Technical UI Designer

Frima Studio
Full-timeβ€’Quebec, Canada

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Technical UI Designer

Company: Frima Studio

Location: Quebec, Quebec, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Technical UI/UX Design (Gaming)

Date Posted: June 02, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote, Hybrid, or On-site (Flexible)

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Design and implement intricate user interface (UI) systems leveraging Unreal Engine's UMG and Slate frameworks to enhance player experience in video games.

  • Develop and integrate custom shaders and materials to create advanced visual effects and sophisticated UI aesthetics.

  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including game designers, artists, and programmers to resolve complex cross-platform UI integration challenges.

  • Conduct rigorous debugging, profiling, and optimization of UI elements to ensure seamless performance across PC, consoles, and other target platforms.

  • Proactively improve the UI pipeline, establish best practices, and maintain comprehensive documentation for the UI/UX team.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized within the gaming industry, focusing on the technical implementation and optimization of UI elements within a leading game engine (Unreal Engine). The emphasis is on bridging the gap between design vision and technical execution, requiring a strong blend of artistic sensibility and engineering acumen.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and develop complex UI systems using Unreal Engine's UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) and Slate frameworks.

  • Create, optimize, and integrate custom shaders and materials for advanced visual effects and interactive UI elements.

  • Collaborate with game designers to translate gameplay requirements and user experience goals into functional UI designs.

  • Work with artists to ensure UI assets are optimized for performance and visual fidelity across all target platforms.

  • Partner with programmers to integrate UI systems into the game engine, troubleshoot bugs, and ensure smooth data flow.

  • Debug, profile, and optimize UI performance on PC, consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox), and potentially mobile or other emerging platforms.

  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of the UI pipeline, including workflow enhancements and tool development.

  • Document UI design principles, implementation details, and best practices for the UI/UX team and broader development team.

  • Stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in UI design, game development, and Unreal Engine capabilities.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on, technical role deeply embedded in the game development process. The emphasis on Unreal Engine (UMG/Slate), shaders, and cross-platform optimization indicates a need for practical application of design principles within a robust technical environment.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Graphic Design, UX/UI Design, Digital Arts, Computer Science, or a closely related field, OR equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Three (3) to five (5) years of demonstrated experience in designing and implementing interfaces specifically for video games.

Required Skills:

  • High proficiency in Unreal Engine, specifically UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) and Blueprints for UI implementation.

  • Advanced skills in creating and optimizing custom shaders and materials suitable for complex visual effects within game engines.

  • Strong understanding of User Experience (UX) principles, interaction design, and user-centered design methodologies.

  • Proven ability to debug, profile, and optimize UI performance for various platforms, ensuring smooth gameplay.

  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical team members.

  • Proficiency in both French and English (verbal and written).

  • A strong portfolio showcasing relevant UI design and implementation work for video games is mandatory. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with Unreal Engine's Slate UI framework.

  • Familiarity with Unreal Engine's animation systems for UI elements.

  • Experience with cross-platform development challenges and solutions for UI.

  • Knowledge of graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or similar tools.

  • Understanding of 3D asset integration within UI elements.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio specifically for video games and proficiency in Unreal Engine (UMG/Blueprints) is critical. Experience with Slate and animation systems are highly valued, suggesting a preference for candidates who can handle more advanced technical UI implementations.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a range of UI design and implementation projects within the video game industry.

  • Showcase specific examples of UI systems designed and integrated using Unreal Engine (UMG/Blueprints).

  • Include case studies detailing the creation and application of custom shaders and materials for UI elements.

  • Provide examples of UI optimization efforts, including performance metrics and problem-solving approaches.

  • Highlight projects that involved cross-platform considerations or complex integration challenges. Process Documentation:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of UI pipeline workflows from concept to implementation and optimization.

  • Provide examples of how you have improved UI development processes or documented best practices for a team.

  • Showcase your ability to analyze and solve technical UI problems, including debugging and performance tuning.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. It should not only display aesthetic design skills but also concrete evidence of technical implementation capabilities within Unreal Engine, including shader work and performance optimization. Documenting process improvements is a key differentiator.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Technical UI Designers with 3-5 years of experience in Quebec City, Canada, the estimated annual salary range is approximately CAD $75,000 - $105,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific skills, experience, and the chosen work arrangement (remote, hybrid, on-site).

Benefits:

  • Work Flexibility: Choose between 100% remote, hybrid, or 100% in-person work arrangements.

  • Compressed Work Week: Enjoy a 4.5-day work week, with Fridays afternoons off year-round.

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

  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Full group insurance benefits from day one.

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

  • Ergonomic Support: CAD $400 allowance for purchasing ergonomic equipment.

  • Studio Perks: Access to chair massages, fresh fruit and snacks, gym access, and organized sports activities.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, with the benefit of a compressed work week (4.5 days), allowing for a consistent three-day weekend. Flexibility in daily start/end times may be available depending on the chosen work arrangement.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from analyzing similar Technical UI Designer roles in Quebec City, Canada, considering the mentioned experience level and the competitive benefits package offered by Frima Studio. The 4.5-day work week and flexible work arrangements are significant selling points for operations professionals seeking work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Frima Studio has been a prominent player in this industry for over 20 years, specializing in creating games across various platforms. This context means the company operates within a fast-paced, creative, and technologically driven environment where innovation and quality are paramount.

Company Size: Frima Studio employs hundreds of passionate talents, indicating a medium to large-sized studio. This size typically allows for specialized teams (like UX/UI), established processes, and significant project scope, while still retaining a sense of close-knit community.

Founded: Over 20 years ago. This longevity suggests stability, a proven track record, and a deep understanding of the gaming industry's evolution.

Team Structure: The UX/UI team is part of a larger development studio. The Technical UI Designer will likely report to a Lead UI/UX Designer or a Game Director. Collaboration will be extensive with game designers, artists, programmers, and potentially QA testers. The structure supports specialized roles within a multidisciplinary environment.

Methodology: Game development at Frima likely follows agile methodologies, with iterative design and development cycles. The emphasis on collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous improvement suggests a culture that values feedback and adaptability.

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

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Frima Studio's established presence and focus on game development imply a culture that embraces creativity, technical challenges, and a passion for gaming. The company's long history suggests a stable environment with opportunities for growth within specialized roles.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Senior Technical UI Designer. It requires a solid foundation of 3-5 years of experience and the ability to independently design, implement, and optimize complex UI systems. The role demands technical expertise in Unreal Engine and a strong understanding of UX principles, making it a crucial contributor to game development.

Reporting Structure: The Technical UI Designer will likely report to a Lead UI/UX Designer or a Game Director within the development team. They will work collaboratively with other designers, artists, and programmers, forming a multidisciplinary project team.

Operations Impact: The Technical UI Designer's work directly impacts the player's interaction with the game. Effective UI design and implementation are critical for usability, immersion, and overall player satisfaction. Optimization efforts directly contribute to game performance, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience across various hardware. This role is integral to the success of the game's user experience.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in Unreal Engine UI development, shader programming, or advanced UX research.

  • Lead Roles: Progress to a Lead UI/UX Designer position, overseeing UI/UX strategy and guiding junior team members.

  • Technical Art: Transition into Technical Art roles, focusing more on the intersection of art and technology within game development.

  • Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain broader experience in game design, programming, or project management within the studio.

  • Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and share knowledge on Unreal Engine UI implementation.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Technical UI Designer in a game studio often involves deepening technical specialization within game engines or moving into leadership roles. The emphasis on technical execution in this role provides a strong foundation for future career advancement in specialized areas of game development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Frima Studio offers a flexible work environment, allowing candidates to choose between 100% remote, hybrid, or 100% in-person at their Quebec City or Montreal studios. This flexibility caters to diverse working preferences.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is Quebec City, Canada (395, rue Victor Revillon, QuΓ©bec, Quebec, Canada, G1K 3M8). They also have a studio in Montreal. Candidates can choose to work from these locations or remotely.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment (On-site/Hybrid): The studios are designed to foster collaboration, with access to amenities like chair massages, fresh fruit, snacks, a gym, and sports activities. Regular project presentations ensure teams are informed.

  • Remote Workspace: For remote employees, the company provides a CAD $400 allowance for ergonomic equipment, supporting a comfortable and productive home office setup.

  • Technology Focus: Access to industry-standard tools and technology, particularly Unreal Engine, is a given. The team structure supports regular knowledge sharing and problem-solving sessions.

Work Schedule: A unique 4.5-day work week (Friday afternoons off) is standard, providing an extended weekend. Daily hours are flexible, aligning with the chosen work arrangement and team coordination needs.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The significant flexibility in work arrangements (remote, hybrid, on-site) is a major draw. The company's investment in employee well-being, both physically and through ergonomic support, indicates a modern and supportive work culture.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess technical skills, relevant experience, and cultural fit.

  • Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on Unreal Engine (UMG/Slate, Blueprints), shader creation, UX principles, and problem-solving scenarios. Expect questions about past projects and technical challenges.

  • Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, walking through key projects, design decisions, and technical implementations. This is where you'll demonstrate your process and impact.

  • Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Conversation with potential team members (designers, programmers) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Frima's values.

  • Final Interview: May involve meeting with a hiring manager or studio lead to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight Unreal Engine Expertise: Clearly showcase projects where you've extensively used UMG, Blueprints, and implemented custom shaders/materials.

  • Demonstrate Process: For each project, explain your thought process, the technical challenges you faced, how you optimized the UI, and the results achieved (e.g., performance improvements, user feedback).

  • Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use high-quality screenshots, GIFs, or videos.

  • Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "reduced load times by X%", "improved UI responsiveness by Y%").

  • Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your work that directly align with the job description's requirements, such as cross-platform integration and performance optimization.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Technical Exercises: Be prepared for potential small coding or design challenges related to Unreal Engine UI implementation or shader creation.

  • Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice articulating how you would approach common UI problems in game development, such as improving navigation flow, ensuring readability on different screen sizes, or optimizing complex menus.

  • Unreal Engine Deep Dive: Refresh your knowledge of UMG features, Blueprint scripting for UI, and material editor capabilities.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your practical skills within Unreal Engine and your ability to translate design into functional, optimized game UI. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates both technical prowess and problem-solving capability is essential for success.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Unreal Engine (UMG & Slate): Core engine for UI design and implementation. Proficiency in UMG for visual scripting and Slate for more complex, code-driven UI is expected.

  • Blueprints Visual Scripting: Essential for implementing UI logic and interactivity within Unreal Engine.

  • Shader Creation Tools: Experience with Unreal Engine's Material Editor and potentially shader languages (e.g., HLSL) for creating custom visual effects.

  • 3D Modeling/Animation Software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max): May be used for creating UI assets or elements.

  • Graphic Design Software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator): For creating UI assets, textures, and visual mockups.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Unreal Engine Profiler: Crucial for debugging and optimizing UI performance across platforms.

  • Performance Monitoring Tools: Understanding how to use engine-specific tools to track frame rates, memory usage, and other performance metrics related to UI.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not directly CRM-focused, understanding version control systems like Git or Perforce is vital for collaborative development environments.

  • Familiarity with project management tools such as Jira or Trello is common for tracking tasks and progress.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Deep expertise in Unreal Engine's UI systems (UMG, Slate, Blueprints) is non-negotiable. Proficiency in shader creation and optimization tools is also critical, reflecting the technical depth of this role. Familiarity with industry-standard design and version control tools is assumed.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Passion for Gaming: A genuine love for video games and a desire to create exceptional player experiences.

  • Technical Excellence: Commitment to high-quality implementation, performance optimization, and staying current with engine capabilities.

  • Collaboration: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams, valuing diverse perspectives, and contributing constructively.

  • Problem-Solving: A proactive and resourceful approach to identifying and solving complex technical and design challenges.

  • Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail in design, implementation, and optimization to ensure a polished final product.

  • Adaptability: Ability to adapt designs to different platforms, target audiences, and evolving project requirements.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with designers, artists, and programmers to ensure seamless integration of UI into the game.

  • Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive criticism and eager to iterate on designs and implementations based on team feedback.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise on Unreal Engine UI, shaders, and optimization techniques with the team.

  • Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication regarding progress, challenges, and proposed solutions.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Frima Studio emphasizes a culture of passion for gaming, technical proficiency, and strong teamwork. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively in a creative, deadline-driven environment while maintaining a focus on quality and player experience.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Cross-Platform Optimization: Ensuring consistent and high-performance UI across diverse hardware (PC, consoles, mobile) presents significant technical challenges.

  • Complex System Integration: Designing and implementing intricate UI systems that must interact seamlessly with core gameplay mechanics and backend services.

  • Balancing Aesthetics and Performance: Achieving visually stunning UI effects without compromising game performance requires careful optimization of shaders, materials, and rendering.

  • Evolving Technology: Staying current with rapid advancements in Unreal Engine features, rendering techniques, and platform requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Unreal Engine Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific Unreal Engine modules relevant to UI and graphics.

  • Shader and Material Development: Further development in creating cutting-edge visual effects for UI elements.

  • Technical Leadership: Potential to grow into a technical lead role within the UI/UX team, guiding technical direction and mentoring junior designers.

  • Industry Conferences: Attendance at relevant game development conferences (e.g., GDC) to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

  • Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of game titles and genres can broaden experience and skill sets.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for technical growth within the specialized field of game UI development. The challenges are inherent to cutting-edge game development, providing ample scope for learning and skill enhancement.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a complex UI system you designed and implemented in Unreal Engine. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on UMG/Blueprints, integration, and problem-solving).

  • "Walk us through your process for creating a custom shader or material for a specific UI effect. What tools did you use, and what was the performance impact?" (Demonstrate shader expertise and optimization mindset).

  • "How do you approach optimizing UI performance for different platforms, considering varying hardware capabilities?" (Showcase understanding of profiling and cross-platform challenges). Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What aspects of Frima Studio's games or company culture appeal to you?" (Research their portfolio and values).

  • "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs or technical implementations from team members?" (Highlight collaboration and adaptability).

  • "Describe a time you had to adapt a UI design due to technical constraints or new project requirements." (Assess flexibility and problem-solving under pressure). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Begin with an overview of your experience, then dive into 2-3 key projects. For each project, clearly state the game/purpose, your role, the technical stack used (especially Unreal Engine details), the challenges, your solutions, and the outcomes.

  • Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical specifics of your implementations, including shader graphs, Blueprint logic, performance metrics, and integration points.

  • Visuals: Use high-quality visuals (screenshots, GIFs, videos) to showcase your work. Live demos within Unreal Engine, if feasible and appropriate, can be very impactful.

  • Conciseness: Respect the allocated time. Prioritize showcasing your most relevant and impactful work for this specific role.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Your interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating concrete technical skills within Unreal Engine and a strong understanding of the game development pipeline. Be ready to articulate your design process, problem-solving strategies, and the technical execution behind your UI work.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Technical UI Designer position:

  • Submit your application directly through the provided SmartRecruiters link.

  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your Unreal Engine UI implementation work (UMG, Blueprints, shaders) and clearly labels your contributions.

  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in game UI design, Unreal Engine expertise, cross-platform development, and performance optimization. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your technical process and design decisions for your portfolio projects. Be ready to discuss your experience with Unreal Engine, shaders, and UI optimization.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Frima Studio's games, their approach to game development, and their company culture as presented on their website and social media.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree in a design-related field and 3 to 5 years of experience in video game interface design. Proficiency in Unreal UMG, Blueprints, and shader creation is essential, along with a strong portfolio.