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

Date Posted: January 23, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the definition and execution of the overall user experience (UX) for Project Sirius, a new multiplayer game set in The Witcher universe.

• Drive the design of intuitive, immersive, and rewarding player journeys by focusing on UI navigation, game flow, and moment-to-moment interactive clarity.

• Foster an inclusive design environment and establish best practices for a team of UX designers.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with UI Artists, UX Researchers, and Production to translate player needs and insights into exceptional game experiences.

• Report directly to the Design Director, contributing significantly to the strategic direction of the game's user interface and interaction design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Lead UX Designer within the gaming industry, focusing on a AAA multiplayer title. The emphasis on "inclusive, intuitive, immersive, rewarding, and memorable experience" highlights a deep commitment to player-centric design. The requirement to "ship at least one AAA title" underscores the need for proven experience in large-scale game development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and guide the UX design of user interfaces, game menus, and overall player journeys, ensuring cohesive and accessible user experiences.

• Collaborate closely with the Lead UI Artist to develop UI screens and layouts that align with established UX principles and visual aesthetics.

• Build, support, and mentor a team of UX designers, establishing and promoting inclusive design methodologies and best practices.

• Design and prototype navigation structures, interaction guidelines, and usability systems to optimize player engagement and ease of use.

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

• Partner with UX Researchers to integrate user research findings, marketing insights, and community feedback into thoughtful, player-centered design solutions.

• Produce and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including wireframes, user flows, and interaction specifications, to ensure clear communication and implementation alignment with production timelines.

• Facilitate open communication and feedback exchange within the design team and across departments to continuously refine and elevate the user experience.

• Champion accessibility standards and inclusive design principles throughout the UX development process.

• Explore and implement UX features within the Unreal Engine environment, demonstrating a proactive approach to leveraging development tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of hands-on design, team leadership, and strategic input. The emphasis on "player journeys," "interactive clarity," and "cohesive and accessible user experiences" points to a need for a holistic understanding of game design and user psychology. The collaboration with UX Researchers and the Lead UI Artist suggests a need for strong cross-functional communication and design synergy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency in UX design principles and execution within the gaming industry is paramount. An educational background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, or a related field is often beneficial.

Experience:

• Approximately 5+ years of experience in UX Design, with a significant portion involving leadership responsibilities.

• Proven track record of shipping at least one AAA title, demonstrating the ability to deliver high-quality experiences for large-scale projects.

Required Skills:

• Deep knowledge of current game titles and industry best practices to inspire and communicate original ideas.

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

• Strong understanding of UI/UX best practices, information architecture, and user-centered design methodologies.

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

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Experience in designing and conducting usability testing and playtesting sessions.

• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback to enhance project outcomes and team dynamics.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience creating prototypes and wireframes directly within Unreal Engine.

• Experience in designing for a multiplayer game.

• Familiarity with user research methodologies and translating findings into design.

• Understanding of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles in gaming.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "shipped at least one AAA title" is a critical filter, indicating a need for candidates who have navigated the complexities of large-scale game development. The mention of "Unreal Engine" as a preferred skill suggests a practical understanding of the development pipeline and the tools used for game creation. The emphasis on soft skills like "curiosity, kindness, and a collaborative, problem-solving mindset" points to a culture that values teamwork and positive interpersonal dynamics.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, with a strong emphasis on game design or interactive entertainment.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating your design process, from initial concept and research through to final implementation and iteration.

• Examples of UI navigation, game flow design, and interactive systems that highlight user-centered problem-solving.

• Prototypes or interactive demonstrations that illustrate your proficiency with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Creative Cloud.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of design documentation, such as user flows, wireframes, journey maps, and interaction specifications, that clearly communicate your design intent.

• Demonstrate how you have used documentation to facilitate collaboration with development teams and ensure accurate implementation of UX designs.

• Provide insights into how you have managed and iterated on design documentation throughout the game development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead UX Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It must not only showcase design execution but also leadership capabilities and a deep understanding of the game development process. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating the candidate's ability to translate complex game mechanics and narratives into intuitive player experiences, backed by a clear, documented design process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $149,500 - $205,600 USD annually. This range is based on the provided estimated pay for the Boston, MA location and reflects the experience level and leadership responsibilities of a Lead UX Designer in the AAA gaming industry. Compensation is determined by competitive market data, geographic location, and individual factors.

Benefits:

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

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

• Generous paid leave: 26 days of holiday per year.

• 401K retirement plan with employer matching contributions.

• Gym Membership Reimbursement to support physical well-being.

• Menstrual leave, offering an additional day off for employees experiencing period pain.

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

• Flexible working hours to promote work-life balance.

• Opportunities for professional growth through trainings, lectures, courses, online tutorials, and e-learning classes.

• A welcome pack filled with company-branded goodies.

• Discretionary stock options may be available.

Working Hours: Flexible working hours. While the specific number of days in the office for hybrid work is not detailed, the overall work environment supports flexibility. The standard full-time role likely entails approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility for managing personal schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Lead UX Designer role in a high-cost-of-living area like Boston, especially within the AAA gaming sector. The comprehensive benefits package, including unique offerings like menstrual leave and a dog-friendly office, indicates a strong focus on employee well-being and work-life integration, which are attractive to professionals in demanding creative industries.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Gaming / Entertainment Software Development. CD PROJEKT RED is renowned for creating critically acclaimed, story-driven RPGs, with "Project Sirius" representing an expansion into the multiplayer space within the established Witcher universe.

Company Size: CD PROJEKT RED is a significant player in the global gaming industry, with a substantial number of employees across multiple studios. This size indicates a robust organizational structure, ample resources, and the capacity for large-scale, ambitious projects.

Founded: CD PROJEKT RED was founded in 2002. Its long history in game development, marked by iconic titles like The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077, has cultivated a culture of passion for storytelling, deep game mechanics, and player immersion.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team is likely part of a larger Game Design department, with clear reporting lines to the Design Director.

• This role will involve leading a team of UX Designers, implying direct management and mentorship responsibilities.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing player research, playtest feedback, and community insights to inform design decisions.

• Iterative Development: A continuous cycle of design, prototyping, testing, and refinement to achieve a polished user experience.

• Collaborative Environment: Emphasis on open communication, feedback exchange, and cross-disciplinary teamwork to achieve shared project goals.

• Player-Centric Approach: Prioritizing the player's experience, ensuring intuitiveness, immersion, and enjoyment.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CD PROJEKT RED is known for its commitment to quality and player experience. The "story-driven RPGs" mission suggests a culture that values deep narrative and immersive worlds, which will heavily influence the UX design for "Project Sirius." The expansion into multiplayer indicates a strategic growth phase, demanding innovative UX solutions for online interactions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is a "Lead" role, signifying a senior level within the UX design discipline. It involves not only expert-level design skills but also the responsibility for guiding and mentoring a team, contributing to departmental strategy, and influencing the overall product direction.

Reporting Structure: The Lead UX Designer reports directly to the Design Director. This places the role in a strategic position within the design hierarchy, with direct access to senior leadership and a significant impact on design decisions.

Operations Impact: The Lead UX Designer's impact is direct and profound, shaping how players interact with and perceive "Project Sirius." By ensuring an inclusive, intuitive, and immersive experience, this role directly contributes to player satisfaction, engagement, retention, and ultimately, the commercial success of the game. The UX is often the first and most continuous point of contact players have with a game.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to hone leadership skills by managing and mentoring a team of UX designers, developing their capabilities and fostering a high-performing team environment.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX design relevant to multiplayer games, such as player onboarding, community features, progression systems, or cross-platform design.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to the broader design strategy for "Project Sirius" and potentially future titles, gaining exposure to high-level decision-making within the studio.

• Industry Recognition: Working on a AAA title within the respected Witcher universe offers significant potential for professional recognition and career advancement within the gaming industry.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to gain practical experience with Unreal Engine's UX/UI tools and workflows, a highly sought-after skill in game development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title implies a significant step up from an individual contributor role, with expectations of mentorship and strategic input. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing both technical UX expertise and leadership capabilities within the context of AAA game development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in the Boston Studio, with a hybrid working mode available. This suggests a professional office environment designed to foster collaboration, with amenities that support creative work. The dog-friendly office policy adds a unique, relaxed element to the workspace.

Office Location(s): Boston, Massachusetts, USA. This location provides access to a vibrant tech and gaming ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office is likely equipped with meeting rooms, brainstorming areas, and open-plan workstations to facilitate teamwork and idea sharing.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard hardware and software, including powerful workstations, large displays, and relevant design and development tools (Figma, Sketch, Unreal Engine, etc.).

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with other designers, artists, developers, and producers, crucial for effective collaboration on complex projects.

• Casual Atmosphere: A "no dress-code" policy contributes to a relaxed and comfortable work environment, encouraging creativity and individual expression.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are offered, allowing employees to manage their schedules effectively while ensuring core business needs are met. This flexibility is particularly valuable for roles involving creative problem-solving and iterative design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and flexible working hours suggest a modern approach to work-life balance, which is increasingly important in the demanding gaming industry. The dog-friendly policy and casual dress code point to a company culture that values employee comfort and a positive atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio for relevant experience, skills, and demonstrated impact on shipped AAA titles.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A deep dive into your portfolio, where you'll present key projects, explain your design process, decision-making rationale, and the impact of your work. Expect detailed questions about your contributions to shipped titles.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a design challenge or a discussion about your proficiency with specific tools (Figma, Sketch, Unreal Engine) and UX methodologies.

• Team/Culture Fit Interviews: Meetings with the Design Director, potential team members, and cross-functional leads to assess your collaborative style, communication abilities, leadership potential, and alignment with CD PROJEKT RED's values (curiosity, kindness, problem-solving).

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and overall vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase AAA Impact: Clearly highlight your specific contributions to shipped AAA titles. Quantify your impact where possible (e.g., "improved user engagement by X%", "reduced task completion time by Y%").

• Demonstrate Process: For each project, articulate your design process, including research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration. Explain why you made certain design choices.

• Leadership Examples: If presenting leadership experience, include examples of how you've mentored designers, influenced team direction, or improved team processes.

• Unreal Engine Integration: If you have Unreal Engine UX/UI prototyping experience, showcase it clearly.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your strongest work efficiently. Be prepared to discuss any project in detail, but focus on showcasing breadth and depth relevant to a Lead role.

• Tailor to Project Sirius: Understand the Witcher universe and the challenges of designing for a multiplayer RPG. Show how your skills align with these specific needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking: Be ready to tackle a hypothetical UX problem related to game design, focusing on your problem-solving approach, user-centered thinking, and ability to articulate solutions clearly.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle common design challenges, such as conflicting stakeholder feedback or technical constraints, emphasizing your collaborative and communication skills.

• UX Strategy: Be prepared to discuss your philosophy on UX in gaming, how you approach designing for player engagement and immersion, and your understanding of inclusive design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review for a Lead role is critical. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also articulate their strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and how they approach problem-solving within the context of AAA game development. The "Project Sirius" context means understanding multiplayer RPG UX challenges is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Design: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD). Proficiency in at least one of these is crucial for creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

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

• Game Engine Integration: Unreal Engine is a key tool for this role, particularly for implementing and iterating on UX/UI features. Experience with its UI tools (UMG - Unreal Motion Graphics) is highly desirable.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core UX design responsibilities for this role, but an understanding of how user data might be managed and utilized in live service games could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools is non-negotiable. The specific mention of Unreal Engine highlights the importance of understanding the game development pipeline and the tools used for implementation, making it a key differentiator for candidates.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Games: A genuine love for video games and a deep understanding of what makes them engaging and immersive.

• Player-Centricity: A commitment to designing with the player's needs, motivations, and experiences at the forefront.

• Collaboration & Openness: A culture that encourages open communication, constructive feedback, and teamwork across disciplines.

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

• Curiosity & Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, learn continuously, and push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.

• Excellence: A dedication to producing high-quality work and striving for excellence in all aspects of game development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with UI Artists, Game Designers, Narrative Designers, UX Researchers, Engineers, and Producers to ensure a cohesive vision and seamless execution.

• Feedback-Driven: Actively seeking and providing feedback to foster continuous improvement and ensure alignment across teams.

• Knowledge Sharing: Participating in internal workshops, sharing insights, and contributing to the collective knowledge base of the design team.

• Iterative Process: Embracing an iterative design approach, where collaboration and feedback are integral to refining the user experience throughout development.

📝 Enhancement Note: CD PROJEKT RED's stated values of curiosity, kindness, and problem-solving, combined with a passion for games, form the bedrock of their team culture. The emphasis on collaboration and openness is crucial for a Lead role that must bridge various disciplines and foster a positive team dynamic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player Needs with Business Goals: Navigating the complexities of designing for a broad player base while meeting the strategic objectives of a AAA multiplayer title.

• Leading a New Project: Defining and establishing the UX direction for "Project Sirius," a new IP within the Witcher universe, requiring innovation and clear vision-setting.

• Cross-Disciplinary Alignment: Ensuring seamless integration of UX design with art, narrative, and technical requirements, especially in a complex multiplayer environment.

• Managing Team Dynamics: Effectively leading and mentoring a team of UX designers, fostering growth, and resolving potential conflicts.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in game development tools (like Unreal Engine) and player expectations in the evolving online gaming landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Techniques: Opportunity to develop specialized skills in areas like player onboarding, progression systems, monetization UX, and accessibility for multiplayer games.

• Leadership Training: Formal and informal opportunities to develop management, mentorship, and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Exposure: Attending conferences, workshops, and engaging with the broader game development community to stay abreast of trends and best practices.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced design leaders and contributing to the development of junior talent within the studio.

• Unreal Engine Proficiency: Gaining in-depth, practical experience with Unreal Engine's UI/UX development pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a Lead role on a new, ambitious AAA project. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for significant professional development, both in technical UX skills and leadership capacity, within a highly respected studio.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for defining the core UX pillars for a new multiplayer game. How would you ensure these pillars support both player immersion and game longevity?"

• "How do you approach balancing player feedback from different sources (e.g., internal playtests, community forums, beta feedback) when iterating on a game's user experience?"

• "Imagine we're facing a challenge where a key UI feature is technically difficult to implement within our current Unreal Engine build. How would you collaborate with engineers and producers to find a viable solution?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about CD PROJEKT RED's mission and your potential role in bringing 'Project Sirius' to life?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative and supportive environment within a design team, especially when dealing with creative differences or tight deadlines?"

• "Describe a time you received critical feedback on your design work. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation like a story. Start with the problem or goal, explain your process and solutions, and conclude with the impact and lessons learned.

• Focus on Leadership: For each project, clearly articulate your role, especially if you led any aspect of the design or mentored others. Use "I" for your direct contributions and "we" for team efforts.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved usability scores, increased engagement, reduced error rates).

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Highlight complex challenges you faced and how you creatively overcame them. This is especially important for a Lead role.

• Unreal Engine Examples: If you have any work demonstrating Unreal Engine UI/UX implementation, make sure to showcase it prominently.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the gaming industry and CD PROJEKT RED's specific context. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase these qualities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 5+ years of UX design experience, your leadership responsibilities, and your direct contributions to at least one shipped AAA title. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a comprehensive portfolio that showcases your best work, with a strong emphasis on game design, UI navigation, and interactive systems. Include detailed case studies demonstrating your process, problem-solving skills, and leadership experience. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a link to your personal website or a dedicated portfolio platform).

• Prepare for the Interview Process: Familiarize yourself with the typical interview stages, focusing on practicing your portfolio presentation, preparing answers to strategy and behavioral questions, and researching CD PROJEKT RED's games and company culture.

• Research Project Sirius: Understand the Witcher universe and the challenges of designing for a multiplayer RPG to demonstrate your specific interest and suitability for this role.

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