Principal UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal UX Designer

Company: Scopely

Location: United States (Remote OK) / Culver City, CA (Hybrid) / Canada (Remote OK)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX)

Date Posted: June 04, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years (Principal)

Remote Status: Hybrid / Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design of innovative mini-game experiences for the highly successful "Monopoly Go!" mobile game, driving player engagement and fostering social connections.

• Champion user-centric design principles and frameworks to ensure UX consistency and integrity across a diverse portfolio of in-game features.

• Drive discovery initiatives, leveraging player research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities for novel and engaging gameplay mechanics.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Art, Engineering, and Research, to translate conceptual ideas into polished, production-ready designs.

• Own the UX vision for assigned features, ensuring alignment with broader product strategy and delivering impactful player experiences that contribute to Scopely's market leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a Principal UX Designer focused on game design within the mobile gaming sector, specifically for the "Monopoly Go!" team. The emphasis is on creating engaging social gameplay and mini-game experiences. While the input data mentions "Revenue Operations" as a potential category, this role is clearly within Product Design/UX. The "Principal" title indicates a senior-level position with significant ownership and strategic input.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the identification and exploration of opportunities for new mini-game experiences, conducting player research to understand preferences and abilities for novel game mechanics.

• Facilitate brainstorming sessions and lead the ideation of new concepts, developing conceptual designs and prototypes to rigorously test and iterate on new gameplay ideas.

• Reimagine and innovate within established mini-game frameworks, introducing novelty and surprise for players while adhering to defined UX pillars and the overall product vision.

• Develop and refine frameworks that ensure UX consistency and integrity across all mini-games, balancing innovation with adherence to shared design guidelines, principles, and patterns.

• Champion user testing as a critical component of the design process, partnering with the research team to define testing objectives, scripts, and materials, and to identify key risks.

• Deliver comprehensive design specifications and documentation to effectively communicate player experiences to the development team, providing clear design requirements and direction to Art and Engineering.

• Take ownership of working group results, ensuring alignment with the vision and goals, and proactively unblocking cross-domain challenges to extend impact beyond core craft.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level strategic role, emphasizing leadership in concept generation, user research integration, and cross-functional collaboration. The focus on "pushing boundaries" and "reimagining experiences" points to a need for both innovation and strategic alignment with existing product frameworks and UX principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Psychology, or a related field is typically preferred for senior UX roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 8+ years of dedicated experience in User Experience (UX) design, with a strong emphasis on the games industry.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of creating impactful social gameplay features, demonstrating deep expertise in game mechanics, player motivations, reward systems, and framing.

• Highly skilled in developing innovative features, with the ability to adapt and tailor design processes to project complexity and novelty.

• Expertise in creating and utilizing prototypes to test and refine gameplay, with a clear understanding of what requires prototyping and a mindset geared towards rapid iteration and improvement.

• Ability to seamlessly transition between solving immediate design challenges and addressing higher-level design principles, ensuring both tactical execution and strategic alignment.

• Exceptional collaboration and communication skills, with a proactive approach to sharing ideas, seeking feedback, and driving consensus through an iterative design process.

• Proficiency in industry-standard UX design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure).

• Deep understanding of player psychology, motivation, and engagement loops within the context of mobile gaming. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with live-service games and ongoing content updates.

• Familiarity with data analysis and A/B testing methodologies to inform design decisions.

• Experience designing for a global audience, considering cultural nuances.

• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of successful game UX projects, particularly in the social or mini-game space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is explicitly stated as 8+ years, and the "Principal" title implies a senior level of expertise. The required skills are heavily focused on game-specific UX, including mechanics, player motivation, and social gameplay, which are critical for success in this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of high-impact UX design projects, with a strong emphasis on mobile games and social gameplay features.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key challenges, and the quantifiable outcomes or impact of your solutions.

• Demonstrations of your ability to conceptualize, prototype, and iterate on complex game mechanics and social interactions.

• Examples of user testing methodologies and how you incorporated feedback to refine designs.

• Visual examples of user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs, where applicable. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your ability to document design processes, including discovery, ideation, prototyping, user testing, and handoff to development.

• Examples of how you've contributed to or developed UX frameworks, design guidelines, or pattern libraries to ensure consistency.

• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams, illustrating how you communicated design intent and facilitated the development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Principal UX Designer role, especially in gaming, a portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase visual design but also the strategic thinking, problem-solving, and process behind the designs, with a clear emphasis on driving player engagement and social interaction. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For candidates in CA, CO, NJ, NY, and WA, the annual salary range is $169,600 - $253,000 USD.

Benefits:

• Equity opportunities

• Performance-based bonuses

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits

• Retirement savings plan

• Pet insurance

• Paid holidays

• Paid Scopely free days

• Unlimited paid time off

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time). Flexibility is expected given the nature of game development and potential for global collaboration, but the core expectation is a 40-hour work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to certain US states. For other US locations or Canada, actual compensation may vary based on local market rates, cost of living, and the candidate's experience. The benefits package is robust and typical for a leading tech/gaming company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Mobile Gaming. Scopely is a significant player in the global mobile games market, known for its successful live-service titles and strong community engagement.

Company Size: Large (Likely 1,000-5,000+ employees, based on industry standing and portfolio scope). This implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for significant impact.

Founded: 2011. Scopely has a decade of experience, having grown from a startup to a leading global games company, indicating a culture that values innovation, adaptation, and sustained growth.

Team Structure:

• The Principal UX Designer will likely be part of a dedicated UX/Product Design team focused on "Monopoly Go!". This team may be embedded within feature pods or operate as a shared service.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Lead UX Designer, Director of Product Design, or Head of Product for "Monopoly Go!".

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving close partnerships with Game Designers, Product Managers, Art Directors, Engineers, and User Researchers. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging player analytics and A/B testing to inform design choices and measure impact.

• Iterative design approach, with a strong emphasis on prototyping, user testing, and continuous improvement.

• Agile development methodologies are common in game development, suggesting a need for flexibility and adaptability.

• A focus on "playfulness" and "inspiration" as core tenets of the company culture, which should translate into the design process and outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Scopely's culture emphasizes innovation, player connection, and data-driven decisions. As a Principal UX Designer, you'll be expected to contribute to this culture by leading design initiatives, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the player experience remains paramount, especially within the context of social gaming.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Principal UX Designer. This is a senior individual contributor role, often seen as a stepping stone to Lead Designer, Design Manager, or a specialized expert path (e.g., Principal Game Designer, Principal Systems Designer). It involves significant ownership, mentorship of junior designers, and strategic influence.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Design Lead or Director, with significant autonomy in managing their design domain. The role requires influencing peers and stakeholders across product, art, and engineering.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts player engagement, retention, and monetization through the design of compelling mini-game experiences. Successful designs contribute significantly to the overall success and revenue of "Monopoly Go!", a flagship title for Scopely.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in mobile game UX, social design, and player psychology. Opportunity to explore new game mechanics and design paradigms.

• Leadership Development: Potential to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, and contribute to the evolution of the UX team's processes and standards.

• Specialization: Become a recognized expert in specific areas like live-ops design, economy design, or social systems design within the gaming context.

• Career Progression: Path towards Lead UX Designer, Design Manager, or Principal-level roles in other Scopely titles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" title signifies a level of expertise where one is expected to not only execute but also to guide and mentor. Growth opportunities will involve deepening domain expertise and potentially expanding into leadership or strategic roles within the design organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role offers flexibility. Candidates can work from the Culver City studio hub on a hybrid basis, or remotely within the United States or Canada. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration, with amenities to support creative work.

Office Location(s):

• Culver City, California (Hybrid)

• Remote within the United States

• Remote within Canada Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Being part of a major mobile game studio means working with passionate, creative individuals. The Culver City office likely fosters a dynamic, team-oriented atmosphere. Remote work is supported with tools for seamless communication and collaboration.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, game engines (for prototyping/testing), and robust internal communication platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with game designers, artists, engineers, and product managers through meetings, workshops, and ad-hoc discussions, whether in-person or virtually.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is expected, the nature of game development, especially for live-service games, can involve periods of intense work leading up to major releases or updates. Flexibility in managing personal schedules is often a benefit, provided project deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and remote options indicate a modern approach to work flexibility. For those in Culver City, the office environment is likely geared towards fostering creativity and collaboration, while remote employees will rely on strong communication tools and practices.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will review your application and resume, focusing on relevant UX design experience in games.

• Portfolio Review & Interview: You will likely present your portfolio to a hiring manager and/or senior design team members. This is a critical step where you'll walk through case studies, explaining your process, decisions, and impact. Expect questions about your approach to game mechanics, social design, and player motivation.

• Design Challenge/Exercise: A take-home assignment or a live whiteboarding session focused on a specific game design problem or feature ideation. This assesses your problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to articulate design thinking.

• Team Interviews: Meetings with potential cross-functional collaborators (e.g., Product Managers, Art Directors, Lead Engineers) to assess your communication, collaboration style, and strategic alignment.

• Final Interview: Often with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, VP of Design) to discuss vision, career aspirations, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem you solved, your specific contributions, the design process you followed, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., increased engagement, improved retention, player satisfaction). Quantify results whenever possible.

• Showcase Process: Don't just show final screens. Include wireframes, user flows, prototypes, user research insights, and iterations to demonstrate your thinking.

• Tailor to Games: Highlight projects that demonstrate your understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, social dynamics, and monetization strategies in games.

• Be Concise and Clear: Present your strongest work. Be prepared to discuss each project in detail, but also be mindful of the interviewer's time.

• Highlight Collaboration: Show examples of how you worked with engineers, artists, and product managers.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Game: If given a challenge related to "Monopoly Go!", research the game's existing mechanics, social features, and target audience.

• Think Strategically: Consider Scopely's stated goals (engagement, social connection) and how your proposed solutions align.

• Prototype Mentality: Even if not explicitly asked to prototype, think about how you would test your ideas and iterate based on feedback.

• Communicate Your Thinking: Clearly articulate your assumptions, design choices, and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on demonstrating practical UX skills specifically within the gaming domain. A strong portfolio that showcases an understanding of player motivation, social mechanics, and iterative design for games is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure RP, InVision. Proficiency in at least one major tool is expected.

• Collaboration & Documentation: Jira, Confluence, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Slack.

• Game-Specific Tools: Familiarity with game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) for understanding technical constraints and potential for prototyping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with mobile game analytics platforms (e.g., GameAnalytics, Firebase Analytics, Amplitude, custom internal tools) to understand player behavior and measure design impact.

• Understanding of A/B testing frameworks and tools.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this UX role, but an understanding of how player data is managed and utilized within the broader ecosystem is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard UX design and prototyping tools is a given. For this role, experience with game analytics platforms and an understanding of game development environments (like Unity) are highly advantageous, demonstrating an ability to work effectively within the game development pipeline.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Playful Innovation: A culture that encourages experimentation and finding new ways to delight players.

• Player-Centricity: Deep focus on understanding and serving the player community.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Informed Decisions: Utilizing analytics and research to guide design and product strategy.

• Ownership & Accountability: Empowering individuals to take responsibility for their work and its outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Iterative & Feedback-Driven: Encourages open communication, constructive feedback, and a cyclical approach to design improvement.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with product managers, engineers, and artists from concept to launch.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in design critiques, internal presentations, and documentation to share learnings and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Scopely's culture values playfulness, player focus, and collaboration. As a Principal UX Designer, you'll be expected to embody these values by leading innovative design efforts, fostering strong partnerships, and contributing to a positive and productive team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Novelty and Consistency: Designing new mini-game experiences that are fresh and exciting while fitting seamlessly within the established "Monopoly Go!" UX and brand guidelines.

• Driving Engagement in a Competitive Market: Creating mini-games that capture and hold player attention amidst a crowded mobile gaming landscape.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively communicating complex design ideas and securing buy-in from diverse stakeholders with varying priorities.

• Rapid Iteration: Adapting to fast-paced development cycles and quickly incorporating feedback from user testing and live data.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Social Mechanics: Gaining advanced knowledge in designing for social interaction, community building, and competitive play within mobile games.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of emerging trends in mobile gaming UX, player engagement strategies, and monetization models.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and contribute to the growth of the UX discipline within Scopely.

• Exposure to AAA Titles: Working on a highly successful and visible game like "Monopoly Go!" provides significant professional development and portfolio enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a senior role in a fast-paced, highly successful game studio. Growth is tied to deepening expertise in game UX and potentially stepping into more leadership-oriented responsibilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance innovative design ideas with existing product constraints or brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process for navigating trade-offs and maintaining alignment.)

• "How do you approach understanding player motivations and translating them into compelling game mechanics and social features?" (Prepare examples of your player-centric design process.)

• "Walk us through a complex game feature you designed from concept to launch. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Use a structured case study approach: problem, your role, process, solution, outcome.)

• "How do you collaborate with engineers and artists to ensure your designs are feasible and effectively implemented?" (Highlight your communication and partnership skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What aspects of Scopely's culture or the 'Monopoly Go!' game specifically appeal to you as a UX designer?" (Research Scopely's values, recent news, and the game's features.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in mobile gaming UX and player behavior?" (Demonstrate your passion for the industry and continuous learning.)

• "Describe your experience with user testing and how you use feedback to iterate on designs." (Emphasize your commitment to user-validated design.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative, highlighting the problem, your journey, and the resolution.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals and clear annotations. Ensure prototypes are functional and easy to navigate.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. If exact metrics aren't available, articulate the intended impact and how you measured success qualitatively.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, alternative solutions, and the trade-offs you made. Be ready to defend your decisions with clear rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing deep expertise in game UX, strong problem-solving skills, effective collaboration, and a clear understanding of player psychology and engagement loops, all within the context of mobile gaming.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Scopely careers portal via the provided Greenhouse link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 2-3 strong case studies demonstrating your experience with social gameplay, mini-games, and player engagement in mobile games. Tailor your resume to highlight achievements relevant to game UX.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your design process, your role in team projects, and the impact of your work during the interview. Focus on storytelling for your portfolio presentations.

• Research Scopely & "Monopoly Go!": Understand the company's values, mission, and the specific game you'll be working on. Identify what makes "Monopoly Go!" successful and potential areas for UX innovation.

• Practice Design Challenges: If a challenge is provided, dedicate ample time to understanding the prompt, brainstorming solutions, and structuring your response clearly, focusing on player-centricity and game mechanics.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions for a Principal UX Designer role in the gaming sector. All details regarding specific responsibilities, team structure, and interview processes should be verified directly with the hiring organization, Scopely, before making application decisions.