The Role
Own and evolve in-game UI systems using Unreal Engine, Blueprints, UMG, AngelScript, and UI materials. Translate UX designs into performant implementations, establish scalable architecture and workflows, optimize systems across platforms, integrate tools, and collaborate with design, art, engineering, backend, audio, and production teams. Mentor technical designers and contribute to technical roadmaps while independently leading complex UI initiatives.
Summary Generated by Built In
Who we are: We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games. We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.
What We Need: We’re seeking a Senior UI Technical Designer with exceptional technical fluency, creative vision, and system-level thinking to own and evolve our in-game UI systems at scale. You’ll own and drive the implementation of key UI features, working closely with designers, artists, producers, engineers and more. We’re a studio that values autonomy and self-drive in developers who are empowered to do the best work of their careers. If this is you, let’s talk!
Responsibilities:
- System Implementation & Maintenance: Champion the design, iteration, and maintenance of various UI systems. This includes dynamic widgets, responsive menus, and high-fidelity animations using Unreal Engine, Blueprint visual scripting, and AngelScript at an expert level.
- Architecture & Best Practices: Establish, document, and promote UI Blueprint architecture best practices and workflows, driving optimization strategies to ensure consistency, scalability, and performance across all UI systems for multiple platforms.
- Tool & Technology Integration: Evaluate and integrate emerging tools and technologies to enhance Experience Design (XD) across gameplay and other interactive elements.
- Design to Engine Translation: Translate and improve UX designs and UI art into performant in-engine implementations while ensuring seamless integration of UI visuals and behavior with underlying game systems.
- UI Material Workflows: Establish and reinforce UI Material workflows for widgets, creating scalable, clear, and performant UI Materials.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with UX designers, UI artists, gameplay engineers, backend developers, and audio teams to align UI implementation with gameplay vision and technical feasibility.
- Foster Development Culture: Champion a collaborative development culture across the Experience Design department (UX, UI, UITD, and UI Engineering) by leading by example and sharing technical insights.
- Peer Mentorship: Act as a technical mentor to junior and intermediate technical designers and cross-functional peers, elevating the team's technical capabilities and standard of execution.
Required Qualifications:
- Engine Expertise: Extensive experience building, debugging, and optimizing UI systems in UE4 or UE5 using Blueprints and UMG. Familiarity with UI materials, animation systems, and widget architecture is essential.
- Problem Solving: Ability to analyze and solve sophisticated technical and design problems while collaborating closely with engineers to contribute to the technical roadmap for XD features.
- System Architecture: Deep understanding of data flow, modularity, and performance in UI systems.
- Autonomy: Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives independently, drive decision-making, and take full ownership of complex UI systems.
- Adaptability: Comfortable working in fast-paced environments and evolving pipelines. Eager to prototype, iterate, and respond constructively to feedback.
Relevant Experience:
- Prior experience shipping high-quality UI in a AAA game environment is highly desirable.
- Solid grasp of scripting and programming fundamentals such as C++ or C#.
- A proven track record as a senior individual contributor within a UI tech design team, taking point on complex, systemic UI challenges.
The pay range for this position in San Mateo, California at the start of employment is expected to be between $103,700 and $153,500 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.
Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
31st Union prides itself on the diversity of its team members, partners, and communities. For this reason, we remain committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all aspects of the employment relationship, from recruitment and hiring through compensation, benefits, discipline and termination. This means that employment at 31st Union depends on your substantive ability, objective qualifications and work ethic – not on your age, race (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), height, weight, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), alienage or citizenship status, transgender, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability (actual or perceived), medical condition, AIDS/HIV, denial of family and medical care leave, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, pregnancy status, childbirth, breastfeeding (or related medical conditions), marital status or registered domestic partner status, political activity or affiliation, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, arrest record, or taking or requesting statutorily protected leaves, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are also committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation(s) to participate in the job application and/or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need to request reasonable accommodation.
Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.
Please note that 31st Union is unable to provide visa sponsorship or assistance for this position. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in United States without requiring current or future employer sponsorship.
#LI-Hybrid
Skills Required
- Extensive experience building, debugging, and optimizing UI systems in UE4 or UE5 using Blueprints and UMG
- Familiarity with UI materials, animation systems, and widget architecture
- Ability to analyze and solve sophisticated technical and design problems
- Ability to collaborate closely with engineers and contribute to technical roadmaps
- Deep understanding of data flow, modularity, and performance in UI systems
- Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives independently and own complex UI systems
- Comfort working in fast-paced, evolving pipeline environments
- Experience prototyping, iterating, and responding constructively to feedback
- Prior experience shipping high-quality UI in a AAA game environment
- Solid grasp of scripting and programming fundamentals such as C++ or C#
- Proven track record as a senior individual contributor within a UI technical design team
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The Company
What We Do
Established in 2019, 31st Union is a San Francisco Bay Area studio formed with a common purpose of crafting highly engaging entertainment and a commitment to putting fans first. We are an association of diverse game makers driven by a passion for our art and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build games that thrill players everywhere. We cherish our studio independence and autonomy, and value the collaborative support of our publisher 2K and parent company Take-Two Interactive, one of the world’s leading interactive entertainment companies.
