Senior UX/UI Designer, Unannounced Game
π Job Overview
Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer, Unannounced Game Company: Netflix Location: Los Angeles, California, United States (Remote considered for applicants willing to travel and adhere to PST schedule) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Game Design & Development Operations Date Posted: October 29, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Remote OK
π Role Summary
- Spearhead end-to-end ownership of core interaction and experience design for an innovative dual-screen game delivered via Netflixβs proprietary cloud streaming platform.
- Leverage industry-leading craft expertise and technical skills to implement UX features directly in-engine, ensuring seamless integration and a captivating player experience.
- Act as an 'Informed Captain,' driving consensus, communicating complex ideas, and advocating for execution quality across a multidisciplinary team and with external partners.
- Foster a culture of excellence, creativity, and continuous learning, pushing the team to achieve groundbreaking work within the beloved IP franchise.
π Enhancement Note: This role is situated within Netflix's nascent gaming division, focusing on leveraging their streaming infrastructure for unique interactive experiences. The "dual-screen" aspect suggests a primary console/TV interface complemented by a mobile or tablet second screen for enhanced gameplay, control, or information. The emphasis on "in-engine" implementation highlights a hands-on, technically proficient design role, moving beyond traditional wireframing to direct asset creation and integration.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Design and prototype engaging game UI and core player interactions using industry-standard tools such as Miro, Adobe Creative Suite, and Figma.
- Implement UI features directly in-engine (e.g., Unity), demonstrating strong technical proficiency to ensure seamless integration and ownership over shipped UX.
- Advocate for and ensure execution quality across all UX/UI deliverables, mentoring junior designers and directing outsource partners to achieve exceptional results.
- Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team (including creative, art, and engineering leads) to guide the development and refinement of key game features, screens, and menus.
- Drive the UX vision across disciplines, acting as an 'Informed Captain' to influence and align stakeholders, even when facing differing opinions.
- Establish experiential vision, goals, and quality metrics in collaboration with leadership to ensure a unified and extraordinary player experience.
- Enhance cohesion and clarity in outward-facing materials, such as creative briefs and stakeholder review decks, to effectively convey the creative vision.
- Partner with Creative and Art leads to produce mockups, prototypes, and videos that align UX/UI with the game's holistic artistic vision.
- Act as a bridge between players (via Consumer Insights), core development teams, and leadership, gathering and presenting materials that align team vision with business goals and member needs.
- Balance schedules, budgets, and experience aspirations with data and production experience, assisting in project scheduling and staffing/outsourcing needs.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic design leadership and hands-on technical execution. The "Informed Captain" and "Cultural Beacon" roles highlight the need for strong communication, influence, and mentorship. The "Right-Sizer" responsibility points to the operational aspect of managing project scope and resources effectively.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent knowledge and experience in UX/UI design, game design, and technical implementation is paramount. Experience: 5+ years of progressively complex, related experience in UX/UI design, with a proven track record of shipping multiple games in a UX/UI design-focused role.
Required Skills:
- Deep understanding of game design theory and practices, particularly concerning UX/UI, approachability, controls, and player interaction.
- Proficiency in designing for mobile and touch devices, with added value for experience in second-screen or dual-screen interfaces.
- Ability to produce baseline mock-ups and prototypes without immediate UI art support, especially during early development stages.
- Capability and experience in basic scripting or C# to implement UX directly within game engines like Unity.
- Proven ability to thrive as a member of a cross-functional, multidisciplinary team.
- Excellent communication skills, characterized by authenticity, intention, and curiosity.
- Demonstrated experience in collaborating with creative, art, and engineering teams.
- Experience in user research and translating member needs and consumer insights into actionable design improvements.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with an ability to balance competing priorities.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience specifically designing for dual-screen or second-screen gaming experiences.
- Direct experience working with beloved IP franchises and maintaining brand integrity within game design.
- Familiarity with cloud streaming platforms and their unique UX considerations.
- Experience mentoring junior designers or leading design efforts for external vendor teams.
- A broad gaming portfolio across multiple genres, indicating a wide understanding of player preferences and interaction patterns.
- Experience working effectively in remote or hybrid team environments.
π Enhancement Note: The technical requirement for scripting/C# and in-engine implementation is a critical differentiator for this role, suggesting a need for a designer who can not only conceptualize but also execute within the game development pipeline, particularly within the Unity engine. This bridges the gap between pure design and technical art/engineering.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX/UI design ownership for at least two shipped games, demonstrating progression from concept to launch.
- Case studies detailing the process for designing core gameplay loops, menu systems, HUDs, and onboarding experiences.
- Examples of rapid prototyping and iterative design, illustrating how user feedback and technical constraints influenced design decisions.
- Demonstrations of technical implementation, ideally including video or interactive examples of UI elements created and integrated in-engine.
- Evidence of designing for accessibility and broad player engagement, particularly for dual-screen or second-screen interactions.
Process Documentation:
- Detailed breakdowns of the design process used for specific game features, highlighting problem identification, ideation, prototyping, testing, and implementation phases.
- Documentation of how user research and consumer insights were incorporated into the design lifecycle.
- Examples of collaboration workflows with engineering, art, and product teams, showcasing effective communication and integration strategies.
- Documentation of how design quality was maintained and advocated for, including examples of mentoring or directing external partners.
π Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements emphasize practical application and technical capability. Candidates must demonstrate not just design thinking but also the ability to execute and integrate their designs within a game engine, showcasing a hybrid skillset.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $170,000 - $260,000 USD annually. Note: This range is provided based on Netflix's stated compensation structure, which consists solely of annual salary and stock options. The exact figure within this range will depend on the candidate's specific job family, background, skills, and experience.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Health Plans
- Mental Health Support
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match
- Stock Option Program
- Disability Programs
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Family-forming Benefits
- Life and Serious Injury Benefits
- Paid Leave of Absence Programs
- Paid Time Off (35 days annually for full-time hourly employees; flexible time off for full-time salaried employees)
Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week. Remote employees must be willing to work a PST-oriented dev team schedule, indicating a need for strong asynchronous communication skills and availability during core US Pacific time working hours.
π Enhancement Note: Netflix's compensation model allows employees to choose the allocation between salary and stock options annually, offering flexibility. The generous PTO policy reflects a commitment to work-life balance, which is important for demanding creative roles. The remote work stipulation requiring adherence to PST hours is a crucial operational detail for candidates.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Entertainment (Streaming Services, Gaming) Company Size: Large (Over 10,000 employees globally) Founded: 1997 Company Description: Netflix is a global leader in entertainment, providing a vast library of TV series, films, and games across numerous genres and languages. They are committed to innovation, leveraging technology to deliver unparalleled member experiences.
Team Structure:
- The immediate game development team is described as "small, scrappy, and with big ambitions," suggesting an agile, entrepreneurial environment within the larger Netflix organization.
- This team focuses on delivering innovative gameplay within beloved IP franchises, seamlessly integrated into the Netflix streaming ecosystem.
- The reporting structure likely involves direct reporting to a Game Director or Head of Design, with close collaboration across engineering, art, product, and QA disciplines.
- Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, with designers expected to act as "Informed Captains" and drive vision across disciplines.
Methodology:
- The team operates with a bias towards action and embraces bold experimentation at an agile pace, reflecting Netflix's overall culture.
- Emphasis is placed on continuous learning and adapting to new challenges.
- Data-driven decision-making is implied through the mention of Consumer Insights and aligning team vision with member needs and business goals.
- Quality is a core tenet, with designers expected to advocate for high execution standards and mentor others.
Company Website: https://www.netflix.com/
π Enhancement Note: The "small, scrappy team" within a large corporation like Netflix offers a unique hybrid environment β the stability and resources of a major player combined with the agility and impact of a startup. The emphasis on "beloved IPs" indicates a high-stakes environment where user expectations are already established.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Senior," indicating a position requiring significant experience, autonomy, and the ability to mentor others. As a "Senior UX/UI Designer," the individual is expected to lead design initiatives, influence product direction, and contribute to the overall quality and strategic vision of the game.
Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer will report to a lead within the game development team, likely a Design Director or Producer. They will work collaboratively with engineers, artists, product managers, and potentially consumer insights specialists. The role involves influencing peers and potentially directing the work of external vendors or junior team members.
Operations Impact: The Senior UX/UI Designer's impact is critical to the success of the unannounced game. Their ability to craft intuitive, engaging, and technically sound user experiences directly influences player adoption, retention, and overall satisfaction. By successfully integrating game mechanics and UI within the Netflix streaming ecosystem, they contribute to Netflix's expansion into interactive entertainment, a key strategic growth area.
Growth Opportunities:
- Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of game UX/UI, such as second-screen experiences, accessibility design, or in-engine implementation techniques within Unity.
- Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Lead Designer or Design Director role, managing larger teams and influencing broader product strategy within Netflix Games.
- Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining in-depth knowledge of game engineering, art pipelines, and Netflix's proprietary streaming technology, broadening technical and creative understanding.
- Industry Influence: Contributing to a high-profile, innovative project that could set new standards for interactive entertainment on streaming platforms.
- Mentorship: Formal or informal opportunities to mentor junior designers and contribute to the growth of the design discipline within Netflix Games.
π Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title, combined with the "Informed Captain" and "Cultural Beacon" responsibilities, suggests this role is not just about execution but also about leadership, mentorship, and shaping the design culture and strategy for Netflix's gaming initiatives.
π Work Environment
Office Type: While Los Angeles is preferred, the role can be remote for candidates willing to travel for work-related events. This indicates a hybrid or remote-first approach with an emphasis on in-person collaboration for key milestones and team building. Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California is the preferred location. However, the role is open to remote applicants, implying a distributed team structure. Travel to Los Angeles or other Netflix offices may be required.
Workspace Context:
- The team operates with a "scrappy" and agile mindset, suggesting a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
- Collaboration is highly valued, with expectations for designers to actively engage with multidisciplinary teams.
- The role involves working with cutting-edge technology, including Netflix's cloud streaming platform and potentially advanced game development tools.
- Remote work requires self-discipline, excellent communication, and the ability to manage time effectively to align with a PST-oriented development schedule.
Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the nature of game development, especially with a PST-oriented team schedule for remote workers, may necessitate flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines or collaborate effectively across time zones.
π Enhancement Note: The remote option with travel requirements highlights the need for adaptable individuals who can thrive in both independent and collaborative settings, and who can manage the logistical aspects of occasional on-site engagements.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio, focusing on relevant game UX/UI experience, technical skills (especially in-engine implementation), and your ability to showcase end-to-end ownership.
- Technical/Design Assessment: This may involve a design exercise or a deep dive into your portfolio, focusing on your process, problem-solving approach, and technical implementation capabilities. Expect questions about your experience with Unity, C#, and dual-screen design.
- Team Interviews: Interviews with cross-functional team members (engineers, artists, producers) to assess collaboration style, communication, and cultural fit within the "scrappy" team environment. Focus on your ability to be an 'Informed Captain.'
- Leadership Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with Netflix's values and the project's vision. This is where you'll articulate your impact and how you'll be a 'Cultural Beacon.'
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight Technical Execution: Critically, showcase examples where you implemented UI directly in-engine or used scripting to create interactive elements. Video demonstrations or playable builds are highly effective.
- Emphasize Process & Problem-Solving: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your thought process, the tools used, your specific contributions, and the outcome. Focus on how you navigated constraints and drove quality.
- Showcase Dual-Screen/Second-Screen Design: If you have experience, dedicate a section to demonstrating your understanding and execution of these complex interaction models.
- Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved player retention, reduced onboarding friction, positive player feedback).
- Tailor to Netflix Games: Research Netflix's existing games and their approach to UI/UX. Show how your skills and vision align with their evolving gaming strategy.
Challenge Preparation:
- In-Engine UI Implementation: Be prepared for a technical challenge that might involve creating a basic UI element or flow within a Unity environment.
- Dual-Screen Design Scenario: You might be given a concept and asked to outline how you would design the primary and secondary screen interactions.
- Design Trade-offs: Expect to discuss how you balance ambitious design goals with technical limitations, budget, and schedule constraints, demonstrating your 'Right-Sizer' capabilities.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "in-engine implementation" and "dual-screen" design in the interview process suggests these are critical evaluation points. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate practical, hands-on skills beyond theoretical design.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Prototyping & Wireframing: Figma, Miro, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD)
- Game Engine: Unity (with strong emphasis on C# scripting for UI implementation)
- Collaboration & Documentation: Tools for shared project management, documentation, and communication (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Slack, Notion β specific tools may vary).
Analytics & Reporting:
- While not explicitly listed for the designer, understanding how player data and consumer insights are used to inform design decisions is crucial. Familiarity with analytics platforms common in game development is beneficial.
CRM & Automation:
- Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how game features integrate with the broader Netflix platform and member accounts is relevant.
π Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Unity and C# scripting is paramount. This role requires a designer who is comfortable and capable of working directly within a game engine's development environment, bridging the gap between design and implementation.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Excellence: A commitment to achieving the highest standards in craft, technical execution, and player experience. This translates to meticulous design, rigorous testing, and continuous improvement.
- Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment where all team members feel empowered to contribute their best work. This is reflected in collaboration and mentorship.
- Inclusion: Actively seeking out and incorporating diverse viewpoints to build stronger, more innovative products and a more representative team.
- Collaboration: Working effectively across disciplines, sharing knowledge, and supporting teammates to achieve collective goals. The "Informed Captain" role requires strong collaborative leadership.
- Integrity: Upholding honesty, transparency, and accountability in all actions and decisions.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with engineers, artists, producers, and consumer insights teams, acting as a central hub for UX/UI.
- Feedback Exchange: A culture that encourages open and constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to drive iterative improvements and elevate the quality of work.
- Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing learnings, best practices, and insights across the team to foster collective growth and innovation.
- Experimentation: Embracing a mindset that supports bold experimentation at an agile pace, with a willingness to learn from both successes and failures.
π Enhancement Note: The Netflix values (Integrity, Excellence, Respect, Inclusion, Collaboration) are foundational. For this role, "Excellence" and "Collaboration" are particularly highlighted through the "Informed Captain" and "Cultural Beacon" responsibilities, emphasizing leadership and team impact.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Technical Implementation Demands: The requirement to implement UI directly in-engine using Unity and C# presents a significant technical challenge, requiring a blend of design and development skills.
- Dual-Screen Complexity: Designing intuitive and engaging experiences for two distinct screens simultaneously is inherently complex and requires careful consideration of user flow and interaction patterns.
- Beloved IP Expectations: Working with established IP means managing high player expectations and ensuring the game and its UI honor the source material while innovating.
- Agile Pace & Scrappiness: Operating within a "small, scrappy team" means adapting quickly to change, managing ambiguity, and potentially wearing multiple hats.
- Remote Collaboration: Ensuring effective communication and collaboration with a distributed team, especially when adhering to a specific time zone schedule, requires strong self-management and communication skills.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Advanced In-Engine Design: Deepen expertise in Unity's UI system, scripting, and optimization techniques for game interfaces.
- Second-Screen Design Mastery: Become a leading expert in designing for dual-screen interactive experiences.
- Game Design Strategy: Gain broader exposure to game design principles, narrative integration, and player psychology within the context of beloved IP.
- Leadership & Mentorship: Develop leadership skills through mentoring junior designers and influencing cross-functional teams.
- Industry Exposure: Contribute to a high-profile project at the forefront of interactive entertainment within the streaming ecosystem.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are directly tied to the unique nature of the role β blending design with technical implementation for a novel gaming experience on a streaming platform. The growth opportunities mirror these challenges, offering pathways for deep specialization and leadership.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe a time you had to implement a complex UI feature directly in-engine. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them using Unity/C#?"
- Preparation: Prepare a detailed case study showcasing your technical implementation skills, focusing on problem-solving and efficiency.
 
- "How would you approach designing a dual-screen experience for [hypothetical game scenario]? What are the key considerations for player engagement and intuitive controls across both screens?"
- Preparation: Be ready to sketch out concepts, discuss interaction models, and articulate your design rationale for multi-surface interactions.
 
- "As an 'Informed Captain,' how do you gain buy-in for your design vision when facing strong opposition from other leads (e.g., Engineering, Art)?"
- Preparation: Focus on your communication, negotiation, and data-driven argumentation skills. Prepare examples of successful stakeholder management.
 
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What excites you about Netflix's approach to gaming, and how does your design philosophy align with our values of Excellence, Respect, Inclusion, and Collaboration?"
- Preparation: Research Netflix's gaming strategy, recent game releases, and their stated company values. Connect your personal values and work philosophy to these.
 
- "How do you foster a culture of creativity and excellence within a design team, especially in a 'scrappy' and fast-paced environment?"
- Preparation: Discuss your experience mentoring, providing constructive feedback, and driving high-quality execution.
 
- "How do you ensure your designs are not only innovative but also accessible and engaging for a broad range of players, including those new to gaming?"
- Preparation: Highlight your understanding of accessibility best practices and your approach to designing for diverse audiences.
 
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Show, Don't Just Tell: For each project, lead with visual assets (mockups, prototypes, videos) before diving into process.
- Technical Prowess First: Prioritize showcasing projects where you had direct in-engine implementation or significant technical contributions.
- Dual-Screen Focus: Dedicate a clear segment to demonstrating your understanding and execution of dual-screen design principles.
- Narrative of Impact: Frame your case studies around the problem you solved and the positive impact your design had, using metrics or clear qualitative outcomes.
- Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most relevant work efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time.
π Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should heavily emphasize the technical aspects (Unity, C#, in-engine implementation) and the unique challenges of dual-screen design. Demonstrating strategic influence and cultural alignment with Netflix values will also be critical.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:
- Submit your application through the Netflix Careers portal via the provided link.
- Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your end-to-end UX/UI design ownership, with a strong emphasis on technical implementation within game engines (Unity) and dual-screen/second-screen experiences.
- Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "game design," "UX/UI design," "Unity," "C#," "prototyping," "dual-screen," "cross-functional collaboration," and "technical implementation." Quantify achievements wherever possible.
- Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical capabilities, and strategic thinking. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to present your portfolio with a focus on impact and technical execution.
- Company Research: Thoroughly research Netflix's gaming division, their existing titles, and their company culture and values. Understand their strategic goals for expanding into interactive entertainment.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in UX/UI design with a proven track record in game design. They should possess a deep understanding of game design theory and be capable of implementing UX directly in-engine.