Lead UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UX Designer

Company: CD PROJEKT RED

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Game Design & User Experience Operations

Date Posted: February 11, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the user experience (UX) strategy and design for Project Sirius, a new multiplayer game set in The Witcher universe.

• Drive the creation of intuitive, immersive, and rewarding player experiences through a deep understanding of game flow, UI navigation, and interactive clarity.

• Lead and mentor a team of UX designers, establishing best practices and fostering an inclusive design environment.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with UI Artists, Researchers, Producers, and Development teams to translate player needs and business goals into exceptional user interfaces and game mechanics.

• Champion player-centered design principles, leveraging user research, playtesting, and community feedback to inform iterative design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the title "Lead UX Designer" and the mention of "Project Sirius" (a new game initiative), this role is positioned as a critical leadership position within the game development lifecycle. The focus on "overall user experience—visual, interactive, and workflow design" and "inclusive, intuitive, immersive, rewarding, and memorable experience" indicates a strategic operational role responsible for the holistic player journey. The requirement to "report to the Design Director" further solidifies its senior operational standing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and oversee the user experience (UX) strategy, encompassing visual design, interaction design, and workflow for Project Sirius.

• Lead the design and iteration of UI screens, layouts, navigation structures, and player journeys in close collaboration with the Lead UI Artist.

• Build, mentor, and guide a team of UX designers, fostering a collaborative environment and implementing inclusive design methodologies.

• Develop and prototype interactive systems, game menus, and player-facing interfaces, ensuring accessibility and usability.

• Plan, conduct, and analyze playtests, translating player feedback and observed behaviors into actionable design improvements.

• Partner with UX Researchers to integrate user insights, market trends, and community feedback into player-centered design solutions.

• Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation (e.g., wireframes, user flows, style guides) for seamless implementation by development teams.

• Collaborate with Production and development teams to ensure UX designs are feasible, align with project timelines, and meet resource constraints.

• Facilitate open communication and feedback loops with cross-functional teams to continuously refine and enhance the user experience.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor analysis, and emerging technologies in game UX and UI design to drive innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design, and team management. The emphasis on "collaborate closely with the Lead UI Artist," "build, support, and guide a team of UX designers," "define goals for, and participate in, playtests," and "work closely with UX Researchers" points to a highly integrated operational role within the game development pipeline, requiring strong cross-functional alignment and process management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific degree requirements are not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience: Approximately 5+ years in UX Design, with a demonstrable track record of leadership responsibilities and at least one shipped AAA game title.

Required Skills:

• 5+ years of professional experience in User Experience (UX) Design.

• Proven experience in a leadership or mentorship role for UX designers.

• Successful shipment of at least one AAA video game title.

• Deep understanding of current game titles, industry best practices, and player psychology.

• Proficiency with industry-standard prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe Creative Cloud.

• Expertise in collaboration tools like Miro for ideation and workflow management.

• Strong command of UI/UX best practices, including information architecture, interaction design, and usability principles.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts clearly.

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.

• Openness to constructive feedback and a proactive approach to giving feedback to strengthen project outcomes.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience as a UX Designer specifically on a multiplayer game.

• Hands-on experience creating prototypes and wireframes within Unreal Engine.

• Familiarity with user research methodologies and the ability to translate findings into design solutions.

• Understanding of game development pipelines and engine capabilities (e.g., Unreal Engine).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Shipped at least one AAA title" and "5+ years of experience in UX Design, including some leadership responsibilities" clearly positions this as a senior, operational role. The emphasis on specific tools like Figma and Unreal Engine indicates a need for practical, hands-on experience within the game development technology stack. The "Nice to Haves" suggest a preference for candidates with direct experience in the genre and platform relevant to Project Sirius.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of one shipped AAA title, demonstrating end-to-end UX design contributions.

• Detailed case studies that highlight your leadership in UX design, including problem definition, user research integration, design process, prototyping, and final implementation outcomes.

• Examples of UI navigation systems, game flow designs, and interactive elements that prioritize player experience and accessibility.

• Evidence of collaboration with UI Artists, developers, and other stakeholders, illustrating your ability to translate design vision into reality.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of your process for creating and maintaining design documentation, including wireframes, user flows, and interaction guidelines.

• Examples of how you've established and implemented UX design methodologies and best practices within a team setting.

• Case studies detailing your approach to conducting and leveraging user research and playtesting for iterative design refinement.

• Evidence of your ability to work with development teams to ensure accurate and efficient implementation of UX designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead UX Designer role, a portfolio is critical. It's not just about showcasing individual work but demonstrating leadership, process, and impact. The emphasis on "shipped AAA title" and "leadership responsibilities" means the portfolio should clearly delineate contributions to team efforts and highlight the candidate's role in guiding design decisions and processes, not just individual UI elements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $149,500 - $205,600 USD annually.

Benefits:

• Company-paid medical healthcare (including dental, vision, and mental health coverage).

• Free mental health support, including counseling, psychiatric care, and well-being webinars.

• Generous paid leave: 26 days of vacation, 10 sick days, and 12 calendar holidays annually.

• 401K plan with employer matching contributions.

• Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) of $100 per month for wellness and personal development expenses (e.g., gym memberships, books).

• Menstrual leave: An additional day off for employees experiencing period pain.

• RED Parents Network: Support for working parents, including childcare benefits and family-friendly events.

• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance.

• Comprehensive training, lectures, and courses (internal workshops, e-learning, online tutorials).

• Welcome pack filled with company merchandise.

• Dog-friendly office environment.

• Discretionary stock options may be awarded.

Working Hours: While specific daily hours aren't fixed, the role offers flexible working hours, with an expected commitment of approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Lead UX Designer role in Boston, MA, considering the experience level (5-10 years) and the AAA gaming industry context. The extensive benefits package, including unique offerings like menstrual leave and a Lifestyle Spending Account, indicates a strong commitment to employee well-being and professional development, which are key operational considerations for attracting and retaining top talent in specialized fields like game development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development, Interactive Entertainment. CD PROJEKT RED is renowned for its critically acclaimed, story-driven RPGs, particularly The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077.

Company Size: CD PROJEKT RED is a significant player in the gaming industry, likely falling into the "large company" category in terms of employee count, with multiple studios.

Founded: CD PROJEKT RED was founded in 2002, with a long history of developing and publishing games.

Team Structure:

• The Lead UX Designer will be part of the game development team for Project Sirius, reporting directly to the Design Director.

• This role involves leading a dedicated team of UX Designers, fostering a collaborative and communicative environment.

• Close interaction with other Leads (e.g., Lead UI Artist, Lead Game Designer, Lead Programmer) and cross-functional teams is essential for success.

Methodology:

• CD PROJEKT RED's methodology is deeply rooted in player-centric development, emphasizing narrative depth, immersive worlds, and high-quality gameplay.

• For UX, this translates to iterative design processes, extensive playtesting, and a strong reliance on user research to inform decisions.

• The company values a culture of continuous learning and improvement, encouraging experimentation and the adoption of new technologies.

• Emphasis is placed on clear documentation and communication to ensure alignment across diverse development disciplines.

Company Website: https://www.cdprojektred.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding CD PROJEKT RED's reputation for story-driven RPGs is crucial. This implies a UX design approach that prioritizes narrative integration, character immersion, and player agency, rather than purely functional or utilitarian design. The "truly story-driven RPGs" mission statement suggests that UX must serve the narrative and emotional engagement of the player.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, operating at the "Lead" level within the UX Design discipline. It requires not only advanced UX design skills but also the ability to manage, mentor, and strategically guide a team and the overall UX direction for a significant project. The scope of responsibility extends beyond individual contributions to shaping the player experience of an entire AAA game.

Reporting Structure: The Lead UX Designer reports directly to the Design Director. This position will also manage and guide a team of UX Designers, establishing a clear hierarchy and operational flow for UX efforts within Project Sirius.

Operations Impact: The Lead UX Designer's impact is paramount to the success of Project Sirius. By ensuring an intuitive, engaging, and immersive player experience, this role directly influences player satisfaction, retention, positive reviews, and ultimately, the commercial success of the game. Effective UX operations minimize friction, enhance player enjoyment, and reinforce the brand's commitment to quality.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into higher directorial roles within the design department, potentially overseeing UX for multiple projects or leading broader design initiatives.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of game UX, such as player onboarding, live-service UX, or accessibility design for complex game systems.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Gain deeper insights into game development pipelines, engine technologies (Unreal Engine), and other design disciplines, broadening overall game development understanding.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Develop strong leadership and team-building skills through managing and mentoring junior and mid-level UX designers.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping the future of UX within the AAA gaming space through innovative design and thought leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title indicates a defined career path beyond individual contributor roles, focusing on strategic oversight and team management within the operations of game development. The explicit mention of "Project Sirius" suggests this role has the potential to make a significant, visible impact on a new and ambitious venture.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in CD PROJEKT RED's Boston Studio. The company offers a hybrid working mode, allowing for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Specific office details regarding amenities and accessibility would need to be confirmed directly with the company.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-departmental collaboration suggest a dynamic workspace designed for both focused individual work and interactive team sessions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Sketch, Creative Cloud) and game development tools (Unreal Engine) will be integral to the daily workflow.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with fellow designers, artists, researchers, producers, and developers, fostering a rich learning and collaborative atmosphere.

• Dog-Friendly Office: A unique perk that contributes to a relaxed and friendly office culture, potentially enhancing employee morale and well-being.

• Casual Dress Code: Reflects a modern, less formal work environment, prioritizing comfort and productivity.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are offered, allowing employees to manage their schedules within the hybrid framework. This flexibility is key for operations roles that may require deep focus periods alongside collaborative meetings and development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant factor for operations roles, balancing the need for in-person collaboration and team cohesion with the benefits of remote work flexibility. The dog-friendly office and casual dress code point to a company culture that values employee comfort and a relaxed, productive atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio for relevant experience, AAA title shipments, and leadership potential.

• Portfolio Deep Dive: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, discussing specific case studies, your design process, and your contributions to shipped titles. Be prepared to articulate the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Skills & Technical Assessment: Potential technical exercises or discussions focused on UX principles, prototyping tools, and your experience with Unreal Engine or similar game engines.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders, including the Design Director, Lead UI Artist, and potentially members of the development team, to assess collaboration skills and cultural fit.

• Leadership & Team Fit Interview: A discussion focused on your leadership style, mentorship approach, and how you foster collaboration and inclusivity within a design team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase 2-3 of your strongest projects, focusing on those that best demonstrate your UX leadership, AAA experience, and understanding of game design principles.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your role and responsibilities, the design process you followed, the challenges you encountered, and the impact of your solutions (quantifiable metrics are a plus).

• Highlight Leadership: Explicitly detail your leadership contributions, such as mentoring junior designers, defining team processes, or driving strategic design decisions.

• Showcase Process: Include wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and user research insights to illustrate your design methodology.

• Contextualize for Gaming: Tailor your presentation to highlight your understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, and the unique demands of AAA game UX.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a potential design challenge that might involve a specific problem related to game UI/UX, requiring you to think through solutions, justify your approach, and potentially present a high-level concept.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common UX challenges in game development, such as conflicting stakeholder feedback, tight deadlines, or integrating complex mechanics into intuitive interfaces.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with prototyping tools and your familiarity with game engines like Unreal Engine.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and "shipped AAA title" means candidates must be ready to present detailed case studies that not only showcase design skills but also their ability to lead, collaborate, and deliver complex projects within the demanding environment of AAA game development. The interview process will likely be rigorous, assessing both technical and leadership capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Design: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD). Proficiency in at least one of these is crucial.

• Collaboration: Miro, Confluence, Jira, or similar tools for team communication, documentation, and project management.

• Game Engine Integration: Unreal Engine (experience with its UX/UI functionalities, UMG - Unreal Motion Graphics, or Blueprint for prototyping is highly desirable).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for UX, familiarity with analytics platforms used in game development (e.g., Firebase, internal analytics tools) to understand player behavior and game performance can be a significant advantage.

CRM & Automation:

• Not typically a primary focus for a Lead UX Designer, but understanding how player data is managed and utilized can inform design decisions. Familiarity with project management and workflow automation tools common in development pipelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Unreal Engine" and industry-standard design tools like "Figma, Sketch, Creative Cloud" are critical technical requirements. For a Lead role, it's expected that candidates not only use these tools but understand how to leverage them for complex game UX design and potentially for prototyping within the engine itself.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A core value is always designing with the player's experience at the forefront, ensuring games are enjoyable, accessible, and immersive.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong emphasis on open dialogue, feedback exchange, and cross-functional teamwork to achieve shared project goals.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A commitment to high quality in all aspects of game development, from narrative and art to gameplay and user experience.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouraging exploration of new ideas, technologies, and design approaches to push creative boundaries.

• Kindness & Respect: Fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where team members treat each other with respect and empathy.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with UI Artists, game designers, narrative designers, engineers, producers, and researchers to ensure a cohesive vision and seamless execution.

• Iterative Design Feedback: A culture where design work is regularly shared, critiqued, and refined through constructive feedback from peers and stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and lessons learned across teams to foster collective growth and improve development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of "Curiosity, kindness, and a collaborative, problem-solving mindset" directly inform the expected team culture. For a Lead UX Designer, demonstrating these values through mentorship, open communication, and a proactive approach to team dynamics will be crucial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: Effectively navigating the trade-offs between ideal player experiences and the realities of AAA game development timelines, budgets, and engine limitations.

• Leading a New Project: Establishing the UX direction and team processes for Project Sirius from its early stages, requiring strategic vision and adaptability.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Input: Synthesizing feedback from various departments (design, art, engineering, marketing, leadership) into a unified and effective UX strategy.

• Fostering Inclusive Design at Scale: Ensuring that complex game systems are accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of players, including those with disabilities.

• Staying Ahead of Industry Trends: Continuously adapting to evolving player expectations, new technologies, and competitor innovations in the rapidly changing game industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Leadership: Developing strategic leadership and team management skills through hands-on experience with a AAA project and direct reports.

• Deep Dive into Unreal Engine: Gaining practical experience and potentially certification in Unreal Engine's UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) and other UX-relevant features.

• Game Design Integration: Deepening understanding of core game design principles and how UX directly influences player engagement and game mechanics.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend relevant conferences (e.g., GDC, UXPA) and participate in specialized training to enhance skills.

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from senior leadership within CD PROJEKT RED and potentially mentoring junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to leading UX on a new AAA game. The growth opportunities are substantial, focusing on both leadership development and technical specialization within the gaming industry's leading technologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for defining the overall UX strategy for a new AAA game. How do you ensure it aligns with the game's vision and target audience?"

• "How do you approach leading and mentoring a team of UX designers? Provide an example of how you've fostered growth or resolved team conflicts."

• "Walk us through a complex UX challenge you faced on a shipped AAA title. What was the problem, how did you solve it, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you collaborate with UI Artists and engineers to ensure a consistent and high-quality user experience?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Project Sirius and The Witcher universe?"

• "How do you embody CD PROJEKT RED's values of curiosity, kindness, and collaboration in your work?"

• "How would you contribute to an inclusive design culture within our UX team?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the "Problem," "Your Role," "Solution," and "Results/Impact."

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics (e.g., improved completion rates, reduced error rates, positive player feedback trends) to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

• Highlight Leadership: Explicitly point out your leadership contributions, team guidance, and strategic decision-making.

• Showcase Process: Use visual aids (wireframes, user flows, prototypes) to illustrate your design methodology and iterative approach.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific design choices and your rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating a clear, strategic approach to UX operations, demonstrating leadership capabilities, and showcasing a deep understanding of the game development process and player-centric design. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Smartrecruiters.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with AAA titles, leadership responsibilities, and proficiency in industry-standard UX design and prototyping tools. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX leadership, AAA game experience, and understanding of game design. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your role, solution, and impact.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice walking through your portfolio with a focus on explaining your design process, decision-making rationale, and leadership contributions. Be ready to discuss your experience with Unreal Engine and collaborative tools.

• Research CD PROJEKT RED: Familiarize yourself with their games, company culture, and mission to articulate your genuine interest and cultural fit. Understand the significance of The Witcher universe.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with CD PROJEKT RED before making application decisions.