This history brings a wealth of experience and a legacy of innovation in their respective fields.

Team Structure:

• The UI team at Rocksteady is likely a specialized group within the broader programming department, comprising Senior UI Programmers, UI Programmers, and potentially UI Technical Artists.

• Reporting is to the Lead UI Programmer, indicating a clear hierarchy and leadership structure within the UI discipline.

• Close collaboration is expected with UI Artists, Game Designers, and other programming disciplines (e.g., gameplay, engine) to ensure seamless integration of UI elements. Methodology:

• Agile Development: Given the gaming industry context, an agile or iterative development methodology is highly probable, involving sprints, regular stand-ups, and continuous feedback loops.

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, UI development in AAA games often involves user testing and data analysis to inform design decisions and optimize player engagement.

• Quality Assurance Integration: Rigorous QA processes are integral to ensuring the performance and stability of UI systems.

Company Website: https://www.wbd.com/ and https://www.rocksteadystudios.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the scale of WBD and the specialized nature of Rocksteady is key. The company culture emphasizes storytelling and creativity, which extends to the technical teams responsible for bringing those experiences to life through intuitive interfaces.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a role with significant technical responsibility, autonomy, and the expectation of mentorship. The Senior UI Programmer is expected to be a technical leader within the UI programming domain, capable of tackling complex architectural challenges and contributing to strategic technical decisions for UI development.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Lead UI Programmer. This suggests a clear path for technical leadership and potential advancement to Lead or Principal Programmer roles within the UI discipline or other programming specializations.

Operations Impact: The Senior UI Programmer's impact is critical to the overall player experience. A well-designed and performant UI is fundamental to game accessibility, usability, and immersion. Their work directly influences player satisfaction, engagement, and the perceived quality of the game. Efficient UI systems also contribute to development efficiency by reducing bugs and streamlining iteration.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced UI programming techniques, engine-specific features (like Common UI, Enhanced Input), and graphics programming.

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

• Cross-Disciplinary Growth: Develop a broader understanding of game development pipelines, potentially moving into engine programming, technical art, or gameplay programming roles.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to high-profile AAA titles, building a strong professional reputation within the competitive game development industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Senior UI Programmer is clearly defined within the technical ladder of game development, with opportunities for both deep specialization and broader leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model combining remote and in-office collaboration. The core office location is Rocksteady Studios in Kentish Town, London.

Office Location(s): Rocksteady Studios, Kentish Town, London, United Kingdom. This location is known for its vibrant cultural scene and accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are designated onsite days for in-person collaboration, team meetings, and brainstorming sessions, fostering a strong team dynamic.

• Modern Technology: Access to industry-standard development tools, high-performance workstations, and potentially specialized hardware for testing.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with a diverse team of talented artists, designers, and programmers, promoting knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas.

Work Schedule: The hybrid model offers flexibility. While core hours may apply, the ability to work remotely for part of the week can support personal productivity and work-life balance, crucial for sustained high performance in demanding development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant aspect of the work environment, requiring individuals to be self-motivated for remote work while valuing in-person collaboration for specific team-building and strategic tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume keywords, experience with C++, Unreal Engine, and AAA game development.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions on C++ concepts, game engine architecture, UI system design patterns (MVVM), and problem-solving scenarios. Expect questions on code optimization, performance tuning, and best practices.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your contributions, technical challenges, architectural decisions, and the impact of your work on the final product.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Discussion with potential teammates and hiring managers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Rocksteady's values.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight AAA Contributions: Clearly articulate your specific role and impact on shipped AAA titles.

• Detail Technical Architecture: Be ready to explain the design and implementation of your UI systems, especially MVVM.

• Showcase Problem Solving: Present specific examples of complex technical challenges you've overcome, detailing your approach and the outcome.

• Emphasize Performance & Scalability: Demonstrate how you've ensured UI systems are performant and scalable across different platforms.

• Prepare for Live Coding/Whiteboarding: Some interviews may include live coding exercises or whiteboard sessions to assess real-time problem-solving skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Challenges: Expect challenges focused on C++ algorithms, data structures, or implementing specific UI logic within a game context.

• System Design: Be prepared to discuss how you would design a particular UI system or feature from scratch.

• Performance Optimization: You might be asked to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks in hypothetical UI code.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Practice articulating how you would work with artists and designers to achieve a specific UI outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for senior technical roles. Candidates must be prepared to not only show their work but also to deconstruct their technical decision-making process and demonstrate a deep understanding of game development operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• C++: The core programming language for game development. Advanced proficiency is essential.

• Unreal Engine 5: The primary game engine. Expertise in its core systems, including UMG for UI creation, is required.

• UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics): Unreal Engine's visual UI authoring tool.

• Version Control Systems: Git, Perforce (common in game development).

Analytics & Reporting:

• In-Engine Profiling Tools: Unreal Engine's built-in tools for performance analysis (e.g., Stat Unit, Stat GPU).

• Custom Debugging Tools: Potentially proprietary tools developed by Rocksteady for UI debugging and analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Jira, Trello, Asana (for task tracking and workflow management).

• CI/CD Tools: Jenkins, TeamCity (for automated builds and testing, though often managed by dedicated DevOps/Build Engineers).

• Internal Tools: Rocksteady likely has a suite of internal tools for various development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Unreal Engine 5 and its UI framework (UMG) is paramount. Knowledge of version control systems and in-engine profiling tools is standard for any senior programmer in game development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Craft: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished work, reflected in code, design, and overall user experience.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams, valuing input from artists, designers, and fellow programmers.

• Innovation & Creativity: Pushing the boundaries of what's possible in game UI, leveraging new technologies and creative problem-solving.

• Passion for Gaming: A genuine enthusiasm for video games and creating engaging player experiences.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for one's work, from initial concept through to shipping and post-launch support.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: UI developers are integral to the game development pipeline, working closely with artists to implement visual assets and designers to integrate gameplay logic and user flows.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages constructive feedback, open discussion of technical challenges, and proactive problem-solving.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, code insights, and lessons learned through code reviews, internal talks, or documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Rocksteady Studios, as part of WBD, likely emphasizes creativity, quality, and collaborative storytelling. For a Senior UI Programmer, this translates to a focus on technical excellence that serves the artistic and design vision of the game.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Complexity: Implementing cutting-edge UI features within the constraints of AAA game development (performance, memory, platform diversity).

• Balancing Vision and Constraints: Translating artistic and design visions into functional, performant code, often requiring innovative technical solutions.

• Cross-Platform Development: Ensuring UI consistency and performance across multiple console and PC platforms.

• Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in game engines, UI frameworks, and related technologies.

• Deadline Pressure: Working within tight production schedules common in the AAA game industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Engine Features: Deep dive into Unreal Engine's latest features related to UI, rendering, and performance.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend major game development conferences (e.g., GDC) to learn about new trends and network.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship from Lead or Principal Engineers.

• Specialized Training: Access to training on specific technologies or methodologies relevant to UI development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in demanding industries like AAA game development. The growth opportunities focus on continuous learning and career progression within the specialized field of game UI development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss your experience with C++ memory management, object-oriented design, and how you'd approach building scalable UI systems in Unreal Engine. Expect questions on MVVM and its practical application.

• Problem Solving: You might be given a scenario where a UI element is causing performance issues, and asked to diagnose and propose solutions.

• Collaboration: Discuss how you've worked with artists and designers in the past to achieve specific UI goals, and how you handle creative disagreements.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Passion for Games: Articulate why you are passionate about game development and specifically UI within games.

• Rocksteady's Work: Research Rocksteady's previous titles and discuss what excites you about their approach to game design and UI.

• Hybrid Work: Discuss your experience and approach to working effectively in a hybrid environment.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the game, your role, the key UI features you developed, the technical challenges, and the outcome.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify your contributions where possible (e.g., "improved loading times by X%," "reduced memory footprint of Y feature").

• Technical Depth: Be ready to dive deep into the code architecture, algorithms, and optimization techniques used.

• Visual Aids: Use screenshots or videos to illustrate your work effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing detailed examples of past work, especially those demonstrating architectural thinking and problem-solving for performance-critical systems, will be key to success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Programmer position:

• Submit your application through the Warner Bros. Discovery careers portal, ensuring your resume is tailored to highlight C++ proficiency, Unreal Engine 5 experience, and AAA game development achievements.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare your portfolio to prominently feature your most relevant UI programming work, with specific case studies focusing on MVVM implementation, performance optimization, and cross-platform considerations.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in architecting and shipping AAA game titles, using keywords like "C++," "Unreal Engine 5," "UMG," "MVVM," "UI Systems," and "Performance Optimization."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your technical expertise and problem-solving methodologies. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and demonstrate your understanding of game development workflows.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Warner Bros. Discovery's brands and Rocksteady Studios' game portfolio. Understand their commitment to quality and player experience, and be prepared to discuss how your skills align with their values.

⚠️ 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.