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Contextual Inquiry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jobtailor

Senior Human Factors Engineer

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Conduct contextual inquiry, ethnographic studies, usability testing, surveys, and interviews to identify user needs, preferences, and pain points * Develop and refine user profiles, task analyses ...

New

Collabera

UX Researcher

Boston, MA

Demonstrated experience delivering user research, including developing user personas, conducting field studies / contextual inquiry, and usability testing Additional Information To know more about ...

BD Mexico

Sr. Human Factors Engineer

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Conduct user research activities including contextual inquiry, ethnographic studies, and usability testing to identify user needs, preferences, and pain points. * Develop and refine user profiles ...

New

Cognizant Technologies

Sr. User Researcher

Boston, MA · On-site

... contextual inquiry / field studies, surveys, interviews, heuristic evaluations, focus groups, card sorts, ethnography and persona development, and rapid iterative testing within an Agile environment.

Randstad Digital

UX Researcher

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Ability to conduct a range of research methods including user interviews, usability testing, surveys, ethnographic studies, contextual inquiry, and concept testing * Synthesize and present research ...

Pillar Technology

Experience Architect

Detroit, MI · On-site

Synthesize research results into actionable insights and drive concept development including such methods as contextual inquiry, ethnographic research, persona and scenario development, and ...

Pillar Technology

Experience Architect

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

Synthesize research results into actionable insights and drive concept development including such methods as contextual inquiry, ethnographic research, persona and scenario development, and ...

Lentech Inc

User Experience Designer 2

Annapolis, MD · On-site

Hands-on experience conducting usability testing, interviews, and/or contextual inquiry directly with end users. * Comfortable assisting research sessions alongside a UX lead. * Experience ...

N2IA Technologies

UX Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Conduct user research to understand needs, constraints, and service pain points (interviews, contextual inquiry, surveys, usability testing).Document decisions, research findings, and design ...

N2IA Technologies

UX Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Conduct user research to understand needs, constraints, and service pain points (interviews, contextual inquiry, surveys, usability testing). * Document decisions, research findings, and design ...

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All JobsContextual Inquiry Jobs

Contextual Inquiry information

See salary details

$100.5K

$144.4K

$172K

How much do contextual inquiry jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for contextual inquiry in the United States is $144,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,000.00 and $161,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contextual inquiry?

Contextual inquiry is a user research method used in design and human-computer interaction to observe and interview users in their natural environment while they perform real tasks. This approach allows researchers to gain in-depth insights into users’ behaviors, workflows, and pain points by seeing their tasks in context. The method typically involves a combination of observation and active questioning, helping uncover needs and requirements that users may not explicitly state. Contextual inquiry is particularly valuable for informing the design of user-centered products and systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contextual inquiry specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contextual Inquiry Specialist, you need a background in human-computer interaction, usability research, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in design, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with qualitative research tools, recording devices, and data analysis software such as NVivo or Dovetail is commonly required. Strong observational skills, empathy, and the ability to build rapport with participants are crucial soft skills for gathering authentic insights. These skills ensure accurate user research, leading to actionable design recommendations that improve product usability and user experience.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals conducting contextual inquiry, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in contextual inquiry is building trust and rapport with participants to ensure authentic observations. Participants may alter their behavior if they feel observed, so it's important to communicate the purpose clearly and create a comfortable environment. Another challenge is managing large volumes of qualitative data; using structured note-taking and synthesis techniques can help. Scheduling and logistical issues may arise, especially in busy workplaces, so flexibility and strong organizational skills are key.

What is the difference between Contextual Inquiry vs User Researcher?

AspectContextual InquiryUser Researcher
Primary FocusUnderstanding user behaviors in their natural environmentGathering user insights through various research methods
MethodsObservation, interviews, contextual analysisSurveys, interviews, usability testing, data analysis
Work EnvironmentOn-site, in users' real-world settingsOffice, labs, remote
Industry UsageUX design, product development, human factorsUX research, product management, marketing

While both roles focus on understanding users, Contextual Inquiry emphasizes observing users in their natural environment to gather contextual insights. User Researchers employ a broader range of methods to collect user data across various settings, supporting product and design decisions.

More about Contextual Inquiry jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Contextual Inquiry jobs?

The most popular types of Contextual Inquiry jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Contextual Inquiry jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Contextual Inquiry jobs are:

Contextual Inquiry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contextual Inquiry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,375 per year, or $69.4 per hour.

Senior Human Factors Engineer

Jobtailor

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

  • Lead and execute human factors engineering activities throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept generation to post-market surveillance
  • Conduct contextual inquiry, ethnographic studies, usability testing, surveys, and interviews to identify user needs, preferences, and pain points
  • Develop and refine user profiles, task analyses, use scenarios, and use-related risk analyses
  • Translate user research findings into actionable design recommendations and requirements
  • Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Regulatory, Quality, and Clinical Affairs teams
  • Participate in design reviews and provide expert input on user interface, workflow, and overall usability
  • Create human factors plans, reports, and regulatory documentation, including IEC 62366 and FDA guidance documentation
  • Mentor junior human factors engineers and promote user-centered design
  • Stay current with industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Factors Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Industrial Design, Cognitive Science, Psychology, or a related field
  • Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in human factors engineering
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience specifically in the medical device industry, such as Class II or Class III devices
  • Strong understanding of human factors principles, usability engineering, and user-centered design methodologies
  • Proficiency in usability testing, contextual inquiry, surveys, and interviews
  • Working familiarity with FDA guidance, IEC 62366, and ISO 14971
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
  • Approximately 25% travel, about once per quarter
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in human factors engineering, usability testing, and user-centered design methodologies within the medical device industry. Proficient in regulatory documentation and collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance product usability and compliance.

Highest-signal resume keywords
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Usability Testing
  • FDA Guidance
  • IEC 62366
  • User-Centered Design
ATS Optimization Keywords Hard Skills
  • Contextual Inquiry
  • Ethnographic Studies
  • Surveys
  • Interviews
  • Task Analyses
  • Use Scenarios
  • Use-Related Risk Analyses
  • Design Recommendations
  • Regulatory Documentation
  • Usability Engineering
Soft Skills
  • Excellent Communication Skills
  • Analytical Skills
  • Problem-Solving Skills
  • Collaboration
  • Mentoring
Industry Keywords
  • Medical Device Industry
  • Class II Devices
  • Class III Devices
  • ISO 14971
  • Post-Market Surveillance
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