UI Engineering Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Engineering Lead

Company: teamLFG

Location: United States, Remote

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Software Development / Management & Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-09-04

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the engineering efforts for User Interface (UI) systems within the Unreal Engine 5, focusing on C++ implementation and robust software architecture.

• Drive the technical vision for UI development, ensuring high-quality, responsive, and stable user experiences for players and efficient workflows for developers.

• Directly manage, mentor, and grow a team of UI engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing subdiscipline.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Design, to translate UX/UI vision into production-ready features for a new intellectual property (IP).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a highly experienced UI Engineer who can not only code but also lead a team and contribute to the strategic direction of UI development for a new game franchise. The emphasis on Unreal Engine 5 and C++ points to a technically demanding position requiring deep expertise in game development pipelines.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and maintain sophisticated UI systems, workflows, and development tools using C++ within the Unreal Engine 5 environment, requiring minimal supervision.

• Lead the hiring, direct management, technical mentorship, performance feedback, and career development of UI engineers.

• Provide expert technical guidance on UI/UX systems to empower engineers and designers across various gameplay disciplines.

• Foster daily collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Design, Art, and Gameplay Engineering, to conceptualize and implement innovative player experiences.

• Ensure the implementation of a broad spectrum of UI elements, including HUDs, front-end menus, font systems, and localization workflows, to meet diverse project needs.

• Troubleshoot and debug complex UI issues, ensuring code quality, stability, and performance across target platforms.

• Contribute to the strategic planning and technical roadmap for UI development, aligning with the overall game vision and project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of hands-on technical contribution and people management, typical for a Lead role. The focus on "production-quality" and "minimal oversight" suggests a need for a candidate who can operate autonomously and establish best practices.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Game Development, or a related field is typically expected for this level of technical leadership. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience in UI engineering, with a significant portion focused on game development. Proven experience in a technical leadership or management role is essential.

Required Skills:

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

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

• Demonstrated experience in leading engineering teams, including direct management, technical mentorship, and performance coaching.

• Deep familiarity and hands-on experience with the Unreal Engine (specifically Unreal Engine 5) for UI development.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of software architecture principles and best practices for scalable and maintainable UI systems. Preferred Skills:

• Experience developing for multiple platforms, including PC and various consoles.

• Prior experience in real-time action multiplayer game development.

• Proven track record of shipping one or more AAA game titles.

• Experience working with external contractors or code vendors.

• Familiarity with UI asset pipelines and integration tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" strongly indicate a need for deep technical expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine UI, coupled with proven leadership. The "Nice-to-Have Skills" suggest a preference for candidates with direct experience in the specific genre and development lifecycle of the company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio demonstrating significant contributions to shipped or in-progress game titles, with a clear emphasis on UI systems.

• Include detailed case studies of complex UI features or systems designed and implemented, highlighting problem-solving approaches and technical challenges overcome.

• Provide examples of UI architecture, workflow designs, and tool development that improved efficiency or user experience.

• Demonstrate experience with Unreal Engine's UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) or equivalent UI frameworks, showcasing dynamic and interactive elements.

• Highlight examples of responsive UI design and implementation that adapt seamlessly across different screen resolutions and platforms. Process Documentation:

• Document the process undertaken to design and implement key UI features, detailing the initial requirements, design iterations, and final implementation.

• Illustrate how you have optimized UI workflows or developed tools to streamline the development process for designers and other engineers.

• Provide examples of how you have measured and improved the performance and stability of UI systems.

• Showcase experience in establishing and enforcing coding standards and best practices for UI development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead role, the portfolio should not just show what was built, but how it was built, why certain architectural decisions were made, and the impact of those decisions. Demonstrating leadership in process improvement and team collaboration within the portfolio is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $197,000 - $296,000 USD per year. This range is provided for a Seattle-based location and may vary based on geographic location, cost of living, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Matching 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.

• Employee Wellness Program.

• Exclusive employee discounts on Sony products.

• Eligibility for a bonus package.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week. This is a flexible role, and while specific schedules may be discussed, adherence to project deadlines and team collaboration needs will be paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior-level engineering leadership role in the tech/gaming industry, especially for a remote position in the US. The benefits package is robust, reflecting the offerings of a large, established company like Sony Interactive Entertainment. The note about pay range variation based on location is critical for remote candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Game Development / Interactive Entertainment. teamLFG is a studio within Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), focusing on creating new IPs and genres. This indicates a culture driven by innovation, creativity, and a passion for delivering high-quality gaming experiences.

Company Size: As part of Sony Interactive Entertainment, teamLFG benefits from the resources of a large global corporation while likely maintaining the agility and collaborative spirit of a dedicated game studio. The specific size of the teamLFG studio is not detailed, but SIE employs tens of thousands globally.

Founded: While teamLFG's founding date isn't specified, Sony Interactive Entertainment was founded in 1993, and PlayStation launched in 1994, signifying a long history of innovation in the gaming industry.

Team Structure:

• The UI Engineering team is a specialized subdiscipline within the broader engineering department, focused on user-facing interfaces and interactive elements.

• The UI Engineering Lead will report to a higher-level engineering director or producer, overseeing a team of UI engineers.

• Close daily collaboration is expected with UX Designers, Gameplay Engineers, Artists, and Product Managers to ensure cohesive game development. Methodology:

• Emphasis on agile development methodologies, with iterative design and implementation cycles to adapt to evolving game mechanics and player feedback.

• Data-driven decision-making, using player analytics and feedback to refine UI/UX systems post-launch.

• A strong focus on Unreal Engine best practices and efficient C++ development for optimal performance and maintainability.

• Collaborative problem-solving and knowledge sharing across disciplines to achieve a unified and high-quality product.

Company Website: https://www.playstation.com/ (Sony Interactive Entertainment)

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of being part of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is crucial. It implies a commitment to quality, significant resources, and a structured approach to game development, alongside the potential for large-scale project impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior individual contributor and a first-level management position within the engineering track. It requires a deep technical foundation in UI engineering combined with the nascent skills of people management and team leadership.

Reporting Structure: The UI Engineering Lead will likely report to an Engineering Director, Lead Producer, or VP of Engineering, and will directly manage a team of UI Engineers. This position acts as a key bridge between senior leadership and the technical implementation team.

Operations Impact: The UI Engineering Lead has a direct and significant impact on the player experience, influencing engagement, usability, and overall game enjoyment. They are critical in translating the game's vision into an accessible and intuitive interface, which is paramount for player retention and commercial success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Engineering Lead or Director roles, overseeing larger engineering teams or multiple disciplines.

• Specialization in advanced UI/UX architecture, performance optimization, or cross-platform UI development.

• Transition into technical producer or project management roles, leveraging both technical and leadership skills.

• Opportunities for continuous learning through industry conferences, internal training, and exposure to cutting-edge game development technologies within SIE.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a UI Engineering Lead within a company like SIE offers both vertical advancement in technical leadership and horizontal movement into related management or specialized technical roles. The emphasis on a new IP provides a unique opportunity to shape systems from the ground up.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, offering flexibility in work location within the United States. While there may be opportunities for occasional in-person collaboration or team events, the primary mode of work is remote.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the provided salary range is benchmarked against Seattle, WA. This suggests a potential concentration of team members or leadership in that region, though employees can be based anywhere in the United States.

Workspace Context:

• A remote work environment that requires self-discipline, proactive communication, and strong organizational skills.

• Access to a robust suite of digital collaboration tools for communication, project management, and code sharing.

• Opportunities to connect with colleagues through virtual team meetings, stand-ups, and dedicated communication channels.

• A focus on asynchronous communication where appropriate, balanced with synchronous collaboration for critical discussions and decision-making.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility in daily scheduling. However, the role demands availability for critical team meetings, cross-functional syncs, and adherence to project milestones, especially during crunch periods common in game development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role necessitates a candidate who excels in self-management and remote collaboration. Understanding the company's communication norms and virtual team dynamics will be key to success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will review applications and conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more in-depth interviews focusing on C++ proficiency, Unreal Engine UI development expertise, and architectural design principles. These may include live coding exercises or whiteboard challenges.

• Leadership & Management Interview: An interview focused on your experience leading engineering teams, mentorship capabilities, conflict resolution, and strategic thinking. This may involve behavioral questions and scenario-based assessments.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your role, technical challenges, and solutions. Be prepared to articulate the impact of your work.

• Cross-functional/Hiring Manager Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager and potentially key cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Design Lead) to assess overall fit, collaborative potential, and alignment with the team's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful projects that showcase your UI engineering and leadership skills.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, your specific contributions, the technical solutions implemented (especially in C++ and Unreal Engine), and the quantifiable results or impact on the player experience.

• Highlight Leadership: If possible, include examples where you led a team, mentored junior engineers, or influenced technical direction.

• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss your code, architectural decisions, and problem-solving processes in detail.

• Showcase Unreal Engine Expertise: Demonstrate your mastery of Unreal Engine's UI tools (UMG) and C++ integration for complex UI functionalities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Challenge: Be prepared for a coding challenge focused on C++ and potentially UI logic, possibly within an Unreal Engine context. Practice common data structures and algorithms.

• System Design: You may be asked to design a UI system or workflow for a hypothetical game feature, focusing on scalability, performance, and maintainability.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare for questions about managing engineers, resolving conflicts, giving feedback, and driving team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Lead role is rigorous, testing both deep technical skills and leadership capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates impact and leadership is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• C++: The core programming language for Unreal Engine development. Mastery is non-negotiable.

• Unreal Engine 5: The primary game engine. Proficiency with its UI systems (UMG, Slate) is essential.

• Version Control Systems: Git, Perforce (common in game development) for code management and collaboration.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how UI impacts player engagement metrics (retention, session length) is crucial. Familiarity with in-game analytics platforms might be beneficial.

• Experience with project management tools like Jira, Confluence, or Azure DevOps for tracking tasks and progress. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable in the traditional sense for this role, but understanding how UI integrates with game systems and player data is key.

• Experience with build automation tools and CI/CD pipelines for game development can be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on game development specifics. A candidate must be deeply entrenched in the Unreal Engine ecosystem and C++ development for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A core value at SIE, ensuring all development efforts ultimately aim to enhance the player experience and deliver joy.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging new ideas, pushing boundaries in gameplay and technology to create unique and memorable experiences.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where cross-functional teams work seamlessly, respecting diverse perspectives and contributing to a shared vision.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering polished, high-quality products that meet the highest industry standards.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Valuing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to foster a rich and dynamic work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with daily interaction expected between UI Engineers, Designers, and other development disciplines.

• Open communication channels are encouraged, promoting feedback and iterative development.

• A culture of shared ownership and problem-solving, where challenges are tackled collectively.

• Respect for individual expertise while emphasizing the importance of team goals and project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on player-centricity, innovation, and collaboration aligns with typical values in successful game development studios. As a Lead, embodying and promoting these values within the UI team will be critical.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• New IP Development: Building UI systems from scratch for a new franchise presents the challenge of defining conventions, establishing workflows, and ensuring scalability for future content.

• Cross-Discipline Alignment: Ensuring the UI effectively supports and integrates with complex gameplay mechanics, art direction, and narrative elements requires constant communication and compromise.

• Technical Complexity: Implementing sophisticated UI features within the performance constraints of game development, especially for real-time action and potentially multiplayer environments.

• Remote Team Leadership: Effectively managing, motivating, and mentoring a remote engineering team requires strong communication, trust-building, and proactive engagement strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Unreal Engine Techniques: Deepen expertise in Unreal Engine's latest features for UI, rendering, and performance optimization.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to SIE's internal leadership training and development resources.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend game development conferences (e.g., GDC) to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within SIE and to mentor junior engineers, solidifying leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to developing a new game title and leading a remote team. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging the resources of a major player in the gaming industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to implement a complex UI feature under tight deadlines. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on C++, Unreal Engine, and time management.)

• "How would you approach designing a scalable UI system for a new game franchise that needs to accommodate future content updates and platform expansions?" (Focus on architecture, planning, and foresight.)

• "Imagine a conflict arises between your UI engineering team and the design team regarding feature implementation. How would you mediate and resolve this?" (Focus on collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.)

• "What are your strategies for mentoring and developing junior engineers on a remote team?" (Focus on leadership, communication, and team building.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on a new IP and genre at teamLFG/SIE?" (Show genuine enthusiasm for the project and company.)

• "How do you foster a culture of quality and innovation within your engineering team?" (Relate to SIE's values.)

• "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams in a game development environment." (Highlight collaborative examples.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, begin with the "why" (the problem/goal), then the "what" (your solution/contribution), and finally the "so what" (the impact/results).

• Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to show code snippets (if possible/allowed) or explain your C++ and Unreal Engine implementation details.

• Leadership Showcase: Explicitly point out instances where you led, mentored, or influenced technical decisions.

• Visual Aids: Use clear screenshots, videos, or diagrams to illustrate your UI work effectively.

• Conciseness: Keep your presentation focused and within the allotted time, allowing ample room for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize demonstrating both deep technical expertise in game UI engineering and strong, proven leadership capabilities. Quantifiable achievements and clear examples are key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Engineering Lead position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job board.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific achievements related to C++, Unreal Engine 5, UI/UX system development, and leadership experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most impactful UI engineering projects, focusing on those demonstrating C++ expertise, Unreal Engine proficiency, and any leadership or process improvement contributions. Prepare detailed case studies.

• Prepare for Technical & Leadership Interviews: Practice C++ coding problems, system design scenarios, and behavioral questions related to team management and cross-functional collaboration.

• Research teamLFG & SIE: Understand their mission, recent projects, and company culture to articulate your interest and cultural fit effectively.

⚠️ 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.

---