Technical UI Artist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical UI Artist

Company: Rocket Science Group (Atomic Theory)

Location: Brighton, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Game Development - Art & Design / Technical Art

Date Posted: May 13, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 days remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on the technical implementation and optimization of User Interface (UI) elements within Unreal Engine 5 (UE5), bridging the gap between artistic vision and functional game systems.

• Develop and maintain robust, performant UI workflows and assets, leveraging deep expertise in UE5's Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG) framework and shader creation.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including designers, artists, and engineers, to ensure seamless integration of UI into AAA game titles.

• Contribute to the development of player-centric interfaces that are visually polished, accessible, and aligned with client expectations and good design practices.

• Drive innovation in UI pipelines and asset creation, focusing on efficiency, quality, and adherence to strict production realities for AAA game development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Technical UI Artist," the description strongly emphasizes the "implementation" and "workflow" aspects, suggesting a role that leans heavily into the technical execution of UI within UE5, rather than purely artistic creation. This role is critical for ensuring that the visual design of the UI can be efficiently and effectively brought to life in-game, particularly within the context of AAA game development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• UI/UX Integration & Alignment: Ensure that user experience (UX) flows and UI visuals are cohesive, adhere to established design principles, meet client specifications, and are technically feasible within UE5's rendering capabilities.

• Unreal Engine 5 UI Implementation: Translate complex gameplay and UX requirements into functional, high-performance in-engine UI systems using UE5's UMG framework, maintaining visual fidelity and an intuitive player experience.

• Advanced Technical Problem-Solving: Design and implement solutions for intricate UI challenges, utilizing in-depth knowledge of UE5 Material Blueprints, HLSL shaders, and advanced UI optimization techniques to ensure smooth performance.

• Cross-Discipline Collaboration & Communication: Actively partner with UI/UX designers, 2D/3D artists, game engineers, and external client partners to align creative direction with technical execution, proactively identifying and resolving roadblocks.

• UI Pipeline & Workflow Development: Design, build, and maintain efficient UI asset creation and implementation workflows within UE5, creating optimized tools, templates, and processes to enhance both quality and development speed.

• Iterative Design & Quality Assurance: Participate rigorously in design reviews, incorporate feedback swiftly, and proactively identify opportunities for UI polish, performance improvements, and overall enhancement.

• Performance Optimization: Implement and manage UI assets and systems with a strong focus on performance, ensuring optimal frame rates and resource utilization on target platforms, including consoles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of artistic understanding and strong technical execution. The emphasis on "client partners" and "console certification experience" suggests the role may involve working on external projects or for clients with specific technical requirements. The mention of "pipeline development" and "asset optimization" points to a need for process improvement and efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills and experience is paramount. A background in Computer Science, Digital Art, Game Design, or a related field is beneficial.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in a UI Technical Artist, UI Technical Designer, or equivalent game development role is required. Proven experience shipping at least one AAA title through to release is essential, with preference given to candidates with console certification experience (Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5).

Required Skills:

• Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) Proficiency: Strong, demonstrable expertise in UE5, specifically with the Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG) framework, including widget Blueprints, complex layout systems, and animation implementation.

• Shader Development for UI: Deep understanding and practical application of shaders within UE5, including proficiency with Material Blueprints and HLSL.

• UI Asset Authoring Tools: Working knowledge of industry-standard UI asset creation tools such as Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Game Engine Concepts: Solid grasp of fundamental game engine principles like composition, inheritance, and asset optimization as they apply to UI systems.

• Technical Art Fundamentals: Experience in translating artistic concepts into technically sound implementations, with an understanding of rendering pipelines and performance constraints.

• Cross-Discipline Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and with external stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying and resolving complex technical and artistic challenges within UI development.

Preferred Skills:

• Console Certification Experience: Direct experience with the certification processes for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.

• UI/UX Design Principles: A strong understanding of interaction design, information architecture, and accessibility best practices.

• Scripting/Programming: Basic scripting or programming knowledge (e.g., C++, Lua) could be beneficial for more complex UI logic.

• Performance Analysis Tools: Familiarity with profiling and debugging tools within UE5 to diagnose and resolve performance issues.

• Version Control Systems: Experience with systems like Git or Perforce for collaborative development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "3+ years" and "shipped at least one title" requirements clearly define this as a mid-level to senior-mid-level role. The emphasis on UE5 UMG, shaders, and specific asset tools like Figma and Adobe Suite are critical technical skills that candidates must demonstrate. Console certification experience is noted as a bonus, indicating it's highly desirable but not strictly mandatory for initial consideration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• UE5 UMG Implementation Examples: Showcase functional UI systems built within UE5 UMG, demonstrating complex layouts, dynamic elements, animations, and interaction logic.

• Shader Work for UI: Present examples of custom shaders created for UI elements in UE5, illustrating their impact on visual style, effects, and performance.

• Workflow & Pipeline Contributions: Include examples or descriptions of how you have optimized UI workflows, created reusable assets, or contributed to pipeline improvements in previous projects.

• Cross-Discipline Collaboration Evidence: Provide case studies or examples that highlight your ability to collaborate with designers and engineers, showcasing how you translated their requirements into implemented UI.

• Performance Optimization Case Studies: Demonstrate instances where you identified and resolved UI performance bottlenecks, showcasing the problem, your solution, and the measurable impact.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Detail your approach to designing and optimizing UI workflows from concept to implementation, including any documentation or templates you've developed.

• System Implementation Standards: Outline your methodology for implementing UI systems in UE5, focusing on modularity, reusability, and adherence to engine best practices.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Explain how you measure the performance of UI elements and systems, and how you use this data to drive further optimization and iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Technical UI Artist role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond static art and demonstrate functional implementation within UE5. Evidence of practical application of UMG, shaders, workflow optimization, and performance tuning is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their projects and explain the technical decisions made.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Technical UI Artists in the UK (Brighton), a competitive salary range is estimated between £45,000 - £65,000 per annum. This range accounts for the specified 3+ years of experience, AAA game development background, and specific Unreal Engine 5 expertise.

Benefits:

• Pension Scheme: Private Pension plan available via Salary Sacrifice.

• Health & Wellbeing: Optional Private Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage.

• Time Off: Generous Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays and a Winter Break Office Closure.

• Professional Development: Annual Research Credit for skill enhancement, biannual reviews, internal tech talks, and opportunities to learn from industry specialists.

• Work-Life Balance: Emphasis on flexible working, with a strong commitment to "No Crunch" policies.

• Family Support: Comprehensive Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption Leave (6 weeks full pay).

• Office Perks: Weekly Team Lunches, complimentary snacks and beverages (including Yorkshire Tea), and a fully equipped team lounge with consoles and games.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are not explicitly stated but are typically around 37.5-40 hours per week for a full-time role in the UK gaming industry. The hybrid nature (3 days onsite, 2 days remote) offers flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general UK market data for technical art roles in gaming, adjusted for location and experience level. The benefits package is extensive and highlights a company culture that prioritizes employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance, which is a significant draw for operations and technical roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Atomic Theory, part of the Rocket Science Group, operates within the competitive and innovative AAA gaming sector, known for its demanding technical requirements and creative output.

Company Size: The description mentions offices in Albany NY, Cardiff UK, and Brighton UK, and a "multinational team." While an exact number isn't provided, this suggests a mid-sized to large studio with a significant global footprint, likely employing hundreds of professionals across various disciplines.

Founded: The founding date isn't specified, but the mention of "seasoned AAA veterans with roots extending from Blizzard, PUBG, Epic, and Unity" implies a company with established experience and a strong legacy in game development.

Team Structure:

• Cross-Functional Teams: The role explicitly requires working with designers, artists, and engineers, indicating a project-based, cross-functional team structure common in game development.

• Discipline Specialization: Within this structure, there are specialized teams for art, design, engineering, and operations, allowing for deep expertise.

• Client Partnership: The mention of "client partners" suggests that teams may also operate with external stakeholders, requiring strong communication and project management skills.

Methodology:

• Player-Centric Development: A core philosophy is delivering "player-centric" experiences, meaning decisions are driven by the player's needs and enjoyment.

• Data-Driven Improvement: While not explicitly stated for UI, the general emphasis on "performance, accessibility, and meticulous attention to engineering tools" suggests a data-informed approach to development and optimization.

• Iterative Workflow: The role involves active participation in "design reviews" and "incorporating feedback quickly," indicating an agile and iterative development process.

Company Website: https://www.rocketscience.gg/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of experienced AAA veterans and modern development practices. The emphasis on "Get Sh!t Done" combined with "work-life balance" and "no crunch" suggests a pragmatic yet employee-focused environment. The multinational aspect implies a diverse and globally-minded team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Technical UI Artist, requiring 3+ years of experience and a track record of shipping titles. It signifies a professional who can independently execute complex UI implementations and contribute to workflow improvements, acting as a key technical resource.

Reporting Structure: The role involves close collaboration with designers, artists, and engineers. The Technical UI Artist likely reports to a Lead UI Artist, Art Director, or Technical Director, depending on the specific studio structure.

Operations Impact: The Technical UI Artist has a direct and significant impact on the player experience by ensuring that the UI is not only visually appealing but also functional, performant, and accessible. Their work directly influences player engagement, satisfaction, and the overall quality perception of the game. Effective UI implementation is critical for game usability and can be a differentiator in AAA titles.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in UE5 rendering, shaders, UI performance optimization, and advanced UMG features, potentially becoming a go-to specialist for complex UI challenges.

• Lead/Senior Roles: Progress to a Senior Technical UI Artist or Lead UI Artist position, mentoring junior team members, overseeing UI implementation for larger features, and contributing more significantly to technical direction.

• Cross-Disciplinary Skill Development: Gain broader experience in UX design principles, game design, or even engine architecture through collaboration and internal learning opportunities, potentially leading to roles like Technical Designer or Engine Programmer.

• AAA Project Leadership: Contribute to major AAA titles, gaining experience with large-scale production pipelines and complex project management, which can be valuable for future leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a solid foundation for growth within the specialized field of technical art for game UI. The emphasis on UE5 and AAA development provides a strong career trajectory within the industry, with opportunities to move into more senior, lead, or specialized technical roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid. This means a combination of on-site work at the Brighton office and remote work. Specifically, the requirement is for 3 days onsite per week, with the remaining 2 days eligible for remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is Brighton, England. The company also has offices in Albany, NY, and Cardiff, UK, suggesting a potentially global collaboration environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Brighton office is likely equipped to support collaborative work, with meeting rooms and open-plan areas facilitating interaction between designers, artists, and engineers.

• Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to powerful workstations necessary for running UE5 and creative software. The company provides essential tools and likely encourages the use of industry-standard software and hardware.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for focused individual work remotely while fostering team cohesion, brainstorming, and critical review sessions during onsite days. Weekly team lunches and a fully equipped lounge further support a social and collaborative atmosphere.

Work Schedule: While standard full-time hours are implied (likely 37.5-40 per week), the hybrid arrangement and emphasis on "work-life balance" and "no crunch" suggest a flexible approach to daily scheduling, as long as core responsibilities and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is clearly defined, requiring a significant on-site presence. This is common for roles that benefit from in-person collaboration and access to specific studio resources, while still offering flexibility. The Brighton office environment is described as supportive and perk-rich.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess alignment with the required skills and experience, particularly UE5 UMG and shader expertise.

• Technical Interview: Likely to involve a deep dive into your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your role, technical challenges overcome, and your proficiency with UE5, UMG, and shaders. Expect to be asked about your problem-solving approach and workflow optimization strategies.

• Portfolio Review/Challenge: You may be asked to present a detailed walkthrough of a selected portfolio piece or complete a small technical challenge designed to assess your practical skills in UE5 UI implementation or shader creation.

• Cultural Fit & Team Interview: Discussions with potential team members (Lead Artist, Designers, Engineers) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with the company's values and culture.

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

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase UE5 UMG Functionality: Prioritize demonstrating implemented UI systems, not just static mockups. Include video clips or interactive demos of your work in Unreal Engine.

• Highlight Technical Problem-Solving: For each project, clearly articulate the technical challenges you faced (e.g., performance issues, complex logic, visual effects) and how you solved them. Quantify results where possible (e.g., frame rate improvements).

• Demonstrate Shader Expertise: Include specific examples of shaders you've created for UI elements, explaining their purpose and technical implementation.

• Detail Your Workflow: Explain your process for taking UI designs from concept to implementation in UE5. Discuss any tools, scripts, or templates you developed to streamline this process.

• Emphasize Collaboration: If possible, include examples that show how you worked with designers or engineers to achieve a unified vision.

Challenge Preparation:

• UE5 UMG Practice: Brush up on creating complex widgets, dynamic layouts, animations, and event handling within UMG.

• Shader Fundamentals: Revisit UE5 Material Editor basics, common shader functions, and best practices for UI shaders.

• Optimization Techniques: Be prepared to discuss and potentially demonstrate UI optimization strategies for performance.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about common UI implementation hurdles and how you would approach them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize practical technical skills demonstrated in the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to discuss their work in detail, focusing on the "how" and "why" behind their technical decisions, especially concerning UE5 UMG and shader implementation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unreal Engine 5 (UE5): The core development environment. Deep proficiency with UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) for UI creation, widget Blueprints, animations, and complex layout systems is essential.

• UE5 Material Editor & Shaders: Expertise in creating and optimizing shaders for UI elements using UE5's Material Blueprints and HLSL.

• Figma: A key tool for UI asset creation and potentially collaborative design workflows.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Primarily Photoshop and Illustrator for creating UI assets, textures, and graphical elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• UE5 Profiling Tools: Familiarity with UE5's built-in tools for analyzing UI performance, frame rates, and resource usage.

• Custom Analytics Integration: Experience integrating UI-specific analytics to track player interaction and identify usability issues.

CRM & Automation:

• Version Control Systems: Experience with Git or Perforce for managing code and assets collaboratively.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello, which are commonly used for tracking tasks and project progress in game development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on Unreal Engine 5 and its associated tools for UI development. Proficiency in UMG and shader creation is non-negotiable. Familiarity with design tools like Figma and Adobe Suite is also critical for asset creation and workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Precision: A strong commitment to meticulous attention to detail, striving for "flawless, pixel-perfect" UI aesthetics.

• Player-Centricity: Empathy for players is paramount, driving the creation of seamless, intuitive, and visually engaging user experiences.

• Collaboration & Trust: Valuing strong communication, facilitation, and the ability to build trust and work effectively across diverse, multidisciplinary teams.

• Creative Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to tackling complex systems and translating them into elegant, usable interfaces without compromising aesthetics or performance.

• Operational Resilience: The capacity to navigate challenging project environments by streamlining communication, optimizing impact, and ensuring project success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands close collaboration with designers, artists, and engineers, fostering an integrated approach where UI technical expertise supports broader team goals.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: An open culture for design reviews and rapid feedback incorporation, encouraging continuous improvement and polish.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities for internal tech talks and learning from specialists suggest a culture that encourages the sharing of best practices and technical insights across disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes high standards, player focus, and strong teamwork. The "Get Sh!t Done" mentality is balanced with a commitment to well-being and collaboration, suggesting a dynamic yet supportive environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Artistic Vision with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating complex visual designs into performant, functional UI within the limitations of UE5 and target hardware.

• Optimizing for Multiple Platforms: Ensuring UI performance and visual consistency across different platforms, including potentially demanding consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

• Managing Cross-Discipline Dependencies: Navigating potential communication gaps or conflicting priorities between art, design, and engineering teams.

• Keeping Pace with Engine Updates: Staying current with the rapid evolution of Unreal Engine 5 and its UI tools, shaders, and best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UE5 Techniques: Deepen knowledge in advanced UMG features, complex shader graphs, performance profiling, and engine-level optimizations.

• Cross-Discipline Understanding: Gain deeper insights into UX design, interaction design, and game design principles to better inform UI implementation.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Opportunities to mentor junior Technical UI Artists or take on lead responsibilities for UI implementation on specific game features or projects.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Potential for attending industry events (e.g., GDC) to learn about emerging trends and network with other professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a Technical UI Artist in AAA game development, requiring a constant balance between creativity, technical execution, and performance optimization. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering paths for specialization or leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI system you implemented in UE5 UMG. What were the technical challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on demonstrating problem-solving, technical depth, and understanding of UMG capabilities.)

• "How do you approach optimizing UI performance in Unreal Engine? Can you give an example where you improved performance and what metrics you used?" (Prepare to discuss specific optimization techniques, profiling tools, and quantifiable results.)

• "Walk us through your process for translating a 2D UI mockup into a functional, interactive element within UE5. What tools do you use, and how do you ensure it meets design and technical requirements?" (Outline your workflow, toolchain, and how you collaborate with designers.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Atomic Theory and Rocket Science Group? What about our company culture appeals to you?" (Research the company's games, values, and recent news. Connect your own values to theirs, e.g., player-centricity, work-life balance.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with engineers or designers who had conflicting ideas about a UI feature. How did you resolve it?" (Prepare a STAR method response that highlights communication, negotiation, and finding solutions that meet both artistic and technical needs.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Implementation: For each portfolio piece, emphasize the technical implementation in UE5. Use screen recordings or interactive demos where possible.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, provide data on performance improvements, efficiency gains, or positive player feedback related to your UI work.

• Explain Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially in collaborative projects.

• Articulate Technical Decisions: Be ready to explain why you made certain technical choices regarding UMG implementation, shader logic, or optimization strategies.

• Showcase Workflow Efficiency: Highlight any processes, templates, or tools you developed to streamline UI creation and implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating practical, hands-on experience with UE5 UMG and shaders, along with the ability to articulate technical decisions and problem-solving strategies effectively. The portfolio is the primary tool for this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Technical UI Artist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby HQ.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest UE5 UMG and shader work, with clear examples of implemented UI systems and any workflow optimizations you've achieved. Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to solve complex technical challenges.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 3+ years of experience in UI technical art, specific Unreal Engine 5 skills (UMG, Material Blueprints, HLSL), and any AAA titles you've contributed to, especially those with console release experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your technical process, problem-solving methodologies, and collaborative experiences. Prepare to walk through your portfolio, focusing on the technical aspects of your UI implementations and shader work.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Rocket Science Group and Atomic Theory's past projects, company values, and culture. Understand their approach to game development to better align your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.