The role

As a Senior UI Technical Artist at Sharkmob, you will serve as a bridge between art and technology, specializing in user interface (UI) elements. You'll play a pivotal role in creating visually stunning and interactive UI designs, collaborating with artists, designers, and engineers to ensure that the game's user interfaces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also function seamlessly within Unreal Engine 5.

Responsibilities

• UI Artistry: Lead and contribute to the creation of visually captivating and functional UI designs, including menus, HUD elements, in-game displays, and interactive components. Ensure that the UI aligns with the game's artistic direction.
• Technical Integration: Collaborate closely with engineers to implement UI assets and systems into the game engine. Ensure that UI elements are correctly integrated, responsive, and optimized for performance.
• Shader Development: Develop and maintain shaders and materials for UI elements. Create visually engaging and interactive effects, animations, and transitions within the UI to enhance player immersion.
• Interactive UI Elements: Create interactive UI elements that respond to player actions and enhance the overall gameplay experience. This includes designing and implementing UI animations, button interactions, and feedback systems.
• UI Optimization: Optimize UI assets and systems to meet performance targets while maintaining visual quality. Work with engineers to minimize memory usage and reduce rendering overhead.
• UI Tools and Workflow: Contribute to the development and improvement of UI tools and workflows. Streamline the UI creation process and collaborate with the UI/UX design team to ensure efficient iteration.
• Cross-Discipline Collaboration: Collaborate with artists, designers, and engineers to understand UI requirements and align technical solutions with artistic and gameplay goals. Act as a communication bridge between these disciplines.
• Documentation: Maintain documentation for UI processes, techniques, and best practices. Ensure that knowledge is accessible to the UI team and other relevant stakeholders.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct thorough testing and debugging of UI elements within the game engine. Ensure that UI functions correctly, is user-friendly, and aligns with design specifications.

Requirements

• Professional Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience as a technical artist or UI technical artist in the video game industry, with a strong portfolio showcasing contributions to published games.
• UI Expertise: Exceptional skills in UI design and implementation, including a deep understanding of user-centred design principles, typography, layout, and interactivity.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong technical skills, including experience with shader development, scripting (e.g., Python, C#), and the integration of UI elements within game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine).
• Problem-Solving Skills: Proven ability to identify and solve complex technical challenges related to UI elements, interactions, and performance optimization.
• Cross-Discipline Collaboration: Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with artists, designers, and engineers to achieve project goals.
• Adaptability and Innovation: Willingness to adapt to changing project requirements and embrace emerging technologies and trends in UI and game development.
• Portfolio: A portfolio showcasing your senior-level UI technical artwork, including examples of UI designs, interactive elements, shaders, and successfully resolved technical UI challenges.
• Passion for Games: A genuine passion for video games and a strong understanding of game design principles. A commitment to contributing to the creation of immersive and engaging gaming experiences.

Sharkmob London is a brand-new AAA studio in the heart of London, with aspirations to build one of the largest and most creatively ambitious development teams in the world. Just like the original Sharkmob studio in Malmö, Sharkmob London was founded by a team of industry veterans. As a part of Tencent Games we have the experience, backing, and ambition to build the games of the future! 

At Sharkmob, we are committed to building an inclusive team that represents diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skillsets – because we believe that helps us create great games. We welcome all candidates that are aligned with our core values of shared ownership, smart decisions and last but not least – having fun!

Remuneration and benefits

• Competitive salaries based on up-to-date data from external benchmarking providers & reviewed annually.
• 30 days annual leave, in addition to all UK Bank Holidays.
• Hybrid work-from-home policy.
• Discretionary annual performance-based bonus.
• Private pension (10% total, up to 5% individual contribution matched by Sharkmob).
• BUPA private Healthcare, Cigna dental cover, life insurance scheme and income protection policy.
• £425 yearly preventative healthcare allowance.
• Core studio hours 10:00-16:00 with 1 'wellness hour' to be used per week.
• Daily breakfasts, snacks & refreshments at the studio.
• VISA sponsorship (individual & dependents).
• Relocation assistance for people outside the UK (1 month accommodation, flights/travel paid for, logistics/removal costs reimbursed).
• Assistance for people relocating within the UK (reimbursement for expenses on travel into London for flat viewings and moving vans/couriers)