Lead UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UX Designer Company: CD PROJEKT RED Location: Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland Job Type: Full-time Category: Game Development / User Experience Design Date Posted: 2026-01-22 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Define and lead the overall user experience (UX) strategy for Project Sirius, a new multiplayer game in The Witcher universe, ensuring an intuitive, immersive, and rewarding player journey.
• Build, mentor, and guide a team of UX designers, establishing best practices and fostering a collaborative, inclusive design environment.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally with UI Artists, Game Designers, Producers, and UX Researchers to translate player needs and business goals into actionable design solutions.
• Drive the design and iteration of user interfaces, game menus, navigation structures, and interaction guidelines through prototyping, playtesting, and user feedback.
• Champion player-centered design principles and contribute to the creation of a memorable and accessible player experience within a AAA game development context.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is distinctly focused on leading UX efforts within a AAA game development studio, specifically for a multiplayer RPG. The emphasis on "player-centered design," "inclusive UX," and "interactive clarity" highlights a deep commitment to user experience principles beyond just visual aesthetics. The "hybrid working mode" is a key detail for candidates considering on-site and remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the UX design of game menus, player journeys, and interactive elements to ensure seamless navigation and engaging gameplay.
• Collaborate closely with the Lead UI Artist to ensure visual consistency and accessibility across all UI screens and layouts.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including wireframes, user flows, and interaction guidelines, to effectively communicate design intent to development teams.
• Define goals for, and actively participate in, playtesting sessions to gather critical player feedback and identify areas for UX improvement.
• Translate insights from user research, marketing data, and community feedback into concrete design solutions that enhance the overall player experience.
• Champion and implement inclusive design practices to ensure the game is accessible and enjoyable for a diverse player base.
• Guide and mentor junior UX designers, fostering their professional growth and ensuring adherence to established design methodologies and standards.
• Work with Production to manage design timelines, resource allocation, and ensure timely implementation of UX features.
• Actively participate in design reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to continuously refine and elevate the game's UX.
• Research and propose innovative UX solutions that align with the unique vision of Project Sirius and the broader Witcher universe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design work, team management, and cross-functional collaboration. The specific mention of "Project Sirius," "The Witcher universe," and "AAA title" context is crucial for understanding the scale and nature of the UX challenges.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, or a related field is typically expected for this level of UX expertise. Experience: Approximately 5+ years of dedicated UX Design experience, with a proven track record of leading design initiatives and at least one shipped AAA title.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in UX Design, with a significant portion involving leadership or mentorship of design teams.
• Successfully shipped at least one AAA video game title, demonstrating an understanding of the development lifecycle and challenges.
• Deep knowledge of current game titles, player expectations, and industry best practices in UX/UI design.
• Proficiency with industry-standard prototyping and wireframing tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe Creative Cloud suite.
• Experience with collaboration tools like Miro for ideation, workflow mapping, and team communication.
• Strong understanding of UI/UX principles, information architecture, and user-centered design methodologies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced game development environment.
• Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in design and team collaboration.
• A curious, kind, and collaborative problem-solving mindset.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience as a UX Designer specifically on a multiplayer game, understanding its unique design challenges.
• Experience creating interactive prototypes and wireframes directly within Unreal Engine.
• Familiarity with user research methodologies and the ability to translate research findings into actionable design improvements.
• Experience with accessibility standards and designing for inclusive user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on shipping a AAA title and experience with specific prototyping tools (Figma, Sketch, Creative Cloud) and collaboration tools (Miro) are critical technical requirements. The preference for multiplayer game experience and Unreal Engine prototyping indicates a specialization within game UX.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, with a strong emphasis on game development.
• Detailed case studies demonstrating your process from problem identification through to solution implementation and iteration.
• Clear articulation of your role, responsibilities, and contributions within each project, especially for team-based work.
• Examples of user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs, highlighting your design thinking.
• Evidence of user research integration, usability testing, and how feedback influenced design decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to design for accessibility and inclusive user experiences.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of design documentation (e.g., user journey maps, wireframes, style guides, interaction specifications) that clearly communicate design intent and logic.
• Illustrate your approach to iterating on designs based on playtesting feedback, data analysis, and cross-functional input.
• Provide examples of how you have collaborated with engineering and art teams to ensure effective implementation of UX designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead UX Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just design skills but also leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex projects within a demanding development cycle. The emphasis on case studies and process documentation is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Lead UX Designers in Warsaw, Poland, with 5-10 years of experience and AAA game development experience, the estimated annual salary range is likely between 180,000 PLN to 300,000 PLN (approximately $45,000 - $75,000 USD, subject to exchange rates and individual negotiation). This range accounts for the strategic nature of the role, leadership responsibilities, and the high-demand skill set within the gaming industry.

Benefits:

• Relocation Support: Comprehensive package including flight tickets, company apartment for the first month, pet relocation, and shipping assistance.
• Relocation Assistance: Support with legalization, finding residence, and tax settlements.
• Language Support: Polish lessons for employees and their partners.
• Paid Leave: 20-26 days of holiday per year, paid sick leave, paid maternity & paternity leave.
• Flexible Working Hours: Start your workday between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
• Professional Development: Access to internal workshops, external training, lectures, online tutorials, and e-learning classes.
• Cafeteria Platform: Subscription benefits, additional medical packages, vouchers, and codes for shops/cinemas.
• Merchandise & Welcome Pack: Gifts and swag, including a welcome pack with goodies.
• Private Medical Healthcare: Comprehensive plans with dental care, extendable to partners and relatives.
• Health Checks: On-site tests, vaccinations, and specialist medical advice.
• Psychological Care: Free mental health support and well-being webinars.
• Multisport Card: Access to a wide range of sports and fitness facilities.
• Dog-Friendly Office: Employees are welcome to bring their dogs to the studio.
• Social Events: Regular company gatherings and team-building activities.
• Healthy Office Snacks: Organic fruits, snacks, muesli, honey, vegan milk, and specialty coffee.
• International Environment: Work in a diverse, global team.

Working Hours: Standard full-time position with flexible start times between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, supporting a hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for lead-level design roles in Poland's tech/gaming sector, considering the AAA game development context. The extensive benefits package, particularly relocation support and professional development opportunities, is a significant draw for international candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Game Development, specifically focused on creating immersive, story-driven RPGs. CD PROJEKT RED is renowned for its high-quality, narrative-rich titles. Company Size: While not explicitly stated, CD PROJEKT RED is a large, established game development studio with multiple projects, indicating a substantial employee base likely in the hundreds or thousands. This implies a structured yet dynamic work environment. Founded: CD PROJEKT RED was founded in 2002, giving it decades of experience and a strong legacy in the gaming industry. This history contributes to a culture of innovation and a deep understanding of player engagement.

Team Structure:

• The Lead UX Designer will report to the Design Director, indicating a clear hierarchy within the design department.
• This role involves leading a dedicated team of UX designers, fostering their growth and ensuring cohesive design output.
• Close collaboration is expected with Lead UI Artists, UX Researchers, Game Designers, Producers, and potentially other development disciplines.

Methodology:

• Player-Centered Design: A core philosophy, emphasizing understanding and catering to player needs and behaviors throughout the design process.
• Iterative Development: Design is approached through continuous cycles of prototyping, testing, feedback, and refinement, particularly crucial for game development.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Projects are delivered through strong partnerships across various specialized teams (art, programming, production, QA).
• Data-Informed Design: Insights from user research, playtesting, and community feedback are integral to shaping design decisions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CD PROJEKT RED's reputation for "revolutionary, story-driven RPGs" is central to its culture. The "Project Sirius" context suggests a focus on innovation within an established universe. The company's history and mission point towards a passion-driven, quality-focused environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Lead-level position within the User Experience discipline, signifying a senior role with significant responsibility for team direction, project strategy, and design quality. It bridges individual contribution with team leadership and strategic vision.

Reporting Structure: The Lead UX Designer reports directly to the Design Director. This position also involves direct management and mentorship of a team of UX Designers, implying a dual focus on individual contribution and people management.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work directly impacts the player's perception, engagement, and overall satisfaction with Project Sirius. They are instrumental in ensuring the game is intuitive, immersive, and enjoyable, which are critical factors for commercial success and critical reception in the AAA gaming market. Effective UX design can lead to higher player retention, positive reviews, and stronger brand loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher leadership roles within the design department, such as Head of UX or Design Director, overseeing multiple projects or the entire design function.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of game UX, such as systems design, accessibility, or player progression, becoming a subject matter expert.
• Cross-Project Experience: Opportunity to contribute to future AAA titles, expanding portfolio and experience across different game genres or IPs within the company.
• Mentorship & Training: Develop strong mentorship skills by guiding junior designers, contributing to the company's talent development initiatives.
• Strategic Influence: Play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of game design and player experience for new titles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within game development UX, moving from team leadership to broader strategic design oversight. The emphasis on AAA titles and a specific game project (Project Sirius) indicates opportunities for deep specialization and significant impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in the Warsaw studio and operates under an "Office-First" hybrid model. This suggests a physical workspace designed for collaboration, with access to in-person interaction, while still offering flexibility. Office Location(s): Warsaw, Poland. Specific details about the studio's amenities and accessibility would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Warsaw studio likely offers a dynamic environment designed to foster teamwork, with spaces for design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional meetings.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard hardware, software, and potentially specialized testing equipment to support UX design and research activities.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with UX designers, UI artists, game designers, and other core team members, facilitating immediate feedback loops and stronger team cohesion.

Work Schedule: Employees have flexible working hours, with the ability to start their workday anytime between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. This flexibility is a key perk, allowing for better work-life integration while maintaining a commitment to project deadlines and collaborative needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Office-First" hybrid model is important for candidates to understand; it means regular on-site presence is expected, balancing the benefits of in-person collaboration with remote flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess core qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.
2. Technical Interview: In-depth discussion about UX design principles, game design knowledge, experience with AAA titles, and specific project examples from the portfolio. May involve a live design exercise or problem-solving scenario.
3. Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Focus on leadership capabilities, team collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and cultural fit. This stage will likely involve discussing leadership philosophies and team management approaches.
4. Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents selected projects from their portfolio, detailing their process, challenges, solutions, and impact. This is a critical part of assessing practical application of skills and strategic thinking.
5. Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (e.g., Design Director, Studio Head) to discuss overall vision, strategic alignment, and final fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your leadership experience, AAA game development contributions, and ability to drive player-centered design.
• Highlight Leadership: For each project, clearly articulate your role as a Lead, including team management, strategic decision-making, and mentorship.
• Showcase Process: Detail your UX process from concept to completion, emphasizing research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration specific to game development.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the positive impact of your UX decisions on player experience and project outcomes.
• Accessibility Focus: Include examples that demonstrate your commitment to inclusive design and creating accessible user experiences.
• Presentation Clarity: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio smoothly, explaining your thought process and design rationale clearly and concisely.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Challenges: Be ready for hypothetical scenarios related to designing UX for a multiplayer RPG in The Witcher universe. Consider challenges like onboarding new players, managing complex UIs, or ensuring fair competitive play.
• Unreal Engine Familiarity: If you have Unreal Engine experience, be prepared to discuss it. If not, demonstrate a strong understanding of how UX integrates with game engines.
• Communication & Collaboration: Practice articulating your ideas and defending your design choices while also showing openness to feedback and alternative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation and potential design challenges highlights the practical, hands-on nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to not just talk about their experience but demonstrate it.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Collaboration & Ideation: Miro, Jira, Confluence, Trello, Asana.
• Game Engine Integration: Unreal Engine (familiarity is preferred, direct experience is a plus).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for UX, understanding how to leverage analytics tools (e.g., in-game analytics platforms, player feedback aggregation tools) to inform design decisions is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core UX design function, but understanding game-specific player account management or community platforms might be relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard UX tools like Figma and Miro is essential. The specific mention of Unreal Engine indicates a need for familiarity with the game development environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Gaming: A deep-seated love for video games and a drive to create exceptional player experiences.
• Player-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and prioritizing the needs and desires of players in all design decisions.
• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to producing high-fidelity, polished, and innovative work that meets AAA standards.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in the power of collective effort, open communication, and mutual support to achieve common goals.
• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging novel ideas and pushing boundaries to create unique and memorable gaming experiences.
• Kindness & Respect: Fostering a positive and inclusive work environment where all team members feel valued and respected.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Emphasizes seamless collaboration between UX, UI Art, Game Design, Production, and Engineering teams.
• Feedback-Driven: A culture where constructive feedback is actively sought, given, and integrated into the design process.
• Open Communication: Encourages transparent dialogue and knowledge sharing to ensure everyone is aligned and informed.
• Iterative Process: Working in iterative cycles, allowing for flexibility and continuous improvement based on team input and player testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "kindness, curiosity, and a collaborative, problem-solving mindset" points to a culture that values interpersonal skills and a positive team dynamic alongside technical expertise.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining a New Universe: Establishing a unique and compelling UX for a new game within an existing, beloved IP requires careful balance between fan expectations and innovative design.
• Multiplayer UX Complexity: Designing intuitive systems for multiplayer interactions, onboarding, progression, and potentially competitive balance presents significant UX challenges.
• AAA Scale & Polish: Meeting the high standards of quality, polish, and performance expected from a AAA title within tight deadlines.
• Team Leadership: Effectively guiding and motivating a team of UX designers, managing diverse skill sets and personalities, and ensuring cohesive output.
• Cross-Discipline Alignment: Ensuring that UX vision remains aligned with the broader game design, narrative, and technical constraints across multiple departments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend gaming and UX conferences to stay abreast of the latest trends and network with peers.
• Specialized Training: Access to internal and external training programs focused on game design, UX research, emerging technologies (like AI in design), and leadership skills.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior design leadership and to mentor junior designers, fostering growth in both technical and leadership domains.
• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Tech: Working with Unreal Engine and other advanced development tools and pipelines in a AAA environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are specific to the gaming industry and the complexity of leading UX for a AAA multiplayer title, offering substantial learning opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach defining the core player experience for a new multiplayer RPG in The Witcher universe, considering both existing fans and new players?" (Focus on research, player archetypes, core loop design).
• "Describe a time you had to lead a UX design team through a challenging project. What were the obstacles, how did you motivate your team, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, conflict resolution, team management).
• "How do you balance player-centered design principles with technical constraints and business objectives in game development?" (Focus on pragmatic design, stakeholder management, trade-offs).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Project Sirius and the opportunity to work within The Witcher universe?" (Demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of the IP).
• "How do you foster an inclusive and collaborative environment within a design team?" (Align with company values, discuss mentorship and communication strategies).
• "How do you measure the success of your UX designs, and what KPIs do you prioritize for a game like this?" (Focus on player feedback, retention, engagement metrics, and qualitative assessments).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your approach, your specific contributions as Lead, the solutions implemented, and the impact/results.
• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, gameplay clips) to illustrate your points effectively.
• Focus on Process: Explain your thought process, design decisions, and how you navigated challenges and incorporated feedback.
• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in guiding the team, making strategic decisions, and influencing the project's direction.
• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to ensure it flows well, stays within time limits, and captivates the audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of game UX principles within the context of AAA development and The Witcher IP.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UX Designer position:

• Submit your application directly through the provided job portal link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight leadership experience, AAA game titles shipped, and specific UX skills relevant to the job description, using keywords like "UX Design," "Leadership," "Prototyping," "Game Development," and "Player-Centered Design."
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most impactful projects, focusing on those showcasing leadership, AAA game experience, and a strong UX process. Ensure case studies clearly articulate your role and the outcome.
• Prepare for Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear communication, strategic rationale, and demonstrating your leadership capabilities.
• Research CD PROJEKT RED: Familiarize yourself with their games, company culture, mission, and the specific details provided about Project Sirius to demonstrate your genuine interest and fit.

⚠️ 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.

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