Contract User Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

User Experience & Design Mountain View, CA (HQ)

X is Alphabet’s moonshot factory with a mission of inventing and launching moonshot technologies that could someday make the world a radically better place. We are a diverse group of inventors and entrepreneurs who build and launch technologies that aim to improve the lives of millions, even billions, of people. Our goal: 10x impact on the world’s most intractable problems, not just 10% improvement. We approach projects that have the aspiration and riskiness of research with the speed and ambition of a startup. As an innovation engine, X focuses on repeatedly turning breakthrough‑technology ideas into the foundations for large, sustainable businesses.

We’re seeking a highly motivated UX/UI Designer with a passion for technology and the ever‑changing world of AI to join our team at the 0‑1 stage of product development. You’ll have the opportunity to design the front‑end experience for the next generation of AI technologies, shaping how users interact with groundbreaking solutions that aim to solve global challenges.

• Future of UX: Explore and champion the future of interacting with AI models and agents beyond the standard chat interface.
• Conceptualize & Design: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to understand user needs, technical constraints, and business goals. Translate these insights into intuitive, user‑centric interfaces that bring complex AI technologies to life.
• Rapid Prototyping: Create prototypes and wireframes to quickly test and iterate on design concepts. Build proof‑of‑concept interfaces that effectively demonstrate the core value proposition without over‑engineering.
• Technical Collaboration: Work closely with engineers and AI researchers to ensure seamless integration of design and technology. Contribute to technical discussions and understand the underlying AI models to inform design decisions.
• User Testing & Validation: Conduct user research and usability testing to validate design decisions and gather feedback. Use data‑driven insights to continuously improve the user experience.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Find joy working in an iterative environment where project priorities and requirements may evolve rapidly. Demonstrate a willingness to adapt and embrace new challenges.

• Proven Experience: 7+ years of experience in UX/UI design, with a strong portfolio showcasing innovative solutions for complex products including strong experience designing for AI systems and agentic products.
• Deep Tech Enthusiasm: Passion for emerging technologies and the ability to bridge the gap between imagination and technically viable solutions.
• Technical Aptitude: Familiarity with AI concepts and the ability to translate technical requirements into user‑friendly interfaces. A technical background or degree is preferred.
• Rapid Prototyping Skills: Proficiency in design, agentic design tools (e.g., AI Studio, Figma Make, Stitch), and agentic development tools (e.g. Google Antigravity) to create and iterate on designs efficiently.
• User‑Centric Mindset: Strong understanding of user research methodologies and a dedication to advocating for the user throughout the design process.
• Collaborative Spirit: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.
• No Ego, High Impact: A humble and results‑oriented approach, prioritizing the success of the project over individual recognition.

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $111,000 – $157,000 + bonus + benefits. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

At X, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products and our community. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.