1

Contract Design Researcher Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

... and research customers, TSI employees are part of something special with a purpose. Contract ... Our work has meaning and the products we design and build help protect people and the environment.

Contract Attorney

Shoreview, MN · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

... and research customers, TSI employees are part of something special with a purpose. Contract ... Our work has meaning and the products we design and build help protect people and the environment.

The Interventional Urology Sr. R&D CAD Specialist will assist in product and/or process development ... Provide review of CAD models and drawings supplied by contract manufacturers and suppliers

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Design Researcher information

See Minnesota salary details

$29.4K

$110.8K

$161.1K

How much do contract design researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract design researcher in Minnesota is $110,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $150,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Design Researcher vs User Experience Designer?

AspectContract Design ResearcherUser Experience Designer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Design, Psychology, or related fields; research certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, client sites, or remote; focus on user insightsDesign studios, tech companies, or remote; focus on product interfaces
Industry UsageMarket research, product development, consultingWeb, app, and software development, tech industry
Common Search IntentUnderstanding research roles, project scope, skills neededDesign processes, portfolio building, career paths

The Contract Design Researcher primarily focuses on gathering user insights through research methods, while the User Experience Designer concentrates on creating and optimizing user interfaces. Both roles often collaborate but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets. Understanding these differences helps job seekers and employers find the right fit for their project needs.

What is a contract design researcher?

A Contract Design Researcher is a professional hired on a temporary or project basis to conduct research that informs and improves design decisions. They gather insights about users, markets, and competitors through methods like interviews, surveys, and usability testing. Their findings help design teams create more user-friendly and effective products or services. Unlike full-time employees, contract researchers typically work for a set period or on specific projects, offering flexibility to both the employer and the researcher.

What are the typical challenges faced by contract design researchers when integrating into new teams or projects?

Contract design researchers often join projects with established teams and tight timelines, which can make it challenging to quickly build rapport and understand the project's context. They are expected to adapt rapidly, learn new organizational processes, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders who may have differing expectations. Successful contract researchers proactively communicate, clarify project goals early, and leverage their fresh perspective to provide valuable insights while remaining flexible to evolving project needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract design researcher?

To thrive as a Contract Design Researcher, you need a solid background in user research methodologies, design thinking, and data analysis, usually supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with tools such as Figma, Miro, UserTesting, and qualitative/quantitative research platforms is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and stakeholder management skills help you collaborate effectively and translate insights into actionable design recommendations. These skills are crucial for delivering research-driven solutions that inform design decisions and meet client objectives within project timelines.
What are popular job titles related to Contract Design Researcher jobs in Minnesota? For Contract Design Researcher jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Sr R&D Engineer - Product Design & Development

Integer

Plymouth, MN • On-site

$120K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Integer Holdings rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

321st of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

By living according to a common set of values, we create a culture that unifies, embraces the uniqueness we all bring to the company, and positions Integer for long-term success.

At Integer, our values are embedded in everything we do.

Customer

We focus on our customers' success

Innovation

We create better solutions

Collaboration

We create success together

Inclusion

We always interact with others respectfully

Candor

We are open and honest with one another

Integrity

We do the right things and do things right

Position Summary

This individual will be a design-focused technical leader responsible for driving the design and development of advanced catheter-based devices within Integer's Cardio & Vascular OEM and Contract Design business functions. This role leads end-to-end product design, with a strong emphasis on translating clinical needs to use requirements, design inputs, and simulated use validation to ensure clinical performance.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

  • Subject matter expert in medical catheter design and validation activities including design for specific clinical applications and validation/verification test selection relevant to the intended clinical use.
  • Develop new and unique approaches to solve complex design problems and advance technology beyond current market offerings.
  • Familiar with catheter manufacturing processes; designs products with manufacturability in mind by considering current manufacturing capabilities and/or investigating, developing, and implementing new process technologies.
  • Maintains liaison with individuals and business units including the regulatory, clinical, and commercial teams with responsibility for acting independently on technical matters pertaining to his/her field.
  • Provide technical guidance to leadership on overall OEM product strategy.

Knowledge & Skills:

  • Strong familiarity with medical device product development procedures for OEM and contract design type projects. Activities include determining and documenting customer use requirements, concept selection, user specification, design traceability, regulatory strategy, DFMEA, etc.
  • Strong familiarity with current medical device offerings across the industry.
  • Strong familiarity with FDA and ISO/EU regulatory requirements and procedures.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead activities across a broader team.
  • Advanced problem-solving skills.
  • Effective communication, presentation, follow-through, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to effectively work and communicate with coworkers on all levels of the organization including senior leadership.

Education & Experience:

  • Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field. Master's degree or higher preferred.
  • Minimum Experience: 10 years in the medical device OEM/contract design field.

Salary Range - $120,450-$176,660

Our total rewards program is designed to attract, retain, and motivate associates to contribute to Integer's success. Our compensation program includes base salary and a cash-based incentive program supporting our pay-for-performance philosophy. We provide a comprehensive benefits package with immediate eligibility including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and adoption benefits. Parental leave is available after one year. Optional employee-paid programs include supplemental life insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity and accident insurance. Employees are immediately eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. We provide 80 hours (10 days) of company designated holidays per year plus an annual allotment of paid time off.

U.S. Applicants: Equal Opportunity Employer. In addition, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.


What Integer Holdings employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom