Lead UI Programmer

Sony Interactive Entertainment - Bend, OR

Full-time - Mid Level

Bend, OR

Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries

About the position

Sony Bend Studio, the acclaimed creator of titles such as Days Gone, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, and Syphon Filter, is on the lookout for a Lead User Interface Programmer to join our dynamic and creative team. This role is pivotal in shaping the user interface of our next high-profile AAA console title. The Lead UI Programmer will specialize in programming the tools and engine that drive the game's user interface, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for players. In this position, you will be a key contributor to the development of the tools and runtime codebase necessary for producing a cutting-edge user interface. You will maintain a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the UI tools, engine, and data pipeline codebases. Your role will involve facilitating communication among team members and stakeholders, enabling the early identification of issues to ensure the efficient and effective production of UI assets. You will analyze incoming feature requests and maintain a roadmap for feature rollout, ensuring that the development process aligns with the overall vision of the game. As a Lead UI Programmer, you will provide input into the technical design and vision throughout all phases of the game development cycle, from pre-production to final product release. You will ensure that all products meet the highest technical quality standards while upholding the integrity of the game's design. Additionally, you will independently conduct research prior to the commencement of new systems or tasks to ensure that implementations effectively meet defined goals. Clear communication of updates and concerns to management will be essential, as will managing requests or information needs regarding any aspect of the technical creation process with the appropriate members of the development team. You will also be responsible for resolving complex technical issues and explaining them clearly to both technical and non-technical team members, utilizing various audio-visual aids as necessary. Staying current with the latest industry innovations will be crucial to maintaining your skill set and knowledge base.

Responsibilities

• Key contributor to the development of the tools and runtime codebase necessary to produce a cutting-edge user interface.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of all aspects of the UI tools, engine, and data pipeline codebases.
• Facilitate communication and enable early identification of issues to ensure efficient and effective production of UI assets.
• Analyze incoming feature requests and maintain a roadmap of feature rollout.
• Interface with stakeholders, liaise between team members, and drive collaborative projects.
• Provide input into the technical design and the vision through all phases of the game development cycle from pre-production through final product release.
• Ensure products are of the highest technical quality and uphold the integrity of the game's design.
• Independently undertake research prior to the commencement of a new system or task to ensure implementation effectively meets defined goals.
• Clearly communicate updates and concerns to management.
• Manage requests or information needs regarding any aspect of the technical creation process with the appropriate members of the development team.
• Capable of resolving a range of highly complex technical issues to both programmers and other less technical team members.
• Actively maintain skill-set and knowledge base by keeping track of the latest innovations from the industry.

Requirements

• Minimum 5-7 years industry experience or related experience.
• Experience leading a team.
• Multiple published titles considered a strength.
• B.S. in computer science, engineering or relevant curriculum.
• Proven demonstration of C++ skills, software architecture, and design.
• Extensive UI Design/User Experience portfolio.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience designing and building more than one large, complex UI.
• Experience in the UE4 UI tools (or similar) and engine codebase preferred.