Senior Cinematic Designer

CD PROJEKT RED•Boston, MA

5h•$118,800 - $196,000•Hybrid

About The Position

CD PROJEKT RED is seeking a Senior Cinematic Designer to join its Boston team and shape cinematic storytelling in Cyberpunk 2, the follow-up to Cyberpunk 2077. As part of the Cinematics Team, the designer will craft highly interactive, gameplay-integrated scenes that combine narrative, performance, and player agency. The role focuses on composition, pacing, and visual rhythm to make gameplay moments feel grounded, reactive, and cinematic. The designer will create and implement real-time cinematic sequences, craft character performances, and collaborate across narrative, animation, quest, gameplay, art direction, and cinematic teams. The work balances artistic vision with technical performance and optimization for real-time execution. The position is based in Boston and works in-office in a hybrid or full-time capacity. Candidates selected for the role must complete a background check in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Requirements

At least 8 years of experience in cinematic development or related industries, including film, animation, or game development.
Strong hands-on experience with real-time game engines such as Unreal Engine or equivalent.
Thorough understanding of cinematography, composition, and camera language within a real-time engine.
Deep knowledge of editing, timing, and pacing for linear and interactive storytelling.
Proven experience implementing cinematics in a gameplay context using Unreal Sequencer or similar tools.
Solid grasp of acting and posing for character-driven scenes.
Experience with visual scripting systems such as Unreal Blueprints or proprietary equivalents.
Familiarity with motion capture workflows and directing talent for cinematic performance.
Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
Strong problem-solving ability and adaptability to proprietary pipelines.

Nice To Haves

Background in film, photography, or lighting.
Interest in narrative-driven RPGs and interactive storytelling.
Experience with MotionBuilder or Maya.
Experience working with animation.

Responsibilities

Create dynamic in-game cinematic sequences that merge storytelling with gameplay while maintaining player immersion and agency.
Implement scenes using character staging, lighting, and composition to strengthen emotional and visual impact.
Use Unreal Engine Sequencer and proprietary visual scripting tools to build and iterate on non-linear cinematic scenes.
Create expressive facial performances using facial animation libraries and custom animation work.
Collaborate with writers, cinematic designers, animators, quest teams, and gameplay teams to integrate narrative and interactive elements.
Participate in motion capture sessions, assisting with shot design, framing, and performance guidance.
Balance artistic vision with technical performance and ensure cinematic content meets quality and optimization standards for real-time execution.
Maintain project visual and narrative consistency in cooperation with art direction and cinematic leadership.

Benefits

Company-paid medical healthcare, including dental, vision, and mental health coverage.
Free mental health support, including counseling, psychiatric care, and well-being webinars.
26 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 12 calendar holidays per year.
401(k) with employer matching.
Lifestyle Spending Account of $100 per month for fitness, wellness, internet, home office equipment, learning, streaming services, and more.
Menstrual leave: one extra day off for employees who menstruate and experience period pain.
Childcare benefits and family-friendly events through the RED Parents Network.
Flexible working hours.
Trainings, lectures, courses, internal workshops, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes.
Welcome pack.
Dog-friendly office.