Senior UI Programmer - Contract

Position Summary

The Senior UI Programmer is responsible for implementing and polishing user interfaces, and working with designers and artists to translate UI/UX designs into functional, platform-optimized game systems.  Although this role is UI-focused, we are looking for a versatile technical expert able to contribute in varied areas of game development, from gameplay systems to tools to engine-related features. You are comfortable working closely with designers to create compelling gameplay experiences, implement new content, and collaborate closely with a cross-disciplinary team to pull it all together.

Based on the studio's needs, this role will be structured as a 6-12 month full-time contract position.

About Us

Our mission at Riyo Games is to craft retro-infused JRPGs that awaken cherished childhood memories. We’re growing the studio by assembling a dream team of talent from across the globe. Join us on this epic quest to make fun, narrative-rich games in an inclusive, supportive, and fun studio environment!

You’ll be working on Threads of Time, a 2.5D JRPG inspired by Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy, where you get to travel from the prehistoric era to the end of time!

• Become part of a veteran team that includes legendary developers who led iconic titles such as Xenoblade Chronicles, Legend of Mana, and more
• Competitive salary
• 4 weeks paid vacation (1 week of which is taken in late December)
• Benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, and an Employee & Family Assistance program
• Collaborative environment with opportunities to contribute to the game’s creative design and take ownership of features
• Opportunities to help you strengthen your skills or learn something new
• A workplace that appreciates and values diversity and inclusivity

Responsibilities

• Help design and implement new UI systems
• Support, iterate on, and extend existing UI systems
• Work closely with UI/UX designers and artists to understand requirements, provide technical feedback, and refine designs
• Ensure the UI functions correctly, displays properly on different devices and resolutions, and is optimized for performance
• Write, integrate, and test code to implement UI features, such as menus, HUDs, and buttons, within the game engine
• Help create interactive prototypes and iterate on designs based on player feedback and playtests to improve user experience. 
• Contribute to maintaining UI style guides and other strong technical documentation to ensure visual and functional consistency across the game. 
• Provide development strategies and time estimates for the various initiatives
• Contribute and apply clear coding best practices
• Anticipate, identify, and articulate technical and developmental risks and obstacles, and generate solutions

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, or equivalent
• 5+ years of game development experience
• Understanding of and experience with UMG optimization techniques
• Knowledge of common UI architectures
• Experience with developing and testing UI features across multiple platforms
• Strong knowledge of and experience using Unreal Engine 5
• Strong proficiency in C++, Unreal Blueprint scripting, and debugging skills
• Experience in developing gameplay, tools, and/or engine systems
• High degree of self-motivation and resourcefulness in all areas of engineering
• Well-versed in design patterns and software engineering principles
• Excellent communication and listening skills, including demonstrated patience and compassion for teammates
• Experience with commonly used development tools such as Jira and Perforce
• Experience with Agile methodologies
• Genuine passion for making and playing video games

Pluses

• Shipped a title using Unreal Engine 4/5
• Resident of Ontario or Quebec, Canada
• A love of JRPGs

Salary: $90,000 to $110,000

Please note that although this is a full-time remote contract position, applicants must reside in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, or British Columbia, or be willing to relocate.

Maybe you think that your experience is not where it should be? Or you don’t meet every requirement listed in this job description? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t think they meet every qualification. But we feel that creating meaningful work means embracing different perspectives, which is why at Riyo Games, we are focused on building an equitable, diverse, and inclusive studio. If your experience is not perfectly aligned with every requirement in this job description, but you’re interested in this position, we encourage you to apply anyway. We simply want to know what makes you special!

Riyo Games welcomes and encourages applications from candidates with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. If you require disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process, please email contact@riyogames.com. We will consult with all applicants who request disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure that the accommodation provided takes into account the applicant's individual accessibility needs.

Thank you, we look forward to hearing from you!