UI Software Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Software Engineer

Company: 2K Sports Lab

Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Game Development / Software Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-06-04

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on implementing and polishing high-performance user interfaces within a AAA sports game development environment.

• Develop robust C++ code for UI/UX systems and tools, emphasizing performance, maintainability, and clear structure.

• Collaborate closely with artists, designers, and senior engineers to refine content creation pipelines and enhance efficiency.

• Participate in code reviews, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence in game development.

• Bridge the gap between client-side UI implementation and underlying server-side logic for integrated experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a UI Software Engineer within a new AAA sports game studio, 2K Sports Lab. The emphasis is on bringing polished user interfaces to life using Unreal Engine (UMG, Blueprints) while also developing core C++ systems. The "client and server work" aspect suggests a need for understanding how UI interacts with backend systems, a common requirement in modern game development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Implement and iterate on user interface elements, including menus, HUDs, and in-game displays, using Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG) and Blueprints.

• Translate art assets, animations, and visual effects into functional and performant UI components within the Unreal Engine environment.

• Design, develop, test, and debug complex C++ code for UI/UX systems, ensuring code quality, efficiency, and scalability.

• Optimize UI performance to ensure a smooth and responsive player experience, even under demanding game conditions.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including UI artists, game designers, and gameplay engineers, to define and implement UI features.

• Refine content creation pipelines for UI assets and logic, actively seeking opportunities to improve developer efficiency and workflow.

• Participate actively in code reviews, providing constructive feedback and adhering to established coding standards to maintain high technical quality.

• Troubleshoot and resolve UI-related bugs and issues identified during development and testing phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a hands-on implementation role focused on UI systems within Unreal Engine. The emphasis on C++ development for UI/UX systems, alongside UMG and Blueprints, indicates a need for engineers who can not only implement visual elements but also build the underlying logic and infrastructure. Collaboration with artists and designers is highlighted, suggesting a strong need for communication and understanding of content creation workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in software engineering, with a significant focus on UI feature or system development.

• Experience in game development, particularly with AAA titles, is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in C++: Strong understanding of object-oriented programming principles and extensive hands-on experience writing production-level C++ code.

• Unreal Engine Expertise: Demonstrated experience with Unreal Engine, specifically UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) for UI layout and Blueprints for scripting UI logic and interactions. Familiarity with Unreal Engine editor workflows is essential.

• Data Structures & Algorithms: Solid grasp of fundamental data structures, algorithms, and their application in software development for performance optimization.

• 3D Math Fundamentals: Understanding of 3D mathematics, including vectors, matrices, and transformations, as they apply to UI positioning, animation, and rendering.

• Communication Skills: Ability to clearly articulate technical concepts and solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including artists, designers, and producers.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying, analyzing, and resolving complex technical challenges related to UI implementation and system development.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with UI/UX design principles and best practices.

• Familiarity with client-server architecture and how UI interacts with backend services.

• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Perforce, Git).

• Knowledge of performance profiling and optimization techniques for UI.

• Experience with scripting languages relevant to game development pipelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of core software engineering skills (C++, data structures, algorithms) with specific game development engine expertise (Unreal Engine, UMG, Blueprints). The mention of "client and server work" implies a preference for candidates who can think about the broader system architecture, not just isolated UI components. The 2+ years of professional experience requirement aligns with an early-to-mid-career engineer role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate projects showcasing robust C++ implementation for UI systems, highlighting problem-solving and efficiency.

• Include examples of polished user interfaces created using Unreal Engine's UMG and Blueprints, emphasizing visual design and interactivity.

• Present case studies that detail the development process of specific UI features, including challenges faced and solutions implemented.

• Showcase experience in refining content creation pipelines or developer tools related to UI development. Process Documentation:

• Provide clear documentation of your development process for UI features, detailing your approach to design, implementation, testing, and iteration.

• Illustrate your understanding of workflow optimization, such as improving asset integration or streamlining UI logic creation.

• Detail how you measure and ensure the performance and maintainability of your UI code.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UI Software Engineer role, a portfolio should primarily showcase functional examples of UI systems and features developed. This includes demonstrating proficiency in C++ for logic and UMG/Blueprints for implementation. Highlighting the collaborative aspect by showing how UI integrates with art and design assets is also crucial. The emphasis should be on tangible, polished results and well-documented processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated annual salary range for this position in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada is CAD $71,400 to CAD $105,660. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plans, such as a pension or 401(k) equivalent.

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

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

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit sharing.

• Access to company perks and discounts relevant to the gaming industry. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected to be approximately 40 hours per week.

• While the role is on-site, flexibility may be offered based on project needs and team arrangements, subject to management approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to British Columbia and is based on the information provided in the job description. Benefits are typical for full-time roles in the tech and gaming industry, with an emphasis on health and retirement. The 40-hour work week is standard, with on-site commitment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development / Interactive Entertainment.

Company Size: 2K Sports Lab is a newly formed studio within the larger 2K Games umbrella. The specific size of the Sports Lab studio is not detailed, but 2K Games itself is a significant player in the industry, suggesting a robust organizational structure and resources.

Founded: 2K Sports Lab was founded in 2023, indicating a startup-like environment within an established company, focused on building a new AAA sports franchise from the ground up.

Team Structure:

• The UI Software Engineer will be part of the core game development team, working within a new studio environment.

• This role reports to engineering leadership within 2K Sports Lab, with close collaboration expected with UI/UX teams, gameplay engineers, artists, and designers.

• The studio emphasizes a collaborative approach, where individuals from different disciplines work together to achieve a common vision. Methodology:

• The studio utilizes established game development methodologies, likely incorporating Agile or Scrum principles for iterative development cycles.

• A strong emphasis is placed on technical excellence, continuous learning, and the use of industry-standard tools like Unreal Engine.

• The development process involves close partnership between art, design, and engineering to ensure a cohesive and high-quality player experience.

Company Website: https://www.2k.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a new studio (2K Sports Lab) founded in 2023 suggests an exciting, albeit potentially fast-paced, environment. The combination of a startup feel with the backing of a major publisher (2K) means opportunities for significant impact and growth, alongside the need for adaptability and a proactive approach. The focus on "pushing game development boundaries" implies a culture that values innovation and technical challenges.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level UI Software Engineer, requiring 2+ years of professional experience. It offers a solid foundation for a career in game development, specifically within UI engineering.

Reporting Structure: The UI Software Engineer will report to engineering management within the 2K Sports Lab studio. They will work closely with senior engineers, artists, and designers, providing opportunities to learn from experienced professionals across various disciplines.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the RevOps/SalesOps sense, the UI Software Engineer's impact is critical to the player's experience and the overall success of the game. By creating intuitive, performant, and visually appealing interfaces, they directly influence player engagement, satisfaction, and retention, which are key metrics for any game's commercial performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Unreal Engine UI development, C++ systems programming for games, and potentially client-server architecture for live service games.

• Leadership Potential: Progress to a Senior UI Software Engineer role, mentoring junior engineers, leading UI feature development, and contributing to architectural decisions.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to game design, art pipelines, and other engineering disciplines, potentially leading to broader roles within game development.

• Studio Growth: As 2K Sports Lab develops its first franchise, there will be opportunities to grow with the studio and take on more responsibility as new projects and teams are formed.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is firmly within software engineering for game development. The "Operations" context here refers to the operational aspects of game production – how systems are built, maintained, and optimized for player experience. Growth opportunities are focused on technical advancement within game development and potential leadership within the studio.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at the new studio in Vancouver, BC. This implies a traditional office environment designed for collaborative game development.

Office Location(s): Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. This location is a hub for technology and game development in Canada, offering a vibrant ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction between engineers, artists, and designers.

• Access to high-performance development hardware and software, including Unreal Engine and necessary development tools, will be provided.

• Opportunities for team-building activities and informal collaboration are likely prevalent in a new studio environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, with an on-site presence required. Flexibility may be available depending on project phases and team needs, but the primary expectation is for in-office work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Burnaby is a key aspect. This location is known for its strong tech and gaming presence, offering potential for networking and career development within the broader industry ecosystem. The new studio setup likely means modern facilities designed for creative collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume for relevant experience and skills.

• Technical Assessment: Expect a coding challenge or technical interview focusing on C++, data structures, algorithms, and Unreal Engine concepts. This may involve live coding or take-home assignments.

• Portfolio Review: You will likely be asked to present examples from your portfolio, discussing your role, the technical challenges, and the outcomes. Be prepared to walk through specific UI implementations and system designs.

• On-site/Virtual Interview: A series of interviews with engineering team members, potentially including senior engineers, leads, and artists/designers. These will assess your technical depth, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with studio leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight C++ & Unreal Engine: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects where you've used C++ for complex logic and UMG/Blueprints for UI implementation.

• Showcase Polish & Performance: Demonstrate UI elements that are not only functional but also visually polished and performant. Quantify performance improvements if possible.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, clearly explain your role, the problem you were solving, your approach, the technologies used, and the results achieved. Use diagrams or flowcharts for complex systems.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with AAA game development and UI/UX systems, as described in the job posting.

• Be Ready to Discuss Code: Prepare to discuss the architecture, design decisions, and potential improvements for code samples you present.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice C++ Problems: Focus on common data structure and algorithm problems, especially those relevant to UI rendering, state management, or data handling.

• Review Unreal Engine Documentation: Refresh your knowledge on UMG, Blueprints, event handling, and common engine APIs.

• Understand UI Principles: Be ready to discuss UI/UX best practices, usability, and accessibility.

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Think about your experiences collaborating with artists and designers, handling technical disagreements, and learning new technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, testing both coding proficiency and practical application within the Unreal Engine environment. A strong portfolio is crucial, and candidates should be prepared to articulate their technical decisions and collaborative experiences in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• C++: The core programming language for developing UI systems and engine-level features.

• Unreal Engine: The primary game engine. Proficiency with its various modules is essential.

  • UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics): The visual UI authoring tool for creating widgets, layouts, and visual elements.
  • Blueprints Visual Scripting: Used for implementing UI logic, animations, and interactions within UMG.
  • Unreal Editor: The integrated development environment for asset management, level design, and code integration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this role, internal analytics tools within Unreal Engine or custom studio solutions may be used for performance monitoring and debugging. CRM & Automation:

• Version Control: Likely Perforce or Git for managing large codebases and game assets.

• Project Management: Tools such as Jira or similar for task tracking and workflow management.

• Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, or internal communication platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily centered around Unreal Engine and C++. Candidates are expected to be proficient in these core tools. Understanding how these tools integrate within a larger game development pipeline is also beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to writing high-quality, performant, and maintainable code.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnerships between engineering, art, and design.

• Innovation: Encouraging bold ideas and pushing the boundaries of game development technology.

• Player Focus: Dedication to creating exceptional player experiences through polished and engaging interfaces.

• Continuous Learning: Fostering an environment where team members are encouraged to learn, grow, and share knowledge.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Engineers work closely with artists and designers from the initial concept phase through implementation and polish.

• Feedback Loops: Regular code reviews and content reviews ensure alignment and quality across disciplines.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of open discussion, pair programming, and sharing best practices to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at a new, ambitious studio like 2K Sports Lab is likely to be dynamic and team-oriented. The values emphasize technical skill, collaborative problem-solving, and a shared passion for creating high-quality games.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building from Scratch: Working on a brand-new franchise means establishing new systems, workflows, and technical foundations, which can be complex and require adaptability.

• AAA Expectations: Delivering a user interface that meets the high standards of a AAA sports title requires meticulous attention to detail, performance optimization, and visual fidelity.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively translating visual designs and gameplay requirements into functional code, and vice-versa, requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Balancing Performance and Features: Implementing rich UI features while ensuring optimal performance across various platforms can be a significant technical challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Unreal Engine: Gain extensive experience with advanced features of Unreal Engine, beyond just UMG and Blueprints.

• Game Systems Architecture: Learn about the broader architecture of game systems, including how UI integrates with gameplay, networking, and backend services.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior engineers and to mentor junior members as the team grows.

• Industry Exposure: Working on a major sports franchise provides valuable experience and networking opportunities within the game development industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to building a new AAA game. Overcoming them offers significant growth potential, particularly in specialized areas of game development and system design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI system you developed in C++ and Unreal Engine. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and technical depth.)

• "How would you approach implementing a dynamic, data-driven HUD for a fast-paced sports game, ensuring optimal performance?" (Assess your understanding of performance, data handling, and UI architecture.)

• "Walk me through your process for collaborating with UI artists and designers to bring a new feature from concept to implementation." (Highlight your communication, feedback integration, and iterative development skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working on a new AAA sports franchise at 2K Sports Lab?" (Show enthusiasm for the project and the studio's vision.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in game development UI?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.)

• "Describe a time you had to explain a complex technical concept to a non-technical team member. How did you ensure they understood?" (Assess your communication and empathy.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the problem you solved, your specific contributions, the technologies used, and the resulting impact (e.g., improved performance, enhanced user experience, streamlined workflow).

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Prepare live demos or well-annotated videos of your UI implementations.

• Explain Technical Decisions: Be ready to deep-dive into the C++ code, UMG structure, or Blueprint logic, explaining why you made certain design choices.

• Highlight Collaboration: Discuss how you worked with artists and designers, incorporating their feedback and contributing to the overall vision.

• Quantify When Possible: If you improved load times, frame rates, or reduced development time, present the metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing practical application of C++ and Unreal Engine for UI development, emphasizing problem-solving, performance optimization, and collaborative skills. Be ready to articulate your thought process and technical decisions clearly.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Software Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on greenhouse.io.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your C++ experience, Unreal Engine proficiency (UMG, Blueprints), and any game development projects. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest UI/game development projects that best demonstrate your skills in C++ and Unreal Engine. Ensure projects are accessible and clearly explained.

• Prepare for Technical Assessments: Practice C++ coding problems, review Unreal Engine concepts, and be ready to discuss UI/UX principles.

• Research 2K Sports Lab: Understand their mission, the type of games they develop, and their commitment to innovation. This will help tailor your answers regarding your interest and fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions tailored for a UI Software Engineer role in game development. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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