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 Development UX/UI Design

Date Posted: January 28, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with in-office presence required)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end user experience (UX) strategy and execution for Project Sirius, a new multiplayer game within The Witcher universe.

• Lead and mentor a team of UX designers, fostering an inclusive environment and establishing best-in-class UX methodologies.

• Champion player-centered design by translating user research, community feedback, and player behavior into intuitive and immersive interactive experiences.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with UI Artists, Game Designers, Producers, and Researchers to ensure seamless integration of UX principles across the entire game development lifecycle.

• Define and refine player journeys, UI navigation, and moment-to-moment interactive clarity to deliver a rewarding and memorable player experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a new multiplayer game, "Project Sirius," set in The Witcher universe, demanding a strong understanding of game UX for complex interactive systems and player engagement in a live service environment. The hybrid work model requires a balance of remote collaboration and in-office presence, emphasizing the need for strong communication and self-management skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the definition and evolution of the overall user experience, encompassing visual, interactive, and workflow design for Project Sirius.

• Develop and iterate on UI screens, layouts, and interaction guidelines in close partnership with the Lead UI Artist to ensure a cohesive and accessible player experience.

• Guide the UX design of game menus, player progression systems, and comprehensive player journeys, ensuring intuitive navigation and flow.

• Build, support, and mentor a team of UX designers, championing inclusive best practices, design standards, and efficient methodologies.

• Design, prototype, and test navigation structures, usability systems, and interactive elements to validate and refine player experience.

• Define objectives for, and actively participate in, playtesting sessions to gather actionable player feedback and observed behaviors for UX iteration.

• Collaborate with UX Researchers to synthesize user research findings, marketing insights, and community feedback into thoughtful, player-centric design solutions.

• Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including wireframes, user flows, and interaction specifications, to facilitate clear communication with development teams.

• Partner with Production to ensure UX implementation aligns with project timelines, resource allocation, and overall game development milestones.

• Foster open communication and continuous feedback loops with cross-functional teammates to collaboratively refine and elevate the user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design, team management, and cross-functional collaboration, typical of a Lead role in AAA game development. The focus on "Project Sirius" and "The Witcher universe" indicates a need for understanding established brand lore and applying it to new multiplayer gameplay mechanics.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent knowledge and experience in UX Design, Game Design, or a related field is essential.

Experience:

• Approximately 5+ years of professional experience in UX Design, with a proven track record of leadership responsibilities.

Required Skills:

• Deep knowledge of current AAA game titles, industry trends, and best practices in UX design for interactive entertainment.

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

• Expertise in using collaboration tools like Miro for ideation, workflow mapping, and team communication.

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

• Clear, thoughtful, and persuasive communication skills, both verbally and in written formats, for articulating design concepts and rationale.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a cross-functional team environment to deliver impactful outcomes.

• Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback to continuously improve designs and foster team growth.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience as a UX Designer specifically on a multiplayer game, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of live service environments.

• Experience creating and iterating on prototypes and wireframes directly within Unreal Engine.

• Familiarity with implementing and refining UX features within Unreal Engine.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for shipping a AAA title is a critical filter, indicating a need for candidates who understand the scale, complexity, and quality bar of blockbuster game development. Proficiency in Unreal Engine is a significant plus, given its common use in AAA game development and the mention of implementing UX features within it.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of one shipped AAA title, detailing your specific contributions to its UX design and player experience.

• Present well-documented case studies that illustrate your process from problem identification to final solution, emphasizing user research, iteration, and problem-solving.

• Demonstrate proficiency in designing intuitive user flows, navigation systems, and interactive layouts for complex applications or games.

• Include examples of wireframes, prototypes, and final UI mockups, clearly articulating the design rationale and user-centered considerations behind each.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented UX processes, including user journey maps, information architecture diagrams, and interaction design specifications.

• Illustrate your approach to collaborating with UI artists and developers, showcasing clear communication and handoff procedures.

• Showcase your ability to translate player feedback and research data into actionable design improvements and workflow optimizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is non-negotiable for this role. It serves as direct evidence of a candidate's ability to deliver high-quality UX in a demanding AAA game development context. The emphasis should be on demonstrating a structured, user-centric design process, clear communication of design decisions, and tangible impact on the player experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $149,500 - $205,600 USD annually. This range is determined by competitive market data, geographic location (Boston), and individual factors. The base pay is subject to change and final offers depend on experience, qualifications, and location.

Benefits:

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

• Free mental health support, offering access to counseling, psychiatric care, and well-being webinars.

• Generous paid leave: 26 days of holiday per year, plus menstrual leave for employees experiencing period pain.

• 401K plan with employer matching for retirement savings.

• Gym Membership Reimbursement to support employee wellness.

• RED Parents Network: comprehensive 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, online tutorials, and e-learning classes.

• A welcome pack filled with company goodies to help new employees settle in.

Working Hours: Flexible working hours are offered, with an expected standard of 40 hours per week. The role requires in-office presence at the Boston Studio in a hybrid or full-time capacity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Lead UX Designer role in a major US tech hub like Boston, especially within the AAA gaming industry. The benefits package is robust, featuring unique offerings like menstrual leave and extensive mental health support, reflecting a progressive and employee-centric company culture. The hybrid model offers flexibility but requires commitment to in-office collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Gaming, Entertainment, Software Development. CD PROJEKT RED is a globally recognized developer and publisher known for its critically acclaimed story-driven RPGs, particularly "The Witcher" series and "Cyberpunk 2077."

Company Size: While specific numbers for the Boston studio aren't detailed, CD PROJEKT RED as a whole is a significant employer, indicating a large, established organization with established processes and resources. The Boston studio is developing "Project Sirius," suggesting a dedicated team focused on this new venture.

Founded: CD PROJEKT RED was founded in 2002. This long history in the industry signifies deep experience, established brand recognition, and a mature development pipeline.

Team Structure:

• The UX team within CD PROJEKT RED is likely structured to support large-scale game development projects, with specialization in areas like UI/UX design, UX research, and potentially UX engineering.

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

Methodology:

• CD PROJEKT RED emphasizes creating "revolutionary, story-driven RPGs" that resonate with players. This mission translates into a development methodology that prioritizes narrative depth, player immersion, and high-quality interactive experiences.

• The approach to UX design is player-centered, focusing on intuition, immersion, reward, and clarity, driven by user research, playtesting, and continuous iteration.

• Collaboration and feedback are integral, fostering a culture where ideas are shared and refined to achieve the best possible outcome for the game.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CD PROJEKT RED is renowned for its commitment to quality and storytelling in games. This likely translates to a work environment where creative excellence, attention to detail, and player satisfaction are paramount. The company's mission suggests a passion-driven culture, attracting individuals dedicated to crafting memorable gaming experiences.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position within the UX Design discipline. As a Lead UX Designer, you are expected to not only contribute high-level design expertise but also to guide and mentor junior and mid-level designers, shaping the direction of UX within the Project Sirius team. This role is critical in defining how players interact with the game and ensuring a high standard of user experience across all touchpoints.

Reporting Structure: The Lead UX Designer reports directly to the Design Director. This position will also have direct reports (other UX designers), forming a distinct UX design sub-team within the larger game development structure. This structure allows for focused leadership on UX initiatives while ensuring alignment with overall game design vision.

Operations Impact: The Lead UX Designer has a profound impact on the success of Project Sirius by directly influencing player engagement, satisfaction, and retention. An intuitive and immersive user experience is crucial for player enjoyment and the overall commercial success of a AAA multiplayer game. Your work will shape how millions of players perceive and interact with The Witcher universe in a new way.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: As a lead, you'll hone your people management, mentorship, and strategic decision-making skills, preparing you for further leadership roles within CD PROJEKT RED or the broader gaming industry.

• Specialization: Deepen your expertise in game UX, particularly in multiplayer environments, by tackling unique challenges related to player onboarding, progression, social features, and live-service updates for "Project Sirius."

• Cross-Disciplinary Advancement: Gain extensive experience working with diverse teams (Art, Engineering, Production, Research), broadening your understanding of the full game development pipeline and potentially leading to roles with wider scope.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to the development of a new installment in a beloved franchise, potentially setting new standards for UX in multiplayer RPGs and influencing future game design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "new role" status and the "Project Sirius" focus, this position offers a unique opportunity to establish and shape the UX vision from its early stages. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for individuals looking to advance into senior leadership and contribute significantly to a high-profile franchise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in the Boston Studio, operating under a hybrid work model. This implies a professional office environment designed for collaboration, with access to necessary tools and resources, alongside the flexibility of remote work days.

Office Location(s): Boston, Massachusetts, USA. This location offers a vibrant ecosystem for tech and gaming professionals, with potential for easy access to public transportation and local amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is described as "dog-friendly" and having "no dress-code," suggesting a relaxed, informal, and inclusive atmosphere that prioritizes employee comfort and well-being.

• It's a "truly international working environment," meaning you'll collaborate with a diverse, global team, offering exposure to different cultures and perspectives.

• The hybrid model allows for a balance between focused individual work at home and collaborative sessions in the office, fostering both productivity and team cohesion.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are provided. While a standard 40-hour week is typical, the flexibility allows for adjusting daily schedules to better manage personal commitments and optimize productivity, which is beneficial for deep-focus work like UX design and iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the office culture (dog-friendly, no dress code, international) points towards a modern, employee-centric workplace that values creativity and individual expression. The hybrid model and flexible hours are key benefits for attracting talent seeking better work-life integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio for relevant AAA experience and UX leadership.

• Technical/Design Interview: Discussion of UX principles, design process, and a review of portfolio case studies. This stage will likely assess your approach to problem-solving, user research integration, and interaction design.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Meetings with potential team members, including the Design Director and other leads, to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with CD PROJEKT RED's values (curiosity, kindness, problem-solving).

• Potential Design Challenge: You may be given a small design exercise or asked to present a more in-depth analysis of a past project, focusing on your strategic thinking and execution.

• Final Interview: Typically with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and compensation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase AAA Experience: Clearly highlight your contributions to at least one shipped AAA title. Detail the scope of your involvement, the challenges you addressed, and the impact of your design decisions.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, outline the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing, iteration), the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes or learnings.

• Demonstrate Process, Not Just Polish: While polished visuals are good, the jury is more interested in your thought process. Show your wireframes, user flows, and iterations. Explain why you made certain design choices.

• Highlight Leadership and Collaboration: Include examples where you led a UX effort, mentored designers, or collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Tailor to Game UX: If possible, include examples that demonstrate an understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, and the unique demands of interactive entertainment design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Game UX: Familiarize yourself with common UX challenges in AAA games, particularly multiplayer titles (e.g., onboarding, progression systems, UI navigation complexity, player feedback loops, accessibility).

• Articulate Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process step-by-step, explaining your methodology, tools, and decision-making at each stage.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and any potential challenge solutions clearly and concisely. Focus on storytelling and conveying the value of your UX work.

• Research CD PROJEKT RED: Understand their game portfolio, design philosophies, and company values. Be ready to discuss how your approach aligns with their vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio from a shipped AAA title and the specific mention of Unreal Engine suggest that candidates will be rigorously evaluated on their practical experience and ability to contribute to a high-stakes game development project. A strong understanding of game-specific UX challenges will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Collaboration & Ideation: Miro, or similar digital whiteboarding tools, for brainstorming, user flow mapping, wireframing, and team collaboration sessions.

• Game Engine Integration (Preferred): Unreal Engine. Experience creating prototypes or implementing UX elements directly within Unreal Engine is a significant advantage, indicating a deeper understanding of the development pipeline.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX design role, as the focus is on player-facing design and development rather than sales or marketing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard UX/UI design and prototyping tools is a baseline requirement. The explicit mention of Unreal Engine as a preferred skill indicates that hands-on experience with game development environments is highly valued, suggesting that candidates with this background will have a competitive edge.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A core value is creating experiences that deeply resonate with players, prioritizing their immersion, enjoyment, and satisfaction above all else.

• Storytelling & Narrative Depth: A commitment to crafting rich, engaging narratives that form the backbone of their games, influencing how UX is designed to support and enhance the story.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A dedication to high production values, meticulous attention to detail, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in game development.

• Collaboration & Openness: A culture that encourages open communication, constructive feedback, and teamwork across diverse disciplines to achieve collective goals.

• Curiosity & Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to tackling complex challenges with an inquisitive mindset, seeking innovative solutions to enhance the player experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close partnership with UI Artists, Game Designers, Engineers, and Producers is fundamental to ensuring that UX is integrated seamlessly into the game's architecture and visual design.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: The team embraces a continuous cycle of design, testing, and feedback, fostering an environment where designs are refined based on player insights and team input.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, learnings, and insights across the team and the wider organization to elevate the overall quality of UX design.

📝 Enhancement Note: CD PROJEKT RED's values are deeply intertwined with their mission to create impactful, story-driven games. A candidate who aligns with these values—prioritizing player experience, appreciating narrative, striving for quality, and embracing collaboration—will be a strong cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Multiplayer UX Complexity: Designing intuitive UX for a multiplayer game in "The Witcher" universe presents unique challenges, including onboarding new players, managing complex game systems, fostering social interaction, and ensuring a balanced and rewarding experience for diverse player types.

• AAA Scope & Polish: Delivering a AAA-quality user experience requires meticulous attention to detail, extensive iteration, and the ability to meet exceptionally high standards for polish and performance within tight deadlines.

• Hybrid Work Balance: Effectively leading a team and fostering strong collaboration while working in a hybrid model requires excellent communication, organizational skills, and proactive engagement.

• Establishing New IP UX: While set in an established universe, "Project Sirius" is a new game concept. Defining its unique UX identity while respecting brand lore can be a significant creative challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Game UX Specialization: Gain unparalleled experience in the nuances of UX design for multiplayer RPGs, a highly sought-after skill in the industry.

• Leadership Skill Enhancement: Develop robust people management, mentorship, and strategic leadership capabilities by guiding a UX design team on a major project.

• Cross-Disciplinary Mastery: Deepen understanding of game development pipelines by working closely with art, engineering, and production teams, broadening your technical and creative knowledge.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to a significant new title within a beloved franchise, with the potential to shape player expectations for future games in the genre.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in developing a AAA multiplayer game, especially within a well-established IP, offer significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development. Candidates should view these challenges as chances to innovate and expand their expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing the core player journey in a complex RPG. How would you ensure it's intuitive for both new and experienced players?" (Focus on user flows, information architecture, and onboarding strategies for "Project Sirius").

• "How do you balance player feedback, developer constraints, and your own design vision when iterating on a feature? Provide an example from a AAA title." (Demonstrate your approach to iterative design and stakeholder management).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about working on a new multiplayer game within The Witcher universe, and how would your UX approach enhance this experience?" (Connect your passion and skills to the specific project and IP).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive design environment, especially within a hybrid work setting?" (Highlight your leadership and communication skills, aligning with CD PROJEKT RED's values).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with your most relevant AAA project. Clearly state the game, your role, and the primary UX challenges you addressed.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, guide the interviewer through your process: the problem, your research/analysis, your design solutions (showcasing wireframes, prototypes), the testing/iteration phase, and the final outcome/learnings.

• Quantify Success: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the impact of your design decisions (e.g., improved player retention, reduced tutorial drop-off, positive survey results).

• Discuss Collaboration: Highlight instances where you worked effectively with UI artists, engineers, and producers, showcasing your ability to communicate and integrate UX into the broader development process.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your design choices, your reasoning, and your approach to specific UX challenges encountered in your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on assessing both your technical UX skills and your ability to lead and collaborate effectively within a AAA game development studio. Demonstrating a strong understanding of game-specific UX challenges and aligning with CD PROJEKT RED's values will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters. Ensure all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your experience with AAA titles and any relevant multiplayer game design. Clearly articulate your role and contributions to shipped products.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of UX design experience, leadership responsibilities, and achievements in shipping AAA games. Use keywords from the job description, such as "UX Design," "AAA Title," "Prototyping," "Unreal Engine," and "Leadership."

• Prepare for Portfolio Presentation: Rehearse presenting your key portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, and collaborative experiences. Be ready to discuss your work in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CD PROJEKT RED's games, their design philosophy, and their company culture. Understand "Project Sirius" and its place within "The Witcher" universe.

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