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

Date Posted: 2026-09-21T22:43:32

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the development and implementation of robust UI systems within the Unreal Engine 5, ensuring high production quality and stability.

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

• Drive technical excellence and provide guidance on UI/UX systems to empower cross-functional teams in gameplay development.

• Collaborate closely with design and other engineering disciplines to translate UX visions into seamless and engaging player experiences.

• Contribute to the creation of a new IP and genre, impacting the direction of user interfaces and developer workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Lead within a new IP development environment, suggesting a significant impact on foundational UI architecture and team-building. The emphasis on C++ and Unreal Engine 5 points to a need for deep technical expertise in game development technologies, coupled with strong leadership and communication skills to bridge design and engineering.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and maintain production-quality UI systems, workflows, and tools using C++ within Unreal Engine 5, requiring minimal oversight.

• Directly hire, manage, mentor, and provide constructive feedback and career development coaching to UI engineers.

• Offer expert technical guidance on UI/UX systems to empower teammates across various gameplay disciplines, ensuring alignment and efficiency.

• Collaborate daily with cross-disciplinary teams, including designers, artists, and gameplay engineers, to conceptualize and implement new player experiences.

• Debug and ensure the stability and performance of UI code across different platforms and game features.

• Develop and maintain a broad range of UX/UI systems, including HUDs, front-end menus, font management, and localization workflows.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of UI development processes and tools, fostering innovation and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on individual technical contribution and team leadership. The expectation of "minimal oversight" suggests a senior-level role where strategic input and self-direction are paramount. The breadth of UI systems mentioned (HUDs, menus, localization) implies a need for comprehensive understanding of UI implementation in game development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Game Design, 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 software engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to UI development in game development. Proven experience in a leadership or mentoring capacity is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in writing, debugging, and maintaining production-quality code in C++.

• Extensive experience developing and maintaining diverse UX/UI systems, including HUDs, front-end menus, font handling, and localization workflows.

• Demonstrated experience in leading, managing, mentoring, or guiding engineers, with a focus on career development and technical support.

• In-depth experience with development using the Unreal Engine, ideally Unreal Engine 5.

• Strong communication skills, capable of interacting effectively with customers (internal teams) of varying technical and non-technical backgrounds to help them achieve their goals.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within a cross-disciplinary team environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with development across multiple platforms, including PC and consoles.

• Prior experience in real-time action multiplayer games.

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

• Experience working with code development teams or external contractors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a strong foundation in C++ and Unreal Engine, coupled with practical experience in building a wide array of UI components. The leadership experience requirement is critical, indicating the need for proven ability to guide and develop engineering talent, not just individual technical prowess.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of complex UI systems built using C++ and Unreal Engine, demonstrating proficiency in architecture and implementation.

• Include case studies of UI features or systems that improved user experience, efficiency, or developer workflows, quantifying impact where possible.

• Provide evidence of experience with front-end menus, HUDs, and integration of UI elements with gameplay systems.

• Demonstrate examples of problem-solving for UI challenges, such as performance optimization, cross-platform consistency, or complex data visualization.

• If applicable, include contributions to localization workflows or font management systems. Process Documentation:

• Present examples of how you have documented UI systems, workflows, or tools to facilitate team understanding and onboarding.

• Illustrate your approach to process optimization for UI development, highlighting any automation or efficiency gains achieved.

• Show how you have established metrics or KPIs for UI development and performance analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead role, the portfolio should not only showcase technical output but also demonstrate strategic thinking in UI architecture, process improvement, and team enablement. Evidence of managing or mentoring junior engineers within these projects would be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $197,400 - $296,000 USD per year.

This range is an estimate provided for a Seattle-based employee, reflecting significant experience and leadership responsibilities in a high-demand tech market. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location, in line with the company's hybrid working policy.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Matching 401(k) program to support retirement savings.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.

• Employee Wellness Program initiatives.

• Coveted employee discounts on Sony products.

• Potential eligibility for a bonus package.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, the role's remote nature and the demands of game development may allow for some flexibility, with an expectation of availability during core business hours for team collaboration and critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to Seattle, indicating a benchmark for experienced engineering leads in a high cost-of-living area. For other remote locations within the US, the range may be adjusted based on local market data and cost of living. The benefits package is robust, typical for major tech and gaming companies, offering strong support for employees and their families.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Gaming / Entertainment Technology. teamLFG is part of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), a global leader in interactive entertainment. This context suggests a culture driven by innovation, creativity, player satisfaction, and a passion for cutting-edge technology in the gaming space.

Company Size: SIE is a large, established global organization. teamLFG is likely a studio or division within SIE focused on developing new IPs. This means access to extensive resources and established corporate structures, while potentially maintaining a more agile, project-focused internal team dynamic.

Founded: While teamLFG's specific founding date isn't provided, SIE was founded in 1993. This history implies a company with deep roots in the entertainment industry, a proven ability to adapt to technological shifts, and a strong understanding of the global market.

Team Structure:

• The UI Engineering team is a specialized subdiscipline within the broader engineering department, likely comprising a Lead, several UI Engineers, and potentially UI/UX Designers.

• Reporting Structure: The UI Engineering Lead will likely report to an Engineering Director or Head of Engineering, with direct management responsibility for the UI engineers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role requires daily collaboration with game designers, gameplay engineers, artists, and potentially QA testers to ensure a cohesive and high-quality player experience. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: UI development will be informed by player feedback, analytics on UI engagement, and UX research to drive iterative improvements.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Emphasis on efficient UI development pipelines, tool creation, and process improvements to speed up iteration and reduce bugs.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Implementing automated testing for UI components and optimizing workflows to enhance developer productivity.

Company Website: https://www.playstation.com/ (for SIE)

📝 Enhancement Note: As part of Sony Interactive Entertainment, teamLFG benefits from the stability and resources of a major player in the gaming industry. The "new IP and new genre" focus suggests an environment that encourages innovation and risk-taking, with a strong emphasis on delivering a unique and high-quality player experience. The culture likely values collaboration, technical excellence, and a shared passion for gaming.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level Engineering Lead position. It signifies a transition from an individual contributor role to one with significant technical leadership, team management, and strategic input responsibilities. The role requires not only deep technical expertise in UI engineering but also the ability to mentor, guide, and develop other engineers.

Reporting Structure: The UI Engineering Lead will report to a higher-level engineering manager (e.g., Director of Engineering or Head of Engineering) and will directly manage a team of UI Engineers. This structure allows for focused leadership within the UI discipline while integrating into the broader engineering organization.

Operations Impact: The UI Engineering Lead has a substantial impact on the player experience and developer efficiency. They are instrumental in translating the game's vision into an intuitive and engaging interface, directly influencing player satisfaction, retention, and the overall perception of the game's quality. Efficient UI systems also streamline developer workflows, accelerating production.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced Unreal Engine UI features, performance optimization for complex interfaces, or emerging UI technologies.

• Leadership Development: Progress into higher management roles, such as Engineering Manager, Director of Engineering, or Technical Director, overseeing larger teams or multiple disciplines.

• Cross-Discipline Exposure: Gain broader understanding of other engineering disciplines (e.g., gameplay, engine) through collaboration, potentially leading to more holistic technical leadership roles.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop and deliver internal training programs for UI engineering best practices, contributing to the growth of the wider engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Lead role is a critical stepping stone for engineers looking to move into management or senior technical leadership. The opportunity to build a UI discipline from the ground up for a new IP offers significant career visibility and the chance to shape technical direction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This indicates a distributed team environment where collaboration and communication rely heavily on digital tools.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the provided salary range is an example for Seattle, WA. SIE has offices globally, and remote employees are often expected to align with a specific timezone or a primary company hub for collaboration purposes (e.g., Pacific Time Zone).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect regular virtual meetings, stand-ups, and collaborative sessions using tools like Slack, Discord, Microsoft Teams, and project management software. The success of this role hinges on effective virtual communication and teamwork.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to the full suite of Unreal Engine development tools, C++ IDEs, version control systems (e.g., Perforce, Git), and project management platforms. The company will likely provide necessary software licenses and potentially hardware.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for virtual "water cooler" chats, team-building activities, and knowledge-sharing sessions to foster camaraderie and a sense of belonging within a remote setting.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week is expected. Given the nature of game development, flexibility may be offered, but core hours for team syncs and collaboration will be essential. Developers often work to meet project milestones, which can occasionally require extended hours during critical phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a fully remote role, strong self-discipline, excellent asynchronous communication skills, and comfort with digital collaboration tools are paramount. The team's success will depend on establishing clear communication protocols and fostering a connected remote culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess general fit, experience, and salary expectations.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focused on C++ proficiency, Unreal Engine architecture, UI/UX principles, and problem-solving scenarios. This may include live coding exercises or code review discussions.

• Leadership & Management Interview: Assessment of your experience in leading teams, mentoring engineers, conflict resolution, and career development guidance. Behavioral questions will be common.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration Interview: Conversations with potential peers (e.g., Design Lead, Gameplay Lead) to evaluate your ability to collaborate, communicate technical concepts, and integrate UI into the broader game experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion with the hiring manager to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with team and company goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 2-4 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your UI engineering leadership, C++ skills, Unreal Engine expertise, and breadth of UI system experience.

• Highlight Leadership: For each project, clearly articulate your role, responsibilities, and any leadership or mentorship contributions. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "Reduced UI load times by X%", "Improved developer efficiency by Y%").

• Showcase Technical Depth: Be prepared to walk through the architecture of your UI systems, explain design decisions, and discuss challenges encountered and how you overcame them. Demonstrate your C++ and Unreal Engine knowledge.

• Focus on Collaboration: Explain how you worked with designers, artists, and other engineers. Provide examples of how you translated requirements into functional UI.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Be ready to discuss hypothetical UI challenges relevant to a new IP or genre, outlining your approach to problem-solving, system design, and team coordination.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Challenge: Expect a coding challenge focused on C++ or Unreal Engine, potentially involving UI logic, data structures, or performance optimization. Practice common data structures and algorithms.

• System Design Challenge: You might be asked to design a UI system for a specific feature or scenario, outlining architecture, components, and interaction flows. Focus on scalability, maintainability, and performance.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare for questions about managing difficult team members, resolving technical disagreements, prioritizing tasks, and fostering a positive team culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, assessing both deep technical skills and leadership capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates your contributions, technical approach, and leadership impact is crucial for success. Be ready to discuss your experience in building systems from the ground up.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Unreal Engine 5: The primary game engine, including its UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) UI Designer and framework.

• Visual Studio / Rider: Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) for C++ development.

• Version Control: Perforce or Git for source code management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• In-Engine Debugging Tools: Unreal Engine's built-in profilers and debuggers for UI performance analysis.

• Analytics Platforms: Potentially internal tools or third-party solutions (e.g., GameAnalytics, Firebase) for tracking UI feature usage and player interaction.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Jira, Asana, or similar tools for task tracking, workflow management, and team coordination.

• Communication Platforms: Slack, Discord, Microsoft Teams for daily team communication and collaboration.

• CI/CD Tools (Potential): Depending on the studio's maturity, tools like Jenkins or TeamCity might be used for automated builds and testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in C++ and Unreal Engine's UI systems (UMG) is non-negotiable. Experience with version control and project management tools is standard. Familiarity with game-specific analytics and debugging tools will be advantageous for optimizing UI performance and player experience.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player First: A commitment to creating exceptional player experiences, with UI playing a critical role in immersion and usability.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to UI design and implementation, especially in the context of a new IP and genre.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where cross-disciplinary teams work together seamlessly to achieve shared goals.

• Technical Excellence: Upholding high standards for code quality, performance, and maintainability in all UI development efforts.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to learning, adapting, and refining processes and technologies to enhance efficiency and quality.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: UI engineers will work very closely with UX designers, game designers, and gameplay engineers, requiring strong communication and a willingness to understand diverse perspectives.

• Process Review Culture: Openness to feedback on UI systems, code reviews, and iterative improvements to workflows and tools.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, technical solutions, and lessons learned through documentation, presentations, and informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration and innovation within a large company like SIE suggests a culture that balances established processes with the freedom to experiment and create something new. As a Lead, embodying these values and fostering them within your team will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building from Scratch: Establishing robust UI systems and workflows for a new IP requires foresight and adaptability, as requirements may evolve significantly.

• Cross-Discipline Alignment: Ensuring that UI designs and implementations effectively support diverse gameplay mechanics and player interactions across different disciplines.

• Performance Optimization: Maintaining high UI performance across various platforms, especially for complex or real-time elements, can be technically demanding.

• Remote Team Management: Effectively leading and motivating a distributed team requires strong communication, trust-building, and proactive engagement strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Unreal Engine Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Unreal Engine's latest features, performance tools, and rendering capabilities.

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

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Potential for attending gaming industry events (e.g., GDC) to stay abreast of the latest trends in UI/UX and game development.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior engineering leaders within SIE or to mentor junior engineers and contribute to their growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for new IP development and leadership roles. The company's commitment to learning and development, combined with the inherent growth opportunities of a Lead position, offers a strong path for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to designing and implementing a scalable UI system for a new game genre. What key architectural decisions would you prioritize?" (Focus on modularity, performance, and maintainability.)

• "How would you manage conflicting priorities between design requests and technical feasibility for UI features? Provide an example of a similar situation you've navigated." (Highlight communication, compromise, and data-driven decision-making.)

• "Walk us through a complex UI challenge you faced in a previous project and how you solved it. What was the impact of your solution?" (Prepare a detailed case study focusing on problem, solution, and quantifiable results.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working on a new IP at SIE, and what unique contributions can you bring to teamLFG?" (Research SIE's recent games and teamLFG's stated mission.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within a remote engineering team?" (Discuss your leadership style, communication strategies, and team-building efforts.)

• "How do you measure the success of a UI engineering team and its contributions to a game's overall quality?" (Focus on metrics related to performance, stability, player feedback, and developer efficiency.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your contributions and the outcomes.

• Emphasize Leadership: When presenting team projects, clearly define your role as Lead, detailing your responsibilities in guiding, mentoring, and overseeing the work of others.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your UI implementations (e.g., performance improvements, efficiency gains, positive player feedback).

• Technical Deep Dives: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your C++ code, Unreal Engine implementation choices, and any trade-offs you made.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical acumen but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, remote environment. Tailor your examples to highlight experience with new development and cross-disciplinary work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Engineering Lead position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your C++ development, Unreal Engine expertise, UI system experience, and leadership achievements. Use keywords from the job description such as "Unreal Engine 5," "C++," "UI Systems," "Team Leadership," and "Technical Mentorship."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your strongest UI engineering projects, emphasizing your leadership contributions, technical solutions, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present specific examples during interviews.

• Research SIE and teamLFG: Familiarize yourself with Sony Interactive Entertainment's gaming portfolio and teamLFG's mission to develop a new IP. Understand their values and recent technological advancements.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common technical, leadership, and behavioral interview questions. Prepare specific examples from your experience that align with the role's requirements and the company's culture.

⚠️ 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.