Senior Principal UI Programmer

Title: Senior Principal UI Programmer Location: Manchester Employment: Full time

We are a crowdfunded company and we 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 we 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.