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Associate User Researcher Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www ... Research Technologies & Industry Trends * Monitor emerging optical technologies, research ...

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO

$108K - $143K/yr

The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www ... Research Technologies & Industry Trends * Monitor emerging optical technologies, research ...

... user provisioning, certification campaigns, and access requests. * Research and resolve ... Requirements: * Associate's degree in Information Technology, Information Security, Business ...

Informatics Analyst

Denver, CO · On-site

$177/hr

This position reports directly to the Associate Director of Data Management. Responsibilities ... Consult on and provide direct technical support for research projects of routine complexity and ...

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and ... user products, provide training and logistics support, and ensure product reliability and ...

... R&D Optics Lab meets the current and upcoming product development needs as primary user * Support ... An associate's position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but ...

Optical Engineer, Core Systems

Loveland, CO · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

... R&D Optics Lab meets the current and upcoming product development needs as primary user * Support ... An associate's position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but ...

Front-End Engineer II

Almont, CO · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

... systems and user-facing experiences. The role partners with front-end developers, API engineers ... Research solutions and contribute to code standards and reviews. * Mentor associate front-end ...

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Showing results 41-60

Associate User Researcher information

See Colorado salary details

$31.5K

$118.9K

$173K

How much do associate user researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate user researcher in Colorado is $118,929.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $161,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate user researcher do?

An Associate User Researcher assists in understanding user needs, behaviors, and motivations through various research methods such as interviews, surveys, and usability testing. They help plan, conduct, and analyze user research studies under the guidance of more experienced researchers. Their findings inform product design decisions to ensure a user-centered approach. This entry-level role is ideal for those starting a career in user experience (UX) research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate user researcher?

To thrive as an Associate User Researcher, you need a solid grasp of research methodologies, data analysis, and user-centered design principles, often supported by a degree in psychology, human-computer interaction, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like usability testing software, survey platforms, and data visualization tools is highly beneficial. Strong communication, empathy, and collaboration skills help you understand user needs and convey insights effectively to cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for generating actionable insights that drive product improvements and enhance user experiences.

How does an associate user researcher typically collaborate with product and design teams during a project?

As an Associate User Researcher, you'll work closely with product managers and designers throughout the product development process. You may assist in planning and conducting user interviews, usability tests, and surveys, then share your findings in clear, actionable reports. Regular communication and collaboration are essential—expect to participate in brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and sprint meetings to ensure user insights are integrated into decision-making. This collaborative environment not only strengthens your research skills but also helps you understand how research impacts product direction.

What is the difference between Associate User Researcher vs User Researcher?

AspectAssociate User ResearcherUser Researcher
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in psychology, design, or related field; some experience in research methodsBachelor's or master's degree; more extensive research experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting senior researchers; collaborative teams in tech or design companiesMore independent research responsibilities; leading projects in similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech, startups, and design agenciesUsed across tech, e-commerce, and consulting firms

The main difference between an Associate User Researcher and a User Researcher lies in experience level and scope of responsibilities. An Associate User Researcher typically supports research activities and gains foundational skills, while a User Researcher often leads projects and has more autonomy. Both roles are vital in user-centered design teams, with the Associate position serving as an entry point for those starting their research careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of User Researcher jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of User Researcher jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate User Researcher jobs in Colorado?

For Associate User Researcher jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate User Researcher jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate User Researcher jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various Associate User Researcher job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,929 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Illumination Engineer Lead

Acuity, Inc.

Wheat Ridge, CO • On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people's lives.
We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and productivity to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals.
Acuity Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www.acuityinc.com.
Work location:
  • This position requires on-site presence in Wheat Ridge, CO, following a hybrid work model.

Job Summary
The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands' lighting innovation group. This role focuses on early-stage illumination concepts, optical system design, and photometric analysis to translate customer problems and emerging trends into differentiated lighting solutions.
Operating at the front end of the product lifecycle, the role emphasizes optical exploration, performance discovery, and concept validation. The position collaborates closely with mechanical, electrical, industrial design, and product teams to shape concepts that can progress toward commercialization.
Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels:
  • Entry Level: Contributes to optical design, simulation, and analysis under guidance; develops foundational skills and supports concept development.
  • Senior Level: Independently drives optical concepts and analysis; owns key portions of projects and influences design direction.
  • Lead Level: Sets optical strategy, leads complex concept development, and influences long-term innovation direction across programs.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
Invent Early-Stage Illumination Concepts
  • Collaboratively generate ideas for new products and develop those ideas into product concepts.
  • Translate customer needs, application requirements, and business objectives into illumination concepts and system-level performance targets.
  • Perform competitive analysis and market research to set project objectives and performance criteria

Optical Design & Simulation
  • Develop optical designs using ray trace and simulation tools to evaluate and refine light distribution, efficiency, glare, uniformity, and visual comfort.
  • Design optical architectures including lenses, reflectors, diffusers, and mixed systems.

Photometric Calculation & Analysis
  • Perform photometric calculations to quantify and set luminaire performance targets and application outcomes.
  • Interpret key metrics such as intensity, illuminance, luminance, uniformity, efficacy, and glare.

Prototype, Test, and Validate Concepts
  • Develop, build, and evaluate proof of concept prototypes and mockups using lab measurements and group visual review of subjective criteria
  • Correlate simulation results with measured performance.

Conduct Experiments & Design of Experiments (DoE)
  • Plan and execute experiments to explore materials, architectures, and system behaviors.
  • Use data to guide concept evolution and optimization.

Lead or Contribute to Innovation Activities
  • Participate in ideation sessions and innovation events.
  • Generate novel approaches to light delivery, visual experience, and system integration.

Research Technologies & Industry Trends
  • Monitor emerging optical technologies, research, standards, and competitors.
  • Identify opportunities for new illumination approaches.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work with mechanical, electrical, controls, industrial design, manufacturing, sourcing, and product teams.
  • Balance performance, cost, manufacturability, and user experience.

Communicate Concepts and Tradeoffs
  • Develop clear presentations of optical concepts, simulations, test results, and tradeoffs.
  • Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders how design decisions impact user experience and the lighting application.

Support Intellectual Property Development
  • Document innovations and support patent development efforts.

Support Broader Product Development Efforts
  • Provide optical expertise across projects, including reviews, benchmarking, application and product performance analysis.

Skills and Minimum Experience Required
Education
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Illumination Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Experience (by level)
  • Entry Level: 0-3 years in illumination engineering, optics, or related fields
  • Senior Level: ~5-10 years of relevant experience with demonstrated ownership of optical design and analysis
  • Lead Level: 10+ years with experience leading complex optical development and influencing product direction

Technical Skills
  • Experience with optical simulation tools (e.g., Photopia, LightTools, or equivalent)
  • Experience with CAD and photometric tools (e.g., Visual, AGI32, Dialux, Rhino, Grasshopper, SolidWorks, or equivalents)
  • Knowledge of photometric analysis and lighting performance metrics
  • Experience with prototype development and validation

Additional Attributes
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to collaborate across disciplines
  • Clear communication of complex technical concepts
  • Familiarity with lighting standards and measurement practices (preferred)
  • Experience with IP or patent processes (preferred)

The range for this position is $104,200.00 to $149,500. Placement within this range may vary, depending on the applicant's experience and geographic location. Acuity offers generous benefits including health care, dental coverage, vision plans, 401K benefits, and commissions/incentive compensation depending on the role. For a list of our benefits, click here.
We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please click here and here for more information.
Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need an accommodation, you may contact us at (770) 922-9000, select option 4. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition.
Any unsolicited resumes sent to Acuity Inc. from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Inc. mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Acuity Inc. employees, or to Acuity Inc. resume database will be considered Acuity Inc. property. Acuity Inc. will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.
Acuity Inc. will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor, but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.
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