Senior UI Technical Game Designer (CONTRACT)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Technical Game Designer (CONTRACT)

Company: PlayStation Global

Location: San Mateo, CA, United States

Job Type: Contract

Category: Game Development - UI/UX Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-01T18:04:46

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Estimated 5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the implementation of sophisticated user interfaces for AAA console and mobile games, ensuring pixel-perfect adherence to design specifications.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with UI Artists and Game Designers to translate creative mock-ups and redlines into technically feasible interface systems.

• Partner with Engineering teams to define and integrate robust data contracts for seamless screen development and data flow.

• Contribute to the broader UI/UX design process by assisting with wireframes and mock-ups, leveraging a strong understanding of user experience principles.

• Uphold high standards for UI performance, usability, and aesthetic fidelity within the demanding environment of PlayStation game development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role title is "Senior UI Technical Game Designer," its core responsibilities and required skills are deeply rooted in the operational execution of UI development within a game development context. This makes it a strong fit for individuals with a background in technical design operations or UI implementation specialists who understand the 'how' behind UI delivery in a complex production pipeline. The emphasis on "pixel-perfect implementation," "technical feasibility," and "data contracts" highlights the operational and engineering-adjacent nature of this role, distinct from purely conceptual design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Implement game interface screens with meticulous accuracy, ensuring they match mock-ups and redlines provided by Interface Artists.

• Work closely with UI Artists and Game Designers to assess the technical feasibility of proposed interface designs and provide constructive feedback.

• Collaborate with the engineering team to establish and implement data contracts essential for the development and functionality of interface screens.

• Contribute to the creation of wireframes and mock-ups when opportunities arise, supporting the conceptualization phase of UI development.

• Troubleshoot and resolve UI implementation issues, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow throughout the development cycle.

• Maintain documentation for UI systems and implementation processes to facilitate knowledge sharing and onboarding.

• Participate in playtesting sessions to gather feedback on UI usability and iterate on designs based on player experience insights.

• Ensure UI elements are optimized for performance across target platforms, adhering to technical constraints and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed emphasize the operational execution of UI design. Phrases like "implement interface screens pixel-perfect," "ensure mock-ups are technically feasible," and "put in place data contracts" point to a role that bridges design intent with engineering reality, a hallmark of effective operations in creative production pipelines.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background in Computer Science, Game Design, Interactive Media, or a related field is highly beneficial. Demonstrated experience and a strong portfolio will often supersede formal educational requirements.

Experience: Requires a professional work history of developing user interfaces for video games (or related interactive media), with demonstrated experience working within established UI frameworks. Experience on AAA console games or mobile experiences is a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in developing user interfaces for video games or related interactive media.

• Expertise in working with and implementing within UI frameworks.

• Strong technical understanding of current industry technologies, workflows, and relevant software.

• Foundational knowledge of software programming standard methodologies and terminology.

• Experience working on AAA console games or mobile interactive experiences.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical requirements and design decisions.

• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality work efficiently under strict deadlines and time constraints.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with C++ or other relevant programming languages.

• Knowledge of animation standard methodologies and their application in UI.

• Experience developing for multiple platforms, including mobile or responsive web interfaces.

• Intermediate proficiency in design tools such as Figma and Photoshop.

• Strong understanding of the end-to-end user experience, encompassing UX principles, game design, animation, art direction, and tooling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section highlights a blend of technical proficiency and collaborative ability, crucial for any operations role. The "Nice to have" section provides clear pathways for candidates to differentiate themselves, particularly those with programming backgrounds (C++), a strong grasp of UX principles, and proficiency in industry-standard design tools like Figma and Photoshop, which are common in operations technology stacks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 2-3 distinct projects demonstrating UI implementation for console or mobile games.

• Include examples of implemented interface screens, highlighting pixel-perfect accuracy and responsiveness.

• Provide case studies detailing your role in collaborating with artists and engineers to ensure technical feasibility and data integration.

• Demonstrate your approach to iterating on UI based on playtesting feedback and design adjustments.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for translating redlines and mock-ups into functional UI elements.

• Articulate your workflow for collaborating with engineering on data contracts and technical specifications.

• Explain your method for ensuring UI quality, performance, and adherence to design guidelines.

• Describe how you manage feedback and iterate on UI designs within a project timeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on technical UI implementation, a portfolio is critical. It needs to demonstrate not just visual design but the operational capability to execute and integrate. The emphasis on "pixel-perfect implementation," "technical feasibility," and "data contracts" means the portfolio should highlight the practical, hands-on aspects of UI development within a production environment, showcasing problem-solving and collaboration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $59.55 - $107.20 USD per hour.

Benefits:

• Medical insurance coverage.

• Dental insurance coverage.

• Vision insurance coverage.

Working Hours: The role is contracted for standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime depending on project demands and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided hourly rate range suggests a senior-level contractor position, reflecting specialized technical skills and experience in the gaming industry. This is typical for contract roles where benefits are often bundled into the hourly rate or offered separately by the contractor's own agency. The listed benefits are standard for full-time employees, indicating potential for these to be offered if the contract extends or converts.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Entertainment Technology / Video Game Development. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is a global leader in this space, renowned for its PlayStation brand, a name synonymous with cutting-edge hardware and critically acclaimed gaming experiences.

Company Size: SIE is a large, multinational corporation with a significant global workforce, part of the larger Sony Group Corporation. This scale means established processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for impact across major titles.

Founded: PlayStation's origins trace back to the mid-1990s, with Sony Interactive Entertainment as the entity driving its hardware, software, and network services. The San Diego Studio (SDS) specifically has a history of developing successful sports titles for PlayStation platforms.

Team Structure:

• The UI Technical Designer will likely be part of the San Diego Studio's Game Development team, specifically within the UI/UX department.

• This team will include UI Artists responsible for visual aesthetics and mock-ups, Game Designers defining player experience, and Engineers implementing core game mechanics and systems.

Methodology:

• SIE and its studios operate under rigorous game development methodologies, often incorporating elements of Agile and Waterfall, tailored to large-scale AAA production.

• Emphasis is placed on iterative design, extensive playtesting, and data-driven decision-making to ensure high-quality player experiences.

• Technical design operations are crucial for ensuring that creative visions are realized efficiently and effectively within technical constraints.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding SIE's position as a major player in the entertainment technology sector is key. The San Diego Studio's specialization in sports games provides specific context for the type of UI complexity and user expectations the role will address. The mention of "established processes" and "rigorous methodologies" highlights the operational discipline expected.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Technical Game Designer, indicating a mid-to-senior level of experience. It requires a strong foundation in UI implementation and technical design principles, with the expectation of independent work and problem-solving. The "CONTRACT" designation suggests a focus on project-specific delivery rather than a long-term career path within the company, though successful contractors are often considered for future engagements or even full-time roles.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Technical Game Designer will report to a Lead UI Designer, Technical Director, or a Project Manager/Producer. They will work closely with UI Artists, Game Designers, and Software Engineers, forming a core part of the game development team.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to the quality and functionality of the game's user interface. A well-executed UI is critical for player engagement, intuitive navigation, and overall game experience. Operational excellence in UI implementation directly contributes to player satisfaction and the successful delivery of the game title.

Growth Opportunities:

• For contract roles, growth is often measured by the successful completion of challenging projects and the expansion of one's portfolio with high-profile titles.

• Demonstrating strong technical skills and collaborative abilities can lead to extensions of the contract, opportunities on other PlayStation projects, or consideration for full-time positions within SIE.

• Skill development can focus on mastering new UI frameworks, deepening programming knowledge (e.g., C++), or gaining experience with advanced animation techniques and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and "CONTRACT" status suggest a role focused on delivering specific, high-level technical contributions. Growth opportunities are likely project-based and portfolio-driven, emphasizing the operational aspect of successfully executing complex UI requirements for major game titles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional studio environment where collaboration and hands-on work are prioritized. The San Diego Studio likely offers a creative and dynamic workspace typical of the gaming industry.

Office Location(s): San Mateo, CA, United States. This location places the role within a significant tech and gaming hub.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be collaborative, requiring close interaction with UI artists, game designers, engineers, and production staff.

• Access to industry-standard development tools, software, and hardware will be provided.

• The environment is expected to be fast-paced and deadline-driven, typical of AAA game development cycles.

Work Schedule: The role is likely structured around a standard 40-hour work week, with potential for extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases (crunch time), a common reality in game development. Flexibility may be limited due to the on-site and contract nature, requiring commitment to project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for a role that involves close, real-time collaboration with design and engineering teams, essential for troubleshooting and iterating on UI implementations. This highlights the operational need for immediate feedback loops and shared problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by HR and potentially a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: This will likely involve a deeper dive into your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your role, and technical challenges. You may be asked to walk through your implementation process for certain UI elements.

• Technical Interview: Expect questions on UI frameworks, programming concepts (especially if C++ is listed), data contracts, and your problem-solving approach to UI implementation challenges.

• Cross-functional Interview: Discussions with UI Artists and Game Designers to assess your collaborative skills, communication style, and ability to translate creative intent into technical execution.

• Final Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager or a senior leader, focusing on your fit with the studio culture, your ability to meet project demands, and your overall contribution potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Implementation: Focus on projects where you were responsible for the technical implementation of UI, not just conceptual design. Show before-and-after examples if possible.

• Explain Your Process: Be ready to articulate your step-by-step process for taking mock-ups and redlines to a functional UI screen. Detail how you collaborate with artists and engineers.

• Showcase Technical Artifacts: If possible, include examples of data structures, logic flows, or technical documentation related to your UI work.

• Quantify Impact: If you can, mention how your UI work improved player experience, reduced load times, or streamlined navigation.

• Tailor to PlayStation: Research PlayStation's UI design philosophy and tailor your presentation to show alignment with their aesthetic and functional standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential take-home assignment or live coding challenge related to UI implementation, data handling, or layout adaptation.

• Practice explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely, as if to a non-technical stakeholder.

• Review common UI patterns and best practices for console and mobile games.

• Understand how to address feedback and iterate on a design under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and technical assessment suggests that this role is heavily focused on demonstrated practical skills. Candidates should prepare to not only show what they've done but explain the operational 'how' and 'why' behind their work, particularly concerning the technical implementation and collaboration aspects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Game Engine UI Frameworks: Proficiency in the specific UI implementation tools within popular game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine's UMG, Unity's UI Toolkit/UGUI).

• Proprietary Tools: Expect to work with custom tools and in-house engine systems developed by PlayStation studios.

• Version Control Systems: Git, Perforce, or similar for code and asset management.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable in the traditional sense, but workflow automation within the development pipeline (e.g., build systems, asset pipelines) is relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Tools & Technology Stack" section is critical for operations roles. While specific proprietary tools are often not disclosed, candidates should highlight experience with common game engine UI systems (like Unreal Engine's UMG or Unity's UI Toolkit) and version control systems (Git, Perforce), as these are standard in game development operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound UI implementations that meet or exceed design specifications.

• Collaboration & Communication: A proactive approach to working with cross-functional teams, ensuring clear understanding and alignment on technical requirements and design goals.

• Problem-Solving: A dedication to identifying and resolving technical challenges related to UI implementation efficiently and effectively.

• Adaptability & Iteration: Willingness to embrace feedback, iterate on designs, and adapt to evolving project needs and technical constraints.

• Passion for Gaming: A genuine interest in video games and the player experience, driving a desire to contribute to exceptional interactive entertainment.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires a highly collaborative style, acting as a bridge between art, design, and engineering.

• Expect frequent communication, feedback sessions, and joint problem-solving with team members.

• A proactive and communicative approach is essential for navigating the complexities of AAA game development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasizing values like "Excellence in Execution," "Collaboration," and "Problem-Solving" aligns with the operational demands of a technical role within a large, collaborative studio environment like PlayStation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Constraints: Working within the specific technical limitations and performance targets of console hardware and game engines.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively translating creative visions into technical specifications and vice-versa, managing differing priorities between art, design, and engineering.

• Scope and Scale: Adapting to the large scope and complexity of AAA game development, often involving tight deadlines and extensive iteration.

• Proprietary Systems: Learning and mastering custom tools and workflows unique to PlayStation's development environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Technical Skills: Gain hands-on experience with advanced UI implementation techniques and engine-specific features.

• Expand Programming Knowledge: If familiar with C++, this role offers opportunities to apply and enhance those skills within a game development context.

• Master UI/UX Best Practices: Develop a comprehensive understanding of user experience design principles specifically for interactive entertainment.

• Contribute to High-Profile Projects: Gain valuable experience and portfolio pieces from working on globally recognized PlayStation titles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Highlighting "Technical Constraints" and "Cross-Disciplinary Communication" as challenges speaks directly to the operational realities of a technical design role in game development. The growth opportunities focus on enhancing technical and operational capabilities within the gaming industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• UI Implementation Process: "Describe your process for taking a UI mock-up from an artist and implementing it in-engine, ensuring it's pixel-perfect and technically sound." (Prepare to detail steps, tools, and collaboration points.)

• Technical Feasibility: "How do you assess if a UI design is technically feasible, and what steps do you take if it's not?" (Focus on your collaborative approach with artists and engineers.)

• Data Contracts: "Can you explain what a data contract is in the context of UI development and why it's important?" (Be ready to discuss its role in decoupling UI from game logic.)

• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you encountered a significant technical challenge while implementing a UI feature. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Use the STAR method and highlight your problem-solving process.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on PlayStation titles specifically?" (Research current SDS games and express genuine enthusiasm.)

• "How do you handle feedback from design teams or playtesters that requires significant UI changes?" (Emphasize your iterative process and ability to adapt.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Walkthrough: Select 1-2 key projects and be ready to walk the interviewer through them, focusing on your specific contributions to UI implementation.

• Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your work, including the UI framework used, any custom scripting or logic, and performance considerations.

• Collaboration Examples: Use your portfolio pieces to illustrate instances of successful collaboration with artists, designers, and engineers.

• Address Challenges: Be open about any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design ideas but the operational capability to execute them within a complex production environment. Questions will likely probe the 'how' of UI implementation and cross-functional collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused UI Technical Game Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your technical UI implementation skills for console or mobile games. Prioritize examples that show pixel-perfect execution, collaboration with artists/engineers, and adaptation based on feedback.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords relevant to UI implementation, technical design, game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity), programming languages (C++ if applicable), and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your UI development process, technical problem-solving strategies, and collaborative approach. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio to illustrate these points.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with PlayStation's brand, the San Diego Studio's portfolio (especially their sports titles), and current industry trends in UI/UX for AAA gaming.

⚠️ 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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