Senior Principal UI Programmer

Foundry 42 Ltd. Uk; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cloud Imperium Games in Manchester is seeking an exceptional Senior Principal UI Programmer with strong motion graphics and tool development experience to work with our Technical UI Director on cutting-edge, animated UI for Star Engine.

This high-level role shapes the future of our UI framework, motion graphics systems, and design tools, mentoring juniors and delivering production‑ready interfaces across menus, HUDs, and in‑game displays.

Qualifications

• UI engine programming experience in games, with strong motion graphics and tool development.
• Expert knowledge of UI architectures, animation systems, motion design principles, and tool development.
• Strong C++ programming skills and experience with animation frameworks and tool development.
• Proficiency with motion graphics software and ability to implement designs programmatically.
• Experience developing and maintaining custom UI design and animation tools.
• Demonstrated ability to translate designer workflows into efficient tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced, animated UI systems tailored for our sci‑fi game's futuristic aesthetic.
• Create fluid, responsive motion graphics for game menus, HUDs, and in‑game interfaces.
• Develop and maintain robust, user‑friendly tools for UI designers to streamline their workflow.
• Collaborate with designers and artists to understand needs and create tools that support their creative process.
• Implement real‑time preview and iteration capabilities within the UI design tools.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and technical direction of UI development, motion graphics, and design tools.
• Optimize performance of animated UI elements and ensure efficient integration with the design toolchain.
• Mentor junior team members in UI animation techniques, tool development, and best practices.
• Drive innovation in UI technology, motion design, and designer tools to enhance our sci‑fi game's development process and final product.

Skills

UI engine programming

Motion graphics

Tool development

C++

Animation frameworks

Design tools

Mentoring

Tools

Star Engine

Real-time UI tools

Job description

We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever”. We want to build the best we can deliver and we believe wholeheartedly in the value of exceptional diverse talent.

We're seeking an exceptional Senior Principal UI Programmer with strong motion graphics skills and tool development experience to work directly with our Technical UI Director in creating cutting-edge, animated user interfaces and robust design tools for our ambitious AAA sci-fi game using our proprietary Star Engine.

As a key member of our UI team, you'll assist the Technical UI Director in shaping the future of our custom UI framework, motion graphics systems, and design tools within Star Engine. This high-level role requires a unique blend of technical expertise, creative design skills, and the ability to develop intuitive tools that empower UI designers to bring their visions to life.

Founded in 2012, Cloud Imperium Games creates cutting-edge videogames that defy expectations. We’re currently developing Star Citizen, a record-breaking multiplayer online space sim, and Squadron 42, a cinematic single-player adventure set in the same universe. Join us as we break boundaries and make videogame history.

We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever”.

What does a Senior Principal UI Programmer at CIG do?

Work closely with the Technical UI Director to evolve our custom UI framework, motion graphics systems, and design tools within Star Engine.

Design and implement advanced, animated UI systems tailored for our sci‑fi game's futuristic aesthetic.

Create fluid, responsive motion graphics for game menus, HUDs, and in‑game interfaces.

Develop and maintain robust, user‑friendly tools for UI designers to streamline their workflow and enhance productivity.

Collaborate with designers and artists to understand their needs and create tools that support their creative process.

Implement real‑time preview and iteration capabilities within the UI design tools.

Contribute to the architectural decisions and technical direction of UI development, motion graphics, and design tools.

Optimize performance of animated UI elements and ensure efficient integration with the design toolchain.

Mentor junior team members in UI animation techniques, tool development, and best practices.

• Drive innovation in UI technology, motion design, and designer tools to enhance our sci‑fi game's development process and final product.

What do we expect from our Senior Principal UI Programmers?

Demonstrable experience of UI engine programming experience in the games industry, with a strong focus on motion graphics and tool development.

Expert knowledge of UI architectures, animation systems, motion design principles, and tool development.

Strong programming skills in C++ and experience with animation frameworks and tool development technologies.

Proficiency with motion graphics software and ability to implement designs programmatically.

Experience developing and maintaining custom UI design and animation tools.

Demonstrated ability to understand designer workflows and translate them into efficient tools.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with leadership, designers, and cross‑functional teams.

If you're passionate about creating cutting‑edge, animated UI and empowering designers with innovative tools for science fiction gaming, we want to hear from you! Join us in bringing the next generation of dynamic, immersive sci‑fi game interfaces to life and revolutionizing our UI design process with our groundbreaking Star Engine.

Diversity Statement

CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it’s our differences that make it special.

We are aware of people receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from CIG. These types of fraud can be carried out through false websites, fake email addresses claiming to be from our company, or social media. We do not ask for your personal info like bank account numbers, identification numbers, etc through social media or chat‑based apps, nor do we request or send money for the purchase of business equipment.

If you suspect fraud, please report it to your local authorities, as well as reaching out to us at info @ cloudimperiumgames.com with any information you may have.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over‑achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!