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Senior Cinematic Designer job | CD PROJEKT RED, Boston

Festybay, Boston, MA, United States


At

CD PROJEKT RED , our mission is to create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs that go straight to the hearts of gamers. Following the legacy of Cyberpunk 2077 and the groundbreaking Phantom Liberty, we are expanding our North American footprint. We are seeking a visionary

Senior Cinematic Designer

to join our Boston-based team to help shape the next evolution of cinematic storytelling in

Cyberpunk 2

(Project Orion).

As a member of the Cinematics Team, you won’t just be making “cutscenes.” You will be crafting highly interactive, gameplay-integrated experiences that seamlessly blend narrative weight with player agency. Your mastery of composition, pacing, and visual rhythm will transform scripted moments into living, breathing, and reactive storytelling that remains grounded in the gritty reality of the Cyberpunk universe. If you thrive at the intersection of traditional film direction and real-time interactive design, we want to hear from you.

Job Oveview: Senior Cinematic Designer Category

Details

Company Name

CD PROJEKT RED

Project Code Name

Cyberpunk 2 (Project Orion)

Position Title

Senior Cinematic Designer

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Model

Hybrid / In-Office

Location

Boston, MA, United States

Annual Salary Range

$118,800 – $196,000 USD

Application Deadline

May 30, 2026

Job Description: The Art of Seamless Immersion The

Senior Cinematic Designer

at CD PROJEKT RED is a critical role that bridges the gap between the player’s control and the director’s vision. Unlike traditional linear media, our cinematics often allow the player to maintain their perspective, interact with the environment, or make choices during a scene.

You will be responsible for creating dynamic in-game sequences using

Unreal Engine’s Sequencer

and our proprietary toolsets. Your objective is to maintain total immersion, ensuring that the transition from combat or exploration into a narrative beat is virtually undetectable. You will direct “virtual actors,” manage digital lighting, and stage scenes that react to the player’s presence, all while maintaining the highest standards of visual fidelity.

Interactive Scene Creation:

Design and implement cinematic sequences that prioritize player agency and immersion, avoiding “passive” viewing whenever possible.

Cinematographic Staging:

Execute character staging, lighting, and camera composition that enhance the emotional and visual impact of the story.

Technical Implementation:

Use Unreal Engine Sequencer and visual scripting (Blueprints/Proprietary tools) to build and iterate on complex, non-linear scenes.

Performance Direction:

Craft expressive facial performances by blending animation libraries with custom work to deliver believable, human-centric interactions.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration:

Partner closely with Writers, Quest Designers, Animators, and Gameplay Engineers to ensure narrative beats align with mechanical requirements.

Motion Capture Leadership:

Participate in MoCap sessions, providing input on shot design, framing, and assisting in directing talent to capture the best performances.

Performance Optimization:

Balance high-end artistic vision with technical performance, ensuring scenes run smoothly in real-time on target hardware.

Narrative Consistency:

Work under the guidance of Cinematic Leadership to ensure the project’s visual tone remains consistent with the established art direction

We are looking for a storyteller who understands the unique language of the camera within a 3D space.

Industry Experience:

8+ years of experience in AAA game development.

Shipped Titles:

Must have shipped at least one major, narrative-driven title in a cinematic or design capacity.

Cinematography Mastery:

A profound understanding of camera language, lens choice, lighting, and the “rules” of composition within a real-time engine.

Pacing & Timing:

Deep knowledge of editing and rhythm, with the ability to manage the flow of both linear and interactive dialogue scenes.

Technical Proficiency:

Proven expertise in

Unreal Sequencer

or similar cinematic timeline tools.

Acting Intuition:

A solid grasp of human acting, posing, and body language to ensure character-driven scenes feel authentic.

Scripting Skills:

Familiarity with visual scripting (e.g., Unreal Blueprints) to handle scene triggers and branching logic.

MoCap Workflow:

Experience working with motion capture data and directing actors on a volume.

The “Nice to Haves”

A formal background in film production, professional photography, or stage lighting.

Proficiency in

MotionBuilder

or

Maya

for animation cleanup and staging.

A deep, personal interest in narrative-driven RPGs and the specific lore of the Cyberpunk world.

CD PROJEKT RED offers a competitive compensation structure that rewards seniority and technical expertise.

Base Salary Range:

$118,800 – $196,000 USD per year.

401K Program:

Retirement savings plan with employer matching.

Stock Options:

This role may be eligible for performance-based or long-term incentive programs based on project milestones.

Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA):

$100 per month for wellness, home office, or personal learning.

We believe that peak creativity requires a healthy mind and body. Our benefits package is designed to support every aspect of your life.

Full Coverage:

Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Mental Health Support:

Access to psychiatric care, counseling, and specialized wellness webinars.

Menstrual Leave:

One extra paid day off per month for employees experiencing period pain.

Paid Time Off

Generous Leave:

26 days of vacation, 10 sick days, and 12 calendar holidays annually.

Flexible Working Hours:

We support a healthy work-life balance through flexible scheduling.

Growth & Culture

Continuous Learning:

Access to internal workshops, knowledge-sharing talks, and external training courses.

RED Parents Network:

Specialized support and childcare benefits for working parents.

Office Life:

A dog-friendly, international environment in Boston with a casual “no dress-code” policy.

Welcome Pack:

A curated set of high-quality gear to help you settle into the team.

The Boston Studio & Project Orion Project Orion is the next mainline entry in the Cyberpunk 2077 franchise. As part of our Boston team, you will be a pioneer in our North American expansion. You will work in a studio that values the “personal touch”—where individual creativity is encouraged, and the standard is nothing less than revolutionary. We operate in a hybrid model, combining the energy of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of home-based work.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume along with a

portfolio or reel

showcasing your cinematic work (specifically in-engine implementation).

The application window closes on May 30, 2026.

CD PROJEKT RED is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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