Freelance User Experience Designer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

MAKE STRATEGY GAMES THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME.

For nearly 30 years, Firaxis Games has built the strategy games players don't just play; they master, replay, and argue about for years. From Sid Meier's Civilization to XCOM, we create deeply strategic, turn-based experiences that reward patience, planning, and a healthy dose of obsession. Founded in 1996 by industry legend Sid Meier, our studio has earned BAFTAs, D.I.C.E. Awards, and Game of the Year honors along the way - and we're just getting started on the next generation of strategy games. To build the best, we need people who care as much about getting the details right as our players do. We're looking for teammates who own their craft, bring real curiosity, and never lose sight of the player on the other side of the screen. If that sounds like your kind of studio, we'd love to hear from you.

People First  | Gameplay Focused | Be Accountable | Embrace Enthusiasm | Work Smart 

What We Need

Firaxis Games is looking for a talented, motivated, and experienced Director to define the vision and execution for user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design for a franchise in Firaxis' future. The Director of UX/UI will deliver world class experiences for our players, while also improving the outcomes, quality, and efficiency of the UX/UI team. 

• You are OUTCOME focused and know how to deliver the appropriate quality for the milestone or release.
• You know when speed is required and you know when it's time to slow down and think through a problem.  
• Context switching is easy for you, as you can operate as a Director, a Lead or an Individual Contributor, focused on the Franchise or on multiple projects in the Franchise, multiple times within the same day.  
• You are able to direct the work across all UI development regardless of discipline, and you can define and drive the tooling and pipeline needs of the team.
• You have excellent people and management skills.
• You're comfortable in Unreal Engine, Figma and every other tool or technology that emerges. 
• You can easily navigate multiple worlds of competing priorities.  
• You can build, grow and retain a world class team of design, art and /or tech professionals. 
• You know when to use a soft touch...  a Bulldozer...  or anything in between.  

Still here?  Then we want to talk to you!   

What You Will Do

• Lead a cross-discipline UI team team of UX designers (up to 10) 
• Work with Game Directors and Designers to translate goals and constraints into compelling user-facing experiences
• Collaborate with other UX/UI Craft leads, ensuring strong cross-team relationships and communication
• Present and pitch designs to the Creative Director, Game Directors and Franchise Leadership.
• Produce UX design work such as competitive analysis, information design, content strategy, user stories, journey mapping, and accessibility standards 
• Work collaboratively across multiple teams within the Franchise to create consistency and resolve design discrepancies
• Build flexible design systems that enhance our ability to develop design more efficiently and consistently 

Who We Think Will Be A Great Fit

• You have 7+ years of experience working collaboratively in at least one of UX design, UI art, or UI engineering, actively developing UI features in video games.to design features and complex UX systems and complete them across multiple platforms (mobile, web, PC, consoles)
• You have 7+ years of experience working in flexible environments and on multi-disciplinary teams
• You have 5+ years of experience managing a team up to 10 people or equivalent training
• 5+ years of experience presenting to other team members and stakeholders
• You are a results oriented, empathetic, and compassionate leader
• You are skilled with Unreal Engine's UMG system, Figma, the Adobe Suite, and prototyping software
• You have a strong portfolio demonstrating user-centered design solutions with strong visual direction and interaction design
• Thorough understanding of UI/UX design, art, and engineering practices.
• Significant management and mentoring experience including experience with disciplinary and career development practices.
• Strong understanding of game development processes and gameplay mechanics.
• A willingness to advocate for the player and be their voice when needed.
• Strong alignment with Firaxis values and Mission
• Must possess current US work authorization.
• Leadership: Proven ability to manage, mentor, and influence cross-functional teams.
• Tools: Familiarity with modern design/prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch), Unreal Engine, etc.

2K is an equal opportunity employer. We provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. Information regarding salary ranges and benefits is provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws.
The pay range for this position in North Carolina at the start of employment is expected to be between $145,900 and $215,920 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.If hired, employee will be in an ~at-will position~ and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.