UX Designer - 12 Month FTC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer - 12 Month FTC

Company: Lighthouse Games

Location: Royal Leamington Spa, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Contract

Category: Game Design / User Experience (UX)

Date Posted: 2026-08-19

Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver intuitive, engaging, and visually compelling user experiences for a AAA next-generation game.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Game Design, Art, UI, and Engineering to translate player needs and design requirements into functional and enjoyable interfaces.

• Create and iterate on user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs, ensuring practical implementation and long-term visual consistency.

• Contribute to establishing robust UX standards, workflows, and best practices within a collaborative AAA studio environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 12-month fixed-term contract (FTC) within a AAA game development studio. The focus is on hands-on UX design for a game, emphasizing player-centric design, iterative development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The candidate will be expected to contribute to both the immediate game design and the long-term UX strategy of the studio.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design intuitive and engaging UX experiences for a AAA Game, focusing on menus, HUD, navigation systems, and in-game interactions.

• Create high-fidelity UX research, design documentation, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.

• Collaborate effectively with Game Designers, Artists, Engineers, and other disciplines to understand player needs and design requirements.

• Translate complex ideas into clear, accessible, and user-friendly interfaces and gameplay experiences.

• Iterate on UX solutions based on playtesting, player feedback, usability testing, and technical constraints.

• Collaborate with engineers and technical artists to ensure designs are practical, performant, and deliverable within engine limitations.

• Apply strong UX principles, including player psychology, usability, accessibility, and interaction design, to enhance the overall player experience.

• Review existing game systems and identify opportunities for UX improvements and the implementation of quality-of-life features.

• Support the maintenance of long-term visual consistency and usability as new game content and systems are developed.

• Contribute to a positive, collaborative development environment by supporting the wider UI/UX team.

• Identify and propose solutions for UX problems, optimizing player flows and establishing long-term UX standards and workflows within the studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a comprehensive UX design lifecycle within a game development context. This includes not only the creation of design artifacts but also a strong emphasis on collaboration, iteration based on feedback, and contributing to the studio's overall UX methodology and standards. The mention of "quality of life features" suggests a focus on improving player experience beyond core mechanics.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational foundation in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field is highly beneficial.

Experience: Previous experience working as a UX Designer or in a similar role within the games industry is a prerequisite. Proven experience in shipping at least one PC or console title is required.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience as a UX Designer or similar role within the games industry.

• A strong portfolio demonstrating excellent UX design skills, problem-solving abilities, and successful project outcomes.

• Experience shipping at least one PC or console title, with a good understanding of console UX requirements.

• Strong understanding of UX principles, player psychology, usability, accessibility, and interaction design.

• Proficiency in creating user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs.

• Familiarity with UX design tools such as Figma.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions effectively to diverse teams.

• Strong problem-solving skills, with a natural curiosity to identify challenges and find effective solutions.

• Ability to take ownership of features from concept through to implementation.

• Excellent attention to detail and a willingness to iterate and refine work based on feedback.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, highly collaborative development environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Unreal Engine 5.

• Experience implementing UI/UX directly within a game engine.

• Familiarity with UX Research methodologies, including usability testing and playtesting.

• Experience designing UI/UX for AAA games.

• Experience collaborating closely with game designers and engineers throughout the development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio and shipped titles is critical for this role. The "Required Skills" list is extensive, indicating a need for a well-rounded UX professional. Preferred skills like Unreal Engine experience and direct engine implementation suggest opportunities for candidates with deeper technical integration knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, ideally within the gaming sector.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating your process from problem identification to solution implementation, highlighting your role and contributions.

• Examples of user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs with clear explanations of design rationale.

• Evidence of understanding and applying UX principles, including player psychology, usability heuristics, and accessibility standards.

• Demonstrations of iterative design processes, showing how you incorporated feedback from user testing and playtesting.

• Examples of how you collaborated with cross-functional teams (Art, Engineering, Design) to bring designs to life. Process Documentation:

• Ability to create clear and concise design documentation, including user flow diagrams, interaction specifications, and style guides for UI elements.

• Experience in documenting design decisions and their rationale, particularly in relation to player needs and game design goals.

• Capacity to contribute to the development and refinement of studio-wide UX workflows and standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should prepare to walk through their process, demonstrating not just the final output but the strategic thinking, user research, and iterative refinement that led to it. The ability to document processes and contribute to studio standards is also a key expectation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a 12-month fixed-term contract (FTC) and specific salary details are not provided, a competitive salary commensurate with mid-level UX Designer experience in the UK games industry is expected. For Royal Leamington Spa and surrounding areas, this could range from £40,000 to £60,000 per annum, depending on exact experience and skills.

Benefits:

• 25 Days Holiday, plus 1 day for your birthday

• Studio Shutdown between Christmas and New Year

• Discretionary Bonus Scheme

• Private Pension Scheme

• Private Healthcare

• Health and Well-Being Benefits

• Dental Care

• Optical Treatments

• Mental Health Support

• Hybrid Working Model

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are assumed, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through a hybrid working model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for UX Designers in the UK games sector at a mid-level, adjusted for a fixed-term contract. The comprehensive benefits package indicates a company that values employee well-being and offers attractive perks beyond the standard. The hybrid model suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Game Development (AAA)

Company Size: Lighthouse Games is described as a "new AAA studio," implying a growing team with a significant ambition, likely ranging from 50-200 employees initially, with potential for expansion. This size offers a balance of established processes and the agility of a newer studio.

Founded: Lighthouse Games is a new studio, suggesting a fresh, modern approach to game development and culture.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be part of a dedicated UI/UX team, working closely with Game Design, Art, and Engineering departments.

• Reporting likely to a Lead UX Designer, UI/UX Director, or Head of Design.

• Cross-functional collaboration is central, requiring strong communication and partnership with various disciplines. Methodology:

• Emphasis on player-centric design and iterative development cycles.

• Use of industry-standard UX tools and methodologies, including wireframing, prototyping, and user testing.

• Collaborative approach to problem-solving and design decision-making.

• Focus on establishing and refining UX standards and workflows to ensure quality and consistency in AAA game development.

Company Website: https://lighthousegames.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: As a new AAA studio, Lighthouse Games likely fosters a culture of innovation, high standards, and a passion for creating exceptional gaming experiences. The team structure emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, crucial for AAA game development. The company website will provide further insights into their mission and values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-level UX Designer role, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of experience who can work independently on features but also benefit from guidance on larger initiatives. The contract nature means it's a focused, project-driven role.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a Lead UX Designer or Head of Design, providing mentorship and direction. Collaboration is expected with peers in Design, Art, and Engineering.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work will directly influence the player's interaction with the game, impacting engagement, satisfaction, and potentially the game's critical and commercial success. They are instrumental in shaping the core player experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like interaction design, accessibility, or UX research within the context of AAA gaming.

• Project Leadership: Potential to take ownership of specific game features or systems, leading the UX design process for those components.

• Studio Process Contribution: Contribute to the development of new UX workflows and standards, shaping how UX is approached within the studio.

• Networking: Build valuable professional relationships within a team of experienced game developers, potentially leading to future opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a 12-month FTC, the role offers significant opportunities for professional development within a AAA context. The focus is on delivering high-impact UX for a major game title and contributing to the studio's foundational processes. The experience gained will be highly valuable for future roles in the gaming industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Lighthouse Games is located in Royal Leamington Spa, a hub for game development. The studio environment is likely modern, collaborative, and equipped with the tools necessary for AAA game development.

Office Location(s): Royal Leamington Spa, England, United Kingdom. This location is known for its vibrant game development scene.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid working model allows for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work, offering flexibility.

• The office environment will foster collaboration, with opportunities for face-to-face discussions, brainstorming sessions, and team building.

• Access to industry-standard software and hardware for design and development will be provided.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the hybrid model allowing for some flexibility in how and where those hours are spent, balancing focused individual work with collaborative team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid working model is a key aspect of the work environment, suggesting a modern approach to work-life balance. The location in Leamington Spa places the candidate within a thriving game development ecosystem.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess suitability for the role and contract duration.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and contributions. Be prepared to articulate your design rationale.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This could involve a short design exercise or a more in-depth discussion about UX principles, tools (e.g., Figma), and game design challenges.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members (Designers, Artists, Engineers) to assess collaboration style and cultural alignment.

• Final Interview: With the hiring manager or studio lead to discuss the role in detail, contract terms, and answer any final questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. For this role, prioritize gaming industry projects, especially those involving shipped titles.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), the solutions, and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with other disciplines.

• Showcase Iteration: Include examples of how your designs evolved based on feedback.

• Detail Your Process: Explain your use of wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and how you applied UX principles.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Have specific examples ready to illustrate your skills and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: If a design exercise is given, focus on understanding the core problem, defining scope, and presenting a well-reasoned solution within the given timeframe, even if it's not fully polished.

• UX Principles: Be ready to discuss core UX concepts, player psychology, and accessibility in the context of game design.

• Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Figma and other relevant design tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is heavily weighted towards portfolio review. Candidates must be able to clearly articulate their design process and rationale, especially as it pertains to game development and player experience. The fixed-term nature suggests a need to quickly demonstrate capability and fit.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design Software: Figma (explicitly mentioned), Sketch, Adobe XD.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping, InVision, Axure RP.

• Wireframing Tools: Figma, Balsamiq, Miro.

• Documentation Tools: Confluence, Google Docs, Miro for flowcharts and diagrams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for UX, understanding how player data and analytics inform UX decisions is beneficial. Familiarity with tools that can integrate with game telemetry may be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this UX role, but understanding how user feedback is managed or how design assets are integrated into development pipelines is useful. Game Engines:

• Unreal Engine 5: A highly desirable skill for direct implementation and understanding engine capabilities.

• Unity: Another major game engine where UX/UI implementation knowledge is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the explicitly stated primary tool. Proficiency here is non-negotiable. Experience with Unreal Engine 5 is a significant advantage, indicating a desire for candidates who can bridge the gap between design and implementation within the game engine.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A core value that drives all design decisions, ensuring the player's experience is paramount.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-disciplinary input to achieve the best outcomes.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative solutions and pushing the boundaries of game design and player experience.

• Excellence: A commitment to high quality in all aspects of game development, from concept to final polish.

• Iteration & Adaptability: Willingness to refine designs based on feedback and adapt to evolving project needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with frequent interaction between UX, Game Design, Art, and Engineering.

• Open to feedback and constructive criticism, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Proactive communication to ensure alignment and efficient workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a new AAA studio, Lighthouse Games is likely building a culture that values strong teamwork, creative freedom within defined goals, and a shared passion for game development. The emphasis on player-centricity and collaboration is key for success in this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• AAA Scope: Designing for the complexity and scale of a AAA game requires meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage interconnected systems.

• Iterative Design: Constantly refining designs based on feedback and playtesting can be demanding but is essential for quality.

• Technical Constraints: Balancing ideal UX with the practical limitations of game engine technology and development timelines.

• Fixed-Term Contract: Adapting quickly to an ongoing project and delivering significant impact within a 12-month period.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AAA Project Experience: Gaining invaluable experience on a high-profile, next-generation game title.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced professionals in a leading AAA studio environment.

• Tool & Engine Proficiency: Deepening skills with industry-standard tools like Figma and potentially gaining hands-on experience with Unreal Engine 5.

• Industry Best Practices: Understanding and contributing to the best practices in UX design for modern games.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for AAA game development, emphasizing the need for resilience, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are significant, offering substantial career advancement within the gaming industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new game menu system from concept to implementation." (Focus on user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and iteration).

• "How do you ensure accessibility is integrated into your UX designs for games?" (Highlight specific principles and examples).

• "Walk us through a challenging UX problem you faced on a shipped game and how you solved it." (Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio).

• "How do you collaborate with engineers and artists to ensure your designs are technically feasible and visually cohesive?" (Emphasize communication and problem-solving). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Lighthouse Games and this specific project?" (Research the studio's vision and recent news).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" (Demonstrate openness and a growth mindset).

• "What are your thoughts on the current state of UX in AAA gaming?" (Show industry awareness). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: Don't just show final screens; explain the why and how behind your design decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time; prepare a streamlined presentation.

• Engage: Be ready to answer questions and discuss your work in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should heavily focus on the portfolio and the ability to articulate design decisions and processes clearly. Understanding the specific challenges of UX in game development will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant gaming industry projects, specifically focusing on UI/UX for PC or console titles. Ensure it demonstrates user flows, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity designs.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your experience in UX design within the games industry, highlighting shipped titles, proficiency with tools like Figma, and collaborative experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving strategies, and how you collaborate with cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss your approach to player psychology, accessibility, and iteration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Lighthouse Games' mission, values, and any publicly available information about their projects or studio culture. Understand their ambition in the AAA space.

⚠️ 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.