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 (UX) Operations

Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years of Experience

Remote Status: Hybrid (with option for full-time in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Drive the creation of an inclusive, intuitive, immersive, rewarding, and memorable player experience through expert UI navigation, game flow, and interactive clarity.

• Build, mentor, and guide a team of UX designers, establishing and upholding inclusive best practices and methodologies within the design department.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Lead UI Artist, UX Researchers, and Production, to translate player insights and feedback into tangible design solutions.

• Ensure the seamless implementation of UX designs by producing comprehensive documentation and working closely with the Production team to meet project timelines and resource constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input job title is "Lead UX Designer," for the purpose of this enhancement, we are framing it within an "Operations" context by emphasizing the strategic, process-driven, and team-leadership aspects inherent in a lead role. This includes managing design workflows, ensuring consistency, and implementing best practices, which align with operational excellence in creative fields. The "Operations" category is specifically tailored to reflect the strategic management and execution of design processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and oversee the UX design strategy for Project Sirius, ensuring a cohesive and player-centric experience across all interactive elements, menus, and player journeys.

• Develop and maintain detailed design documentation, including wireframes, user flows, interaction guidelines, and style guides, to effectively communicate design intent to development teams.

• Lead the design and prototyping of user interfaces, navigation structures, and usability systems, leveraging industry-standard tools to create functional mockups and interactive prototypes.

• Conduct and analyze playtests, translating player feedback and observed behaviors into actionable design iterations and improvements.

• Collaborate with UX Researchers to integrate user research findings, market insights, and community feedback into the design process, ensuring designs are data-informed and player-centered.

• Mentor and manage a team of UX designers, fostering a collaborative environment, providing constructive feedback, and promoting professional growth and skill development.

• Partner with the Lead UI Artist to ensure visual and interactive elements of the UI are aligned with the overall UX vision and brand identity.

• Contribute to the refinement and implementation of UX features within the Unreal Engine, working closely with technical teams to optimize performance and usability.

• Proactively identify and address potential UX challenges, advocating for the player by ensuring accessibility, intuitiveness, and engagement throughout the game.

• Maintain open communication channels with all stakeholders, including design, art, engineering, and production, to ensure alignment and facilitate timely problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities are expanded to emphasize the operational aspects of a lead role, including team management, process documentation, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic implementation, which are crucial for ensuring project success and operational efficiency in game development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Approximately 5+ years of dedicated experience in User Experience (UX) Design, with a significant portion involving leadership or mentorship responsibilities.

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

Required Skills:

• Deep knowledge of current game titles and industry best practices in UX/UI design, user research, and player psychology to inspire and communicate original ideas.

• Proficiency in industry-standard prototyping and design tools, such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Cloud, and collaboration platforms like Miro.

• Strong understanding of UI/UX best practices, information architecture, interaction design principles, and inclusive design methodologies.

• Demonstrated ability to design and prototype intuitive navigation structures, user flows, and interactive systems.

• Experience defining goals for and participating in usability testing, playtesting, and user research initiatives.

• Clear, concise, and thoughtful communication skills, both verbally and in written formats, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts effectively.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, cross-departmental team environment, delivering meaningful outcomes.

• Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback to continuously improve both project outcomes and team dynamics.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience as a UX Designer specifically on a multiplayer game, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of shared player experiences.

• Experience creating prototypes and wireframes directly within the Unreal Engine.

• Familiarity with game development pipelines and agile methodologies.

• Understanding of accessibility standards and best practices for game design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are detailed to include specific tools and methodologies relevant to a Lead UX Designer role in game development. The preferred skills highlight specialized experience that would be advantageous for this specific project and company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5+ years of UX design work, with at least one AAA title prominently featured.

• Demonstrated ability to articulate the design process, from initial concept and research to final implementation, highlighting problem-solving approaches and iterative improvements.

• Case studies should clearly outline the user-centric problems addressed, the design solutions proposed, and the impact of those solutions on player experience or business objectives.

• Evidence of leadership, mentorship, or team coordination within design projects should be included, showcasing an ability to guide and inspire other designers.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to provide examples of design documentation they have created, such as style guides, interaction specifications, or user journey maps.

• Documentation should reflect a structured approach to design, ensuring clarity and consistency for development teams.

• Experience in maintaining and updating design documentation throughout the development lifecycle is highly valued.

• Ability to collaborate with Production to ensure design implementation aligns with project timelines and resource allocation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the critical need for a strong portfolio and documentation that reflects not only design skill but also leadership, process management, and the ability to translate complex game design concepts into actionable plans for development teams.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $149,500 - $205,600 USD annually This range is an estimate based on the provided information for a Lead UX Designer role in Boston, MA, reflecting competitive market data for experienced professionals in the AAA gaming industry. Final offers are dependent on job-related factors such as experience, qualifications, and business needs.

Benefits:

• Health & Well-Being:

  • Company-paid medical, dental, and vision healthcare.
  • 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.
  • Menstrual leave: one extra day off for employees experiencing period pain.
  • RED Parents Network: support for working parents, including childcare benefits and family-friendly events.

• Financial & Retirement:

  • 401K plan with employer matching.
  • Potential eligibility for a long-term incentive program (stock options after vesting).

• Lifestyle & Professional Development:

  • Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) of $100 per month for fitness, wellness, internet, home office, learning, streaming, and more.

  • Flexible working hours.

  • Comprehensive training opportunities: internal workshops, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes.

  • A welcome pack filled with company goodies. Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexible working hours available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly from the input. The benefits are detailed comprehensively to highlight the attractive package offered by CD PROJEKT RED, emphasizing aspects relevant to employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance, which are key considerations for operations professionals seeking a stable and supportive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development (RPG, AAA Titles)

Company Size: Large (CD PROJEKT RED is a well-established global studio with multiple locations and a significant workforce, indicating a robust operational infrastructure and established processes.)

Founded: 2002

Company Description: CD PROJEKT RED is renowned for creating revolutionary, story-driven RPGs that resonate deeply with gamers worldwide. Their mission is to craft experiences that capture players' hearts. The company actively shares insights into its culture through its YouTube channel and "Beyond the Game" blog, highlighting a commitment to transparency and employee storytelling.

Team Structure:

• The Lead UX Designer will report to the Design Director, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the design department.

• This role requires extensive cross-departmental collaboration, working closely with Lead UI Artists, UX Researchers, Production, and potentially engineering and narrative teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on translating user research, marketing insights, and community feedback into design decisions.

• Iterative Development: Continuous research, observation, and iteration on the user's experience are core to refining the game's design.

• Collaborative Workflow: Strong emphasis on cross-departmental collaboration and open communication to gather feedback and refine work.

• Player-Centric Approach: The ultimate goal is to ensure an inclusive, intuitive, immersive, rewarding, and memorable experience for players.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides context on CD PROJEKT RED's industry standing, company culture, and operational approach, framing the Lead UX Designer role within the larger organizational structure and its commitment to quality and player experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Lead-level position, signifying a senior role with significant responsibility for strategic direction, team management, and project execution. It bridges individual contribution with team leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Lead UX Designer reports directly to the Design Director, providing a clear line of communication for strategic alignment and performance feedback. This structure allows for direct influence on the game's UX vision.

Operations Impact: The Lead UX Designer's primary impact is on the player experience, which directly influences game engagement, retention, and critical reception. By ensuring an intuitive and immersive interface, this role contributes significantly to the overall success and marketability of Project Sirius and CD PROJEKT RED's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a Design Director role or manage larger, more complex UX teams on future AAA projects.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX design for multiplayer games or within the Unreal Engine environment.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to various aspects of AAA game development, including art, narrative, engineering, and production, fostering a holistic understanding of the development pipeline.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor and develop junior UX designers, enhancing leadership and coaching skills.

• Strategic Influence: Direct involvement in shaping the core player experience of a major title set in a beloved IP, offering significant professional satisfaction and portfolio value.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory and impact of a Lead UX Designer, highlighting how the role contributes to operational excellence and offers significant growth potential within a leading game development studio.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in the Boston Studio, offering a hybrid working mode. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration and creative work, along with the flexibility of remote work.

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

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office is likely designed to facilitate in-person collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and team interactions, crucial for a lead role.

• Technology Rich: Access to industry-standard hardware, software, and development tools, including Unreal Engine, is expected.

• Dog-Friendly Office: A unique perk that fosters a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, promoting employee well-being and team cohesion.

• International Environment: Working with a diverse, international team offers exposure to different perspectives and a global outlook.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are offered, allowing employees to manage their schedules effectively while ensuring project needs and collaborative meetings are met. This flexibility supports the operational efficiency of managing individual and team tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment emphasizes the blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, which are key aspects of modern operational work arrangements, alongside the unique perks that contribute to a positive company culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for relevant experience, AAA title shipping, and leadership potential.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on UX design principles, prototyping skills, information architecture, and specific experience with tools like Figma, Sketch, and Unreal Engine.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, detailing specific projects, their role, design process, and outcomes. This is crucial for assessing problem-solving and communication skills.

• Team/Leadership Interview: Conversation with the Design Director and potentially other lead designers or team members to assess leadership style, collaboration abilities, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: May involve a broader discussion on strategic vision, approach to managing UX teams, and alignment with CD PROJEKT RED's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Clearly articulate your role and contributions in each project. For AAA titles, highlight specific UX challenges you overcame.

• Process is Key: Demonstrate your design process, including research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration. Explain why you made certain design decisions.

• Leadership Evidence: If possible, include examples of how you've guided or mentored other designers, managed projects, or influenced design strategy.

• Player-Centric Focus: Emphasize how your designs directly benefited the player experience, using metrics or qualitative feedback where available.

• Unreal Engine Integration: If you have Unreal Engine experience, highlight relevant projects or prototypes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions related to managing design teams, resolving design conflicts, and adapting to changing project requirements.

• Review CD PROJEKT RED's existing titles (e.g., The Witcher series, Cyberpunk 2077) to understand their design philosophy and player expectations.

• Think about how you would approach the specific challenges of designing UX for a multiplayer RPG.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to best present their qualifications, particularly their portfolio, to align with the expectations of a lead role in game UX design, emphasizing strategic thinking and operational execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Design: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator). Proficiency in at least one is essential.

• Collaboration & Ideation: Miro, Jira, Confluence. Tools for real-time collaboration, workflow management, and documentation are critical.

• Game Engine Integration: Familiarity with implementing UX features in Unreal Engine is a significant plus, indicating an understanding of the development environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core UX design function, but an understanding of how player feedback is collected and managed through CRM-like systems or ticketing platforms (e.g., Jira) is beneficial for cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the expected technical proficiency, focusing on industry-standard design and collaboration tools, with a specific mention of Unreal Engine. The emphasis is on tools that facilitate efficient design processes and cross-functional integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A core value is creating experiences that are deeply engaging and rewarding for players, prioritizing their needs and enjoyment.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished products that meet AAA standards.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Encouraging open communication, mutual respect, and teamwork across all departments.

• Innovation & Creativity: Fostering an environment where new ideas are encouraged and creative problem-solving is valued.

• Kindness & Curiosity: Embracing a culture of empathy, helpfulness, and a continuous desire to learn and explore.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration with UI Artists, UX Researchers, Producers, and Engineers to ensure design vision is executed effectively.

• Feedback-Driven: An environment where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged and utilized to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share insights, best practices, and learnings to elevate the collective skill set.

• Agile & Adaptive: Willingness to adapt to evolving project needs and embrace iterative development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines the core values and collaborative ethos at CD PROJEKT RED, providing insight into the expected behavior and working style for a Lead UX Designer, emphasizing how these values contribute to operational success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player Needs with Business Goals: Effectively integrating player feedback and design innovation while meeting project timelines and technical constraints.

• Leading a New Project: Defining and establishing the UX framework for a new multiplayer RPG (Project Sirius) from the ground up, requiring strategic foresight and adaptability.

• Managing a Diverse Team: Guiding and motivating a team of UX designers with varying experience levels and skill sets.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Ensuring consistent UX vision and implementation across different disciplines and potentially large teams.

• Evolving Player Expectations: Staying ahead of trends in multiplayer gaming and player engagement to deliver a cutting-edge experience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Multiplayer UX: Gaining specialized experience in the unique challenges and opportunities of designing for multiplayer environments.

• Unreal Engine Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in implementing UX within the Unreal Engine.

• Leadership Development: Formal and informal opportunities to hone leadership, mentorship, and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry events, conferences, or workshops to stay abreast of the latest UX trends and technologies.

• Contribution to a Major IP: The chance to leave a significant mark on a game within The Witcher universe, a highly respected and beloved franchise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential challenges and significant growth opportunities, framing them as areas for skill development and career advancement, crucial for ambitious operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe how you would approach defining the core UX pillars for a new multiplayer RPG, given limited initial information." (Focus on your methodology for research, ideation, and strategic alignment.)

• "How would you handle a situation where the Lead UI Artist has a significantly different vision for a key UI screen that you believe impacts usability?" (Assess conflict resolution, communication, and collaborative negotiation skills.)

• "Walk us through a complex UX problem you solved in a previous AAA title. What was the problem, your approach, the solution, and the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Project Sirius and CD PROJEKT RED?" (Research the company's mission, recent projects, and values.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and productive environment within a design team, especially in a hybrid work setting?" (Discuss your leadership and team-building philosophy.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project or by theme (e.g., problem-solving, leadership).

• Highlight Leadership: For each project, clearly articulate your role, responsibilities, and any leadership or mentorship activities.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion times, positive player feedback) to demonstrate the impact of your designs.

• Show the Process: Don't just show final screens; illustrate your design process, including wireframes, user flows, and iterations.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer questions thoroughly and engage in a discussion about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted interview preparation advice, focusing on the types of questions a candidate might expect for a Lead UX Designer role, emphasizing strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and the ability to articulate design impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best demonstrate your AAA experience, leadership capabilities, and understanding of player-centric design, particularly for RPGs or complex interactive systems.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5+ years of UX design experience, AAA title achievements, and any leadership responsibilities, using keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, preparing detailed case studies that showcase your problem-solving process, design decisions, and outcomes. Rehearse answers to common leadership and UX strategy questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research CD PROJEKT RED, Project Sirius, and their existing titles to understand their design philosophy, target audience, and company culture.

⚠️ 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.