UI Engineering Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Engineering Lead

Company: PlayStation Global

Location: United States, Remote

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Software Development / Game Development

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the development and maintenance of robust, production-quality UI systems, workflows, and tools within Unreal Engine 5 using C++.

• Directly manage, mentor, and foster the career growth of UI engineers, providing technical guidance and constructive feedback.

• Collaborate closely with cross-disciplinary teams to translate UX/UI visions into seamless and engaging player experiences.

• Drive technical excellence in UI systems, empowering teammates across various gameplay disciplines.

• Contribute to the creation of new IP and genres, focusing on combining action feel with engaging character interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for a new franchise at teamLFG within PlayStation Global, indicating a focus on innovation and pioneering new gameplay experiences. The emphasis on C++, Unreal Engine 5, and direct leadership suggests a senior-level position requiring both deep technical expertise and strong people management skills. The "UI Engineering Lead" title implies responsibility for the entire UI sub-discipline's technical direction and team performance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and maintain sophisticated UI systems, workflows, and tools in C++ for Unreal Engine 5 with minimal supervision.

• Actively recruit, onboard, and lead a team of UI engineers, focusing on their technical development, performance, and career progression.

• Provide expert technical direction and support for UI/UX systems to engineers and designers across different game development disciplines.

• Engage in daily, collaborative discussions with cross-functional teams (design, art, programming) to conceptualize and implement new player experiences.

• Debug complex code, troubleshoot issues, and ensure the stability and performance of all UI components.

• Develop and maintain a wide array of UI elements, including Heads-Up Displays (HUDs), front-end menus, font systems, and localization workflows.

• Contribute to the technical evaluation and integration of new UI technologies and best practices.

• Ensure adherence to coding standards, performance targets, and project timelines for UI development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on coding, technical leadership, and strategic input. The "minimal oversight" and "direct management" aspects point towards a significant level of autonomy and responsibility for the UI engineering function within the team. The requirement to "empower teammates" suggests a role that actively disseminates knowledge and best practices.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is typically expected for leadership roles in game development. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in game development with a strong focus on UI engineering, including at least 2-3 years in a leadership or direct management capacity.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in C++ programming, including the ability to write, debug, and maintain production-quality code.

• Extensive experience building and maintaining diverse UX/UI systems, such as HUDs, front-end menus, font rendering, and localization pipelines.

• Proven experience in leading, mentoring, or directly managing software engineers, including performance reviews and career development.

• In-depth experience with Unreal Engine development, including its UI frameworks (UMG/Slate) and C++ integration.

• Excellent communication skills, capable of explaining technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Ability to understand and translate UX/UI design visions into functional and efficient engineering solutions.

• Experience collaborating effectively within cross-functional game development teams. Preferred Skills:

• Experience developing for multiple platforms, including PC and various game consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox).

• Prior experience shipping one or more AAA game titles.

• Familiarity with real-time action multiplayer game development challenges and solutions.

• Experience working with or managing external contractors or vendors.

• Knowledge of UI performance optimization techniques for various hardware.

• Experience with UI testing frameworks and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level is inferred from the "Lead" title and the dual responsibility of hands-on development and team management. The specific mention of "Unreal 5" and "C++" are critical technical requirements, and the leadership experience is explicitly called out. The "nice-to-have" skills provide a clear roadmap for candidates looking to strengthen their profile.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of complex UI systems built within Unreal Engine, showcasing architecture, scalability, and performance.

• Case studies detailing the implementation of specific UI features like dynamic HUDs, intricate menu navigation, or robust localization systems.

• Examples of custom UI tools or workflow enhancements developed to improve designer or developer efficiency.

• Evidence of problem-solving for UI challenges, illustrating the process from identification to resolution, with measurable outcomes.

• Projects that highlight cross-platform UI considerations and adaptive design principles. Process Documentation:

• Workflows demonstrating the integration of UI engineering with UX design and game design processes.

• Documentation outlining the architecture and design patterns used for scalable and maintainable UI systems.

• Examples of how performance metrics for UI elements were tracked, analyzed, and improved.

• Methodologies for collaborating with artists and designers to ensure visual fidelity and functional accuracy of UI implementations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior and leadership nature of this role, a portfolio is essential. It should not just showcase finished products but also the candidate's thought process, problem-solving abilities, and leadership contributions. The emphasis is on demonstrating mastery of UI systems within Unreal Engine and the ability to lead technical initiatives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $197,400 - $296,000 USD per year. This range is specifically for candidates based in Seattle, WA, and may vary based on geographic location and the company's hybrid working policy.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Matching 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.

• Employee Wellness Program to support physical and mental well-being.

• Coveted employee discounts on PlayStation products and other Sony offerings.

• Potential eligibility for a bonus package.

Working Hours: Typically a 40-hour work week, with flexibility expected due to the nature of game development and remote work. Occasional overtime may be required during critical development phases or to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to Seattle, WA, as indicated in the job description. For other remote locations within the United States, the range would likely adjust based on local market data and cost of living. The benefits package is standard for a large tech/gaming company and is competitive. The "working hours" note acknowledges the typical industry expectations for game development roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development & Entertainment Technology. PlayStation Global operates at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and immersive entertainment, shaping interactive experiences for a global audience.

Company Size: PlayStation is a global subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, employing tens of thousands worldwide. The specific team "teamLFG" is likely a smaller, dedicated studio or division focused on new IP development.

Founded: Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) was established in 1993, with the PlayStation brand revolutionizing the home console market.

Team Structure:

• teamLFG is described as a "fun and dedicated cross-discipline team" focused on creating a new franchise. This suggests a relatively autonomous, agile development unit.

• The UI Engineering Lead will be responsible for a sub-discipline's engineering team, likely comprising several UI engineers.

• Collaboration is expected daily with gameplay programmers, designers, artists, and potentially producers. Methodology:

• The team is focused on bringing a new IP and genre to life, implying an iterative and experimental development approach.

• Emphasis is placed on creating "delightful and seamless user experiences" for both players and internal developer workflows.

• The use of Unreal Engine 5 suggests a modern, robust development pipeline.

• A strong emphasis on diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints is explicitly stated as a value.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes PlayStation's legacy in gaming and its commitment to innovation. The specific team, "teamLFG," is presented as a creative and collaborative unit, fostering a dynamic environment for building new game titles. The mention of "new IP and new genre" suggests an opportunity to be part of something groundbreaking.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant leadership position within the UI engineering discipline. It bridges hands-on technical contribution with strategic team management and development oversight. It's a key role for driving the technical vision of the UI for a new game franchise.

Reporting Structure: The UI Engineering Lead will likely report to a Director of Engineering, Lead Producer, or Technical Director within the "teamLFG" studio. They will, in turn, manage a team of UI Engineers.

Operations Impact: The UI Engineering Lead's work directly impacts the player's perception of the game's quality, usability, and overall polish. Effective UI systems are critical for player engagement, onboarding, and retention, contributing significantly to the game's success and, by extension, PlayStation's revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Unreal Engine UI systems, C++ optimization, and emerging UI technologies.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress into roles such as Director of Engineering, Technical Director, or Lead Architect, overseeing larger teams or multiple projects.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Gain broader knowledge in game design, gameplay programming, and production pipelines through close collaboration.

• New Franchise Contribution: Play a pivotal role in shaping a new intellectual property from its inception, offering immense professional satisfaction and visibility.

• Studio Leadership: Potentially move into broader studio management roles if successful in this lead position.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression, particularly for individuals aiming for senior engineering leadership in the gaming industry. The opportunity to shape a new IP is a significant draw for ambitious professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Remote OK" and can be "flexible." This implies a predominantly remote work environment with potential for occasional in-person meetings or team gatherings if geographically feasible.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the salary range provided is specific to Seattle, WA, suggesting that candidates based in or willing to relocate to this region might be prioritized or have their compensation benchmarked against it. Other remote locations within the United States are also viable.

Workspace Context:

• A remote work setup necessitates strong self-discipline, effective time management, and proficiency with remote collaboration tools.

• The environment is described as "fun and dedicated," fostering a collaborative and mission-driven atmosphere despite the remote nature.

• Access to PlayStation's internal development tools and potentially cloud-based development environments will be provided.

• Opportunities for virtual team-building activities and informal check-ins will be crucial for maintaining team cohesion.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the remote and game development context suggests a degree of flexibility. However, adherence to core working hours for team collaboration and responsiveness is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of this role is a key selling point, offering flexibility. However, candidates should be prepared for a dynamic, potentially fast-paced environment typical of game development studios, even when remote. Strong communication and collaboration skills are paramount.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will review applications and conduct a preliminary call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Technical Assessment: Candidates may undergo a coding challenge or technical interview focusing on C++ and Unreal Engine UI development.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss past UI engineering projects, highlighting contributions, challenges, and solutions.

• Leadership Interview: An interview with hiring managers and potential peers to assess leadership style, team management experience, and strategic thinking.

• Cross-Functional Interview: A discussion with members of design or gameplay teams to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of interdisciplinary needs.

• Final Interview: Typically with senior leadership to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful UI projects, ideally using Unreal Engine.

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, mentoring engineers, and driving technical decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the success of your UI systems (e.g., performance improvements, reduction in bugs, positive feedback from designers).

• Showcase Process: Explain your approach to problem-solving, debugging, and collaboration. Include diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical architecture, C++ implementation details, and Unreal Engine specifics of your projects.

• Address New IP Context: Frame your experience in terms of building foundational systems for new products, as this role is for a new franchise.

Challenge Preparation:

• C++ Proficiency: Refresh your knowledge of C++ fundamentals, object-oriented programming, and common data structures.

• Unreal Engine UI: Review Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG), Slate, and C++ integration within Unreal Engine's UI framework.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare for behavioral questions related to team management, conflict resolution, and performance feedback.

• Game Design Understanding: Familiarize yourself with common UI patterns in action games and player onboarding principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical acumen and leadership capabilities. A strong, well-prepared portfolio that showcases relevant work and leadership experience is critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• C++: The core programming language for Unreal Engine development.

• Unreal Engine 5: The primary game development engine, including its UI frameworks (UMG/Slate).

• Version Control: Git (likely through Perforce or GitHub Enterprise, common in game dev).

• IDE: Visual Studio or Rider for C++ development.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Analytics Tools: Likely proprietary tools for tracking player behavior and UI performance within the game.

• Performance Profilers: Unreal Engine's built-in profiling tools (e.g., Stat Unit, Stat GPU) for debugging UI performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: Jira, Confluence, or similar for task tracking, documentation, and team collaboration.

• Communication Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Discord for internal team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in C++ and Unreal Engine 5 is non-negotiable. Familiarity with standard game development tools and collaborative platforms is also expected. The role requires the ability to not only use these tools but also to potentially implement systems that integrate with internal analytics and reporting mechanisms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A drive to explore new ideas, genres, and player experiences.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Player-Centricity: A commitment to delivering exceptional and delightful experiences for players.

• Excellence & Polish: A dedication to high-quality standards in both technical implementation and visual presentation.

• Diversity & Inclusion: Valuing varied perspectives and backgrounds to foster a richer creative environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Daily interaction with design, art, and other engineering disciplines to ensure cohesive product development.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent feedback and constructive dialogue within the team.

• Agile Methodologies: Likely employing iterative development cycles, with regular reviews and adjustments.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture where senior members actively support and guide junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture at PlayStation, particularly within a new IP development group, is likely to be dynamic, creative, and highly collaborative. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion is a key aspect of modern game development studios.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building from Scratch: Establishing robust UI systems and workflows for a completely new IP and genre requires significant foundational work.

• Remote Team Management: Leading and motivating a geographically dispersed team effectively.

• Balancing Player Experience and Developer Needs: Ensuring the UI is intuitive for players while also providing efficient tools and workflows for internal teams.

• Platform Diversity: Adapting UI systems to perform optimally across different hardware capabilities (PC, console).

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Adapting to new features in Unreal Engine 5 and evolving UI technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Unreal Engine Mastery: Deepen expertise in advanced UE5 features and UI development best practices.

• Leadership Development: Access to Sony's internal leadership training programs.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry conferences (e.g., GDC) or internal PlayStation development showcases.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining in-depth knowledge of game design, art pipelines, and production methodologies.

• New IP Contribution: The unparalleled opportunity to leave a significant mark on a new gaming franchise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents exciting challenges that are directly tied to the opportunity of building something new. The growth potential is substantial, both in terms of technical and leadership skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to establish a new UI system or workflow from the ground up. What was your approach, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on foundational architecture, process, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you balance the needs of end-users (players) with the requirements of internal stakeholders (designers, artists) when developing UI systems?" (Highlight communication, compromise, and user-centric design principles.)

• "Walk us through a complex UI bug you encountered and how you debugged and resolved it. What did you learn from that experience?" (Demonstrate technical problem-solving skills and ability to learn from mistakes.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working on a new IP and genre at PlayStation?" (Show genuine enthusiasm for innovation and the PlayStation brand.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within a remote engineering team?" (Discuss strategies for communication, team building, and conflict resolution.)

• "How do you ensure your UI engineering team stays aligned with the overall game vision and design goals?" (Emphasize communication, feedback loops, and shared understanding.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the problem, your solution (and your specific contributions/leadership), the technologies used, and the outcome/impact.

• Emphasize Leadership: When discussing team projects, clearly delineate your leadership responsibilities, decisions, and mentorship activities.

• Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your C++ code, Unreal Engine implementations, and architectural choices.

• Showcase Process: Explain your development process, including how you collaborate with designers and artists, manage scope, and handle feedback.

• Quantify Success: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your UI systems whenever possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience through the lens of building new systems and leading teams in a remote environment, with a strong emphasis on Unreal Engine and C++.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Engineering Lead position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the PlayStation Careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your C++ and Unreal Engine experience, specifically mentioning UI systems development and any leadership or mentorship roles. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best showcase your UI engineering skills, leadership, and experience with Unreal Engine. Ensure clear explanations of your role, the technical challenges, and the outcomes.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear communication, technical depth, and your leadership contributions. Be ready to discuss your process and problem-solving approaches.

• Research PlayStation & teamLFG: Understand PlayStation's current portfolio, their commitment to innovation, and the studio's focus on new IP. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's vision and challenges.

⚠️ 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.