UI Programmer - (March of Giants)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Programmer - (March of Giants)

Company: Ubisoft

Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Game Development / UI Programming

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and implement user interface (UI) modules for game presentations, including menus and Heads-Up Displays (HUDs), ensuring a cohesive player experience.

• Collaborate closely with game designers, graphic designers, and artists to translate design documents into functional and visually appealing interfaces.

• Prototype interaction concepts rapidly and iterate based on feedback to enhance user experience (UX) and game design.

• Optimize UI code for performance and efficiency across target platforms, while also maintaining and overseeing underlying UI systems.

• Contribute to a culture of continuous learning by staying updated on the latest industry innovations in UI development and game design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of UI Programmer for "March of Giants" at Ubisoft Montreal requires a strong blend of technical programming skills, particularly in C++, and a deep understanding of UI/UX principles within the video game development context. The emphasis on rapid prototyping, iteration, and collaboration with design and art teams suggests a dynamic and fast-paced development environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate game design documents into detailed UI specifications and actively contribute to shaping the player's intended experience through feedback and collaboration.

• Design, implement, and maintain menu and interface systems across various platforms, ensuring consistency in visual and logistical aspects while supporting graphic designer needs.

• Develop internal tools, such as "debug draw" functionalities, to aid in UI system debugging and provide enhanced visualization.

• Investigate and gain in-depth knowledge of the UI framework to effectively support the presentation team and address technical challenges.

• Rapidly prototype UI interaction concepts in collaboration with design and other programming teams, demonstrating agility and responsiveness to feedback for quick iterations.

• Integrate graphic designs and animations, providing necessary hooks for animation and sound implementation by graphic designers.

• Identify and address technical limitations related to UI requests, including performance tracking and memory management, to ensure optimal game execution.

• Work closely with designers and artists to implement new ideas, offering technical, creative, and scheduling feedback to foster efficient development cycles.

• Ensure that UI elements meet both aesthetic requirements set by artists and functional requirements defined by designers and players.

• Maintain and optimize existing UI code modules and underlying systems for efficient operation on target platforms.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional departments, including design, art, and other programming teams, to achieve project goals.

• Actively challenge game design and User Experience (UX) to identify areas for improvement and innovation within the UI.

• Develop automated test APIs for UI systems to ensure the ongoing health and stability of the game's interface.

• Apply a broad knowledge of ergonomics and UX principles specifically to UI development within a gaming context.

• Integrate and manage localization and accessibility features to ensure the game is playable and enjoyable for a diverse global audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of responsibilities highlights the integral role of a UI Programmer in game development, extending beyond pure coding to include active participation in design discussions, UX problem-solving, and cross-functional team collaboration. The focus on "challenging game design" and "providing technical, creative, and scheduling feedback" indicates a senior-level expectation for proactive contribution and strategic thinking.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent training or experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of C++ programming experience in the video game sector, embedded systems, or other relevant fields. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in writing clean, robust, performant, and maintainable C++ code.

• Excellent understanding of the Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) philosophy and associated workflows.

• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills to identify and resolve complex issues.

• Solid understanding of software engineering best practices, including design reviews, coding standards, code reviews, testing, and documentation.

• Strong collaborative and communication skills for effective interaction within a multi-disciplinary team environment.

• Problem-solving aptitude with a focus on finding efficient and effective solutions.

• Keen attention to detail to ensure precision in UI implementation and code quality.

• Autonomy and ethics in proactive work, demonstrating initiative and self-direction.

• Drive to take up and overcome significant technical challenges in game development.

• Ability to define and estimate tasks in a structured and organized manner.

• Adaptability to changing project requirements and technological advancements.

• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Unreal Engine 5, including its UI frameworks like Slate and UMG.

• Experience with UI Frameworks such as CommonUI.

• Experience with MVVM toolchains, specifically Unreal Engine's MVVM plugin.

• Experience working on PC-centric platform experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Bonus" skills are highly indicative of the specific technical stack and development environment likely used for "March of Giants," with Unreal Engine 5 and its associated UI tools (Slate, UMG, CommonUI, MVVM plugin) being key differentiators. Candidates with this specific experience will have a significant advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of developing and implementing complex UI systems for games or similar interactive applications, showcasing the ability to manage intricate user flows.

• Provide examples of UI elements that exhibit exceptional usability and intuitive navigation, highlighting a deep understanding of user-centered design principles and their practical application.

• Showcase projects where UI performance was a critical factor, detailing the optimization strategies employed and the measurable improvements achieved in terms of frame rates or memory usage.

• Include case studies that illustrate the process of integrating UI designs and animations, detailing the collaboration with art teams and the technical solutions implemented to bring visual concepts to life. Process Documentation:

• Document the workflow for translating game design requirements into technical UI specifications, including wireframing, mock-up creation, and technical breakdown phases.

• Detail the methodology used for prototyping UI interactions, including the tools and techniques employed to quickly test and validate concepts with designers and stakeholders.

• Outline the approach to performance profiling and optimization of UI code, including specific metrics tracked and methods used to ensure efficient execution on target platforms.

• Describe the process for implementing automated testing for UI systems, including the types of tests developed and how they contribute to maintaining the stability and integrity of the interface.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UI Programmer role, a portfolio is critical. It should not just showcase finished products but also the candidate's thought process, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the development lifecycle. The emphasis is on demonstrating how they translate abstract design into functional, performant, and user-friendly interfaces within a collaborative game development setting.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for experienced UI Programmers in Montreal, Canada, with 5-10 years of experience in video game development, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $90,000 - $130,000. This range can vary based on specific qualifications, the depth of Unreal Engine experience, and the candidate's negotiation. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., RRSP matching).

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Access to Ubisoft's extensive game library and employee discounts.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing.

• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Montreal. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week of 40 hours.

• Potential for overtime during peak development cycles, with compensatory time off or pay as per company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on Ubisoft's typical compensation for technical roles in Montreal, combined with industry data for senior-level game programmers. Benefits are standard for large tech/gaming companies in Canada, with specific emphasis on professional growth, which is crucial for retaining talent in specialized roles like UI Programming.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Ubisoft is a global leader in creating and distributing interactive entertainment products, known for major franchises like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Just Dance. The "March of Giants" project likely represents a new or existing IP within their diverse portfolio, demanding innovation and high-quality execution.

Company Size: Ubisoft is a large, multinational corporation with thousands of employees worldwide. This means access to extensive resources, established processes, and a wide network of professionals, but also requires adaptability to corporate structures.

Founded: Ubisoft was founded in 1986. This long history signifies stability, experience, and a deep understanding of the gaming market, while also implying a need for continuous adaptation to stay at the forefront of technological and creative advancements.

Team Structure:

• The UI programming team is likely part of a larger game development studio (Ubisoft Montreal). Within this studio, UI programmers will form a specialized group, reporting to a Lead Programmer or Technical Director.

• This team will work in close proximity with UI/UX designers, 2D/3D artists, animators, and other game programmers (e.g., gameplay, engine, tools).

• The reporting structure will likely be hierarchical, with clear lines of responsibility, but with a strong emphasis on collaborative, cross-functional teamwork to achieve project milestones. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: UI development will be informed by player feedback, UX research, and performance metrics, requiring analysis of player behavior to refine interfaces.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Emphasis on agile methodologies, with iterative development cycles, sprint planning, and continuous integration to manage the complexities of game UI development.

• Automation & Efficiency: Development of tools and automated testing for UI systems to streamline the development process, reduce bugs, and ensure consistent quality.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ubisoft's culture is generally characterized by a passion for gaming, creativity, and innovation. As a large corporation, it balances its creative drive with structured development processes. For a UI Programmer, this means working within established frameworks while having the opportunity to push creative and technical boundaries.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is considered a mid-to-senior level position within the game development technical track. It requires significant professional experience (5+ years) and a deep understanding of C++ and UI development principles, along with specialized knowledge of game engines like Unreal Engine. The responsibilities suggest an individual contributor role with potential for technical leadership within the UI domain.

Reporting Structure: The UI Programmer will report to a Lead UI Programmer or a Technical Director responsible for the game's presentation systems. They will work collaboratively with various teams, including game designers, graphic designers, artists, and other programmers, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills to navigate interdepartmental relationships effectively.

Operations Impact: The UI Programmer's work directly impacts the player's fundamental experience with the game. A well-designed and functional UI is crucial for player engagement, accessibility, and overall game satisfaction. Their contributions directly influence how players interact with game mechanics, navigate menus, understand information, and perceive the game's overall polish and quality, thereby significantly affecting player retention and critical reception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in Unreal Engine's UI systems (Slate, UMG, CommonUI), potentially becoming a go-to expert for complex UI challenges.

• Technical Leadership: Progress to a Lead UI Programmer role, mentoring junior developers, defining technical direction for UI systems, and managing team workflows.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Develop a broader understanding of game design, art pipelines, and engine programming, potentially leading to roles in technical design or engine development.

• Project Variety: Gain experience across different game titles and genres within Ubisoft, broadening exposure to diverse development challenges and creative directions.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to high-profile game titles that can serve as significant additions to a professional portfolio and enhance industry reputation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential for a UI Programmer at a company like Ubisoft is strong, particularly for those who can demonstrate both technical prowess and a keen understanding of player experience. The company's vast portfolio provides ample opportunities for learning and career diversification.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an office-based role, indicating a traditional studio environment where collaboration and direct communication are prioritized. Ubisoft Montreal likely offers a modern, well-equipped studio space designed to foster creativity and productivity.

Office Location(s): The role is located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Ubisoft Montreal is a major hub for the company, known for its significant contributions to many of Ubisoft's flagship titles. Montreal is a vibrant city with a strong tech and gaming industry presence, offering a high quality of life.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect an open-plan office or dedicated team spaces designed for easy interaction between UI programmers, designers, artists, and other development team members.

• Tools and Technology: Access to high-performance development hardware, specialized software licenses (e.g., Unreal Engine, relevant IDEs), and internal Ubisoft tools for game development, asset management, and communication.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, stand-ups, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions are integral to the workflow, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility typically offered within core working hours. However, the nature of game development often involves periods of intense work leading up to milestones or release dates, which may require occasional extended hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "office-based" nature of the role emphasizes Ubisoft's commitment to in-person collaboration, which is often crucial for creative and technical alignment in game development. Montreal's status as a gaming industry hub also suggests a rich ecosystem of talent and resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, focusing on key skills and experience, particularly C++ and UI development.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more technical interviews focusing on C++ fundamentals, object-oriented design, MVVM patterns, and potentially specific questions about Unreal Engine, Slate, or UMG. You may be asked to solve coding problems or discuss your approach to UI architecture.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you present your UI programming portfolio. This is a critical stage to demonstrate your practical experience, problem-solving skills, and understanding of UI/UX principles. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, explain your role, the challenges faced, and the solutions implemented.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An interview with potential team members or a studio manager to assess your fit with the team's working style, collaboration approach, and Ubisoft's company culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior director or executive to discuss your overall experience, career aspirations, and alignment with the project's strategic goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UI programming skills, especially those involving C++, MVVM, and game development.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate:

  • The project's goal and your specific role/contributions.
  • The core technical challenges you faced (e.g., performance bottlenecks, complex interactions, cross-platform issues).
  • The solutions you implemented, detailing the code architecture and design patterns used (e.g., MVVM implementation).
  • The outcomes and impact of your work (e.g., improved player engagement, enhanced performance metrics, successful feature implementation).

• Highlight Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss your C++ code, design choices, and optimization techniques in detail. If you have Unreal Engine experience, be prepared to show examples within Slate or UMG.

• Demonstrate UX Understanding: Explain how your technical implementation supported user experience goals and collaborated with UX/graphic designers.

• Be Prepared for Live Coding/Whiteboarding: Some interviews may include live coding challenges or whiteboard exercises to assess your problem-solving and coding abilities in real-time.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge of C++ (pointers, memory management, STL, modern C++ features), data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design principles.

• MVVM & UI Patterns: Be ready to explain MVVM and other relevant UI architectural patterns, discuss their pros and cons, and how they apply to game UI development.

• Unreal Engine (if applicable): Familiarize yourself with Unreal Engine's UI tools (Slate, UMG), Blueprint vs. C++ usage for UI, and common performance considerations.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps and articulating your thought process clearly. Think about how you would approach common UI challenges in games.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this is rigorous, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. The portfolio review is paramount, serving as the primary vehicle to demonstrate tangible skills and experience relevant to game UI development. Candidates should prepare to discuss their contributions in detail and articulate their technical decision-making process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• C++: The core programming language for this role, requiring advanced proficiency.

• Unreal Engine 5: The primary game engine. Specific familiarity with its C++ API and tools is highly valued.

• Slate UI Framework: Unreal Engine's native UI framework, used for creating complex user interfaces.

• UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics): A visual UI design tool within Unreal Engine that works with Slate, allowing for rapid prototyping and design integration.

• CommonUI Framework: A potential cross-platform UI framework that simplifies UI development and integration within Unreal Engine.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Profilers: Tools within Unreal Engine (e.g., Unreal Insights, GPU Visualizer) or external tools for tracking and analyzing UI performance (frame rates, memory usage, CPU load).

• Debugging Tools: Integrated debuggers within IDEs (Visual Studio, Rider), and in-engine debug functionalities (e.g., "debug draw," console commands) for diagnosing UI issues.

• Build Systems: Understanding of how UI code integrates into the game's build pipeline.

CRM & Automation:

• Version Control Systems: Git (or Perforce, commonly used in game dev) for code management and collaboration.

• Project Management Tools: Jira, Trello, or internal Ubisoft tools for task tracking, sprint planning, and workflow management.

• Automated Testing Frameworks: Experience or understanding of creating automated tests for UI components to ensure stability and regression prevention.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack heavily emphasizes Unreal Engine 5 and its proprietary UI tools. Candidates with direct experience in Slate, UMG, and potentially CommonUI will be significantly better positioned. A strong understanding of C++ is the foundational requirement, with Unreal Engine knowledge being a critical differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Gaming: A genuine enthusiasm for creating high-quality, engaging gaming experiences is paramount. This drives innovation and dedication to the project.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams (design, art, programming) to achieve shared goals, valuing open communication and mutual respect.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering polished, performant, and user-friendly interfaces that meet high standards of quality, reflecting Ubisoft's reputation.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouragement to explore new ideas, challenge existing norms, and contribute creatively to the game's overall vision and player experience.

• Problem-Solving & Resilience: A proactive approach to identifying and solving complex technical challenges, with the resilience to overcome obstacles inherent in game development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: UI programmers are expected to be deeply integrated with design and art teams, participating in regular meetings, feedback sessions, and joint problem-solving.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture of constructive feedback, where code reviews, design critiques, and performance analyses are welcomed to improve both individual work and team output.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share technical insights, best practices, and learnings through internal presentations, documentation, and informal discussions to elevate the team's collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ubisoft likely fosters a culture that blends creative passion with disciplined execution. For a UI Programmer, this means being both a creative problem-solver and a meticulous engineer, contributing to a collaborative environment where innovation is encouraged within a structured development framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Complexity: Mastering the nuances of Unreal Engine's UI frameworks (Slate/UMG) and integrating them seamlessly with game logic and art assets can be complex.

• Performance Optimization: Ensuring that visually rich and interactive UIs run smoothly across various hardware configurations requires constant vigilance and sophisticated optimization techniques.

• Balancing Design & Technical Constraints: Effectively translating artistic visions and design requirements into technically feasible and performant UI solutions, often involving negotiation and compromise.

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: The fast-paced nature of game development requires quick adaptation to changing design ideas and timely implementation of feedback, demanding agility and efficiency.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Navigating the communication needs and understanding the perspectives of different departments (design, art, QA) to ensure alignment and efficient workflow.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Unreal Engine Expertise: Deepen specialization in Unreal Engine, becoming an expert in its advanced UI systems, rendering pipelines, and C++ integration.

• UX/UI Specialization: Pursue further learning in UX design principles, user research methodologies, and accessibility standards to enhance the player experience impact.

• Technical Leadership: Develop skills in mentoring junior programmers, leading UI development efforts on projects, and contributing to technical architecture decisions.

• Game Development Lifecycle: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire game development process, from concept to post-launch support, broadening career perspectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to senior-level game development roles, requiring not just technical skill but also strong problem-solving and interpersonal abilities. The growth opportunities are designed to foster long-term career development within the specialized field of game UI programming.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI system you've designed and implemented. What were the key challenges, and how did you approach them using C++ and MVVM?" (Focus on explaining your architectural decisions, problem-solving process, and the outcomes.)

• "How do you ensure UI performance and optimize code for different platforms? Can you provide specific examples of optimizations you've made?" (Be ready to discuss profiling tools, memory management, and rendering techniques.)

• "How do you collaborate with game designers and artists to translate their vision into a functional UI? Describe a time you had to provide technical feedback that influenced design." (Highlight your communication skills, ability to understand different perspectives, and collaborative approach.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Ubisoft and specifically on the 'March of Giants' project?" (Research the company's recent games, values, and any known information about "March of Giants" or similar projects.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in UI development and game programming?" (Showcase your proactivity in learning and your passion for the field.)

• "Describe a time you had to adapt to a significant change in project requirements or technology. How did you handle it?" (Demonstrate your flexibility and resilience.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly articulate the purpose and player experience goals of each UI element or system you present.

• Detail Your Role & Contribution: Be specific about what you did, not just what the team accomplished. Use "I" statements.

• Showcase Technical Solutions: Explain the C++ code, design patterns (MVVM), and engine-specific tools (Slate, UMG) you used to achieve the results.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., performance improvements, reduction in bugs, positive player feedback) to demonstrate the value of your work.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure a smooth flow, clear explanations, and adherence to time limits. Be ready for in-depth technical questions about your presented work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical proficiency but also a strong understanding of the game development process, collaborative spirit, and a passion for creating exceptional player experiences. The portfolio presentation is the cornerstone of this interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Programmer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of C++ programming experience, specifically mentioning any work in the video game or embedded systems sectors. Emphasize your experience with UI development, MVVM, and any relevant engine/framework knowledge (Unreal Engine, Slate, UMG, CommonUI). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your strongest UI programming projects. Ensure you can clearly articulate your role, technical challenges, solutions (especially C++ and MVVM), and the impact of your work. Be ready to present this during an interview.

• Practice Technical Questions: Refresh your knowledge of C++, data structures, algorithms, object-oriented design, and specifically MVVM. Prepare to discuss your experience with Unreal Engine and its UI tools.

• Research Ubisoft: Understand Ubisoft's company culture, its major game franchises, and its position in the gaming industry. This will help you articulate your motivations and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.