CD PROJEKT RED is looking for a visionary Lead Concept Artist to join our team in Warsaw. This is a defining role for Project Orion, the highly anticipated follow-up to Cyberpunk 2077 and the next major chapter in the Cyberpunk franchise.
In this role, you will be more than an illustrator; you will be an architect of the future. We are seeking a leader who combines a deep aesthetic understanding of the “dark future” with the management prowess to guide a dedicated team of artists. Your mission is to push the boundaries of the Cyberpunk genre, creating world-class characters, immersive environments, and intricate hard-surface designs that will set the visual standard for the next decade of RPGs.
At CD PROJEKT RED, we value the leadership required to steer a world-class franchise. Our compensation package is designed to provide financial security and a stake in our collective future.
Benefit Type
Details
Gross Monthly Salary
29,900 – 41,030 PLN
Stock Options
Eligible for the Long-Term Incentive Program (LTIP), offering the option to purchase CDPR stock after the vesting period.
Relocation
Full relocation coverage (Flights, shipping, pet relocation, and 1-month apartment).
Annual Leave
20 to 26 days of paid holiday + paid sick leave.
The Role: Shaping the Dark Future
As the Lead Concept Artist, you are the bridge between the Art Director’s high-level vision and the granular execution of the concept team. You will lead a small, elite group of artists, fostering a culture of “revolutionary” design. Your daily focus will be on maintaining artistic consistency while empowering your peers to grow through constant mentorship and clear, actionable feedback.
Daily Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Mentorship: Guide, motivate, and mentor team members. You are responsible for setting the “quality bar” and providing the daily support (sketches, ideas, feedback) necessary to reach it.
Creative Briefing: Create comprehensive briefs and set clear design goals. You will ensure the team produces high-quality work that serves as a source of inspiration for 3D artists, animators, and level designers.
High-Level Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with the Art Director to define the visual pillars of the game. You will ensure that the established vision of the Cyberpunk universe is preserved and evolved.
Hands-On Design: Produce exceptional character, environment, and hard-surface designs. Your work must be grounded in storytelling and worldbuilding, utilizing principles of industrial design, anatomy, and lighting.
Documentation & Communication: Develop clear creative documentation to ensure alignment across disciplines. You will proactively participate in brainstorms and reviews to strengthen cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Pipeline Optimization: Identify bottlenecks in the concept workflow and implement solutions to improve team efficiency and effectiveness.
Job Requirements & Qualifications
CD PROJEKT RED looking for a candidate who possesses a rare blend of traditional artistic foundations and cutting-edge digital technical skills.
Leadership & Professional Experience
Management Tenure: At least 2 years of experience in a leadership role within a creative environment, demonstrating a track record of mentoring and shaping project direction.
Industry Background: A minimum of 8 years of experience as a concept artist, with at least one AAA title successfully shipped.
Genre Expertise: An in-depth knowledge of the Cyberpunk genre and RPG mechanics. You should have a passion for the philosophy and aesthetic of sci-fi.
Technical & Artistic Skills
Artistic Mastery: An exceptional portfolio showcasing realistic and sci-fi concept art, mood paintings, and key-frames.
Mixed Workflow: Excellent knowledge of both 2D and 3D design software. You should be comfortable with 3D blockouts, paintovers, and fast ideation sketches/storyboards.
Foundational Core: A strong background in traditional art (landscape painting, industrial design, or illustration) with mastery over composition, color theory, and form.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written English skills. You must be able to demonstrate ideas efficiently and work collaboratively with global teams across different time zones.
Health, Well-Being & Perks
CD PROJEKT RED is dedicated to providing an environment where “Rebels” can thrive both personally and professionally.
Comprehensive Health: Private medical healthcare (including dental and unlimited rehab) for you and your family. We also offer annual cancer prevention screenings.
Mental Support: Access to free psychological and psychiatric care and specialized well-being initiatives.
RED Parents Network: Dedicated support for working parents, including childcare benefits and the RED Summer Camp (a paid program for kids aged 5–12).
Inclusive Benefits:Menstrual Leave for employees experiencing period pain (one extra day off per month).
Active Lifestyle: Sports card for city-wide gym access, plus an on-site gym featuring a climbing wall, yoga, and boxing classes.
Office Culture: A dog-friendly, no-dress-code office with canteens, bicycle repair stations, and regular social gatherings to unwind and play games.
Relocation Concierge: Beyond the financial package, we handle your legalization paperwork, tax settlements, and even provide Polish lessons for you and your partner.
Why Project Orion?
Joining the Cyberpunk team at this stage offers the chance to define the aesthetic of a new generation. We aren’t just making a sequel; we are refining a world. As a Lead, you will have a direct hand in the “Look and Feel” of Night City’s future, influencing everything from the cyberware citizens wear to the megastructures they inhabit.
How to Apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your application through our official portal.
Portfolio Requirements: Your portfolio is the most critical part of your application. It should demonstrate high-level sci-fi designs, 3D/2D hybrid workflows, and an understanding of the Cyberpunk aesthetic. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.
Selection Process: Qualified candidates will be contacted for an initial screening, followed by technical interviews with the Art Director and Leadership team.
