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Contract User Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Technology Researcher

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

... research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and ... Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop ...

User Interface SME

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$190K - $234K/yr

... successful award of a contract currently under bid. A leader in cutting-edge research and ... The User Interface SME will be the UI team lead. Responsibilities Essential Job Functions:

Vulnerability Researcher

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

In this role, you will apply advanced vulnerability research (VR), reverse engineering (RE), and ... This is not a contract and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate in Redhorse's sole discretion. We ...

... research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and ... Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop ...

Computer Vision Researcher

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$155K - $215K/yr

... contracts, SBIRs, and STTRs. In addition, we provide commercial services to companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Kitware employs an open source business model to foster extended ...

... contracts, SBIRs, and STTRs. In addition, we provide commercial services to companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Kitware employs an open source business model to foster extended ...

Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop ... The Cyber Technology Researcher will be responsible for concurrently tracking, advising, and ...

... contracts, SBIRs, and STTRs. In addition, we provide commercial services to companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Kitware employs an open source business model to foster extended ...

AI Researcher

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

AI Researcher The Opportunity: As an analytics professional, you're excited at the prospect of ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

AI Researcher

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site +1

$99K - $225K/yr

Share AI Researcher The Opportunity: As an analytics professional, you're excited at the prospect ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract User Researcher information

What is a contract user researcher?

Contract user researchers are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to conduct research focused on understanding users' needs, behaviors, and experiences with products or services. They use various methods, such as interviews, surveys, usability testing, and field studies, to gather insights that inform design and business decisions. Unlike full-time employees, contract user researchers typically work for a specific duration or on particular projects, offering flexibility for both the employer and the researcher. Their expertise helps organizations create user-centered products and improve customer satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract user researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract User Researcher, you need expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, user experience principles, and a degree in human-computer interaction, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like UserTesting, Optimal Workshop, and analytics platforms, along with knowledge of usability testing protocols, is typically required. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and the ability to synthesize complex insights make someone stand out in this client-facing, project-based role. These skills ensure actionable, user-centered recommendations that drive product improvements and meet client objectives within tight timelines.

What are some common challenges faced by contract user researchers when joining new projects, and how can they be addressed?

Contract user researchers often face the challenge of quickly getting up to speed with the product, team dynamics, and existing research processes. Since contracts are usually for a limited duration, there's a need to rapidly build relationships and understand project goals to deliver actionable insights. To address these challenges, it's important to schedule early meetings with key stakeholders, review any existing research documentation, and set clear expectations for deliverables and timelines. Proactively communicating findings and being adaptable to different team workflows can also help establish trust and ensure a successful research engagement.

What is the difference between Contract User Researcher vs Full-Time User Researcher?

AspectContract User ResearcherFull-Time User Researcher
Employment TypeTemporary, project-basedPermanent, ongoing
CredentialsTypically requires relevant experience and research skillsRequires similar credentials, often with additional benefits
Work EnvironmentFreelance or agency settings, remote or onsiteIn-house, team-based, often onsite or hybrid
Industry UsageCommon in tech, consulting, and startupsWidely used across industries with dedicated research teams

The main difference between a Contract User Researcher and a Full-Time User Researcher lies in employment status and work arrangement. Contract roles are temporary and project-focused, offering flexibility but less job security. Full-time roles provide stability and ongoing team integration. Both roles require similar skills and credentials, but the work environment and employment terms differ significantly.

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Contract User Researcher jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Contract User Researcher job openings:

Technology Researcher

Nightwing

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government customer to provide support for onsite incident response to civilian Government agencies and critical asset owners who experience cyber-attacks, providing immediate investigation and resolution. Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop mitigation plans, and assist with the restoration of services. Nightwing is seeking a Cyber Technology Researcher to support this critical customer mission.
The Cyber Technology Researcher will be responsible for concurrently tracking, advising, and managing individual cases through their lifecycle - from initial submission to capability delivery and feedback. The researcher will adhere to established procedures to document technical requirements, develop potential courses of action, and oversee the implementation of capabilities aligned to those requirements.
Responsibilities:
- Conducting capability-based research into commercial and non-commercial technology solutions that address customer identified technology needs.
- Evaluating technology solutions against identified functional and technical customer requirements. Evaluations may include hands-on capability testing of trial licenses and open-source capabilities.
- Remaining up-to-date on emerging market technologies and products that relate to capabilities that may impact customer operations and analysis.
- Collaborating with knowledge management personnel to maintain an inventory of customer-procured technologies, tools, and data holdings relevant to mission needs.
- Meeting with and engaging customer request submitters to clarify requirements, discuss potential solutions, and ensure alignment between technology recommendations and customer mission needs.
Required Skills:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Active Secret Clearance, TS/SCI preferred
- Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability
- 5+ years of direct relevant experience in IT cyber operations, systems integration or related fields
- Strong understanding of federal cybersecurity operations and mission environments
- Experience managing technology pilots and production transitions
- Knowledge of change management and configuration control processes
- Experience with DevOps, CI/CD, and integration automation practices
- Strong project coordination and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to assess and mitigate operational risks
- Experience with incident response and mission-critical system operations
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
Desired Skills:
- ITIL, PMP, or similar operations/project management certification
- Experience with CISA programs or similar federal cybersecurity operations
- Background in cybersecurity tool integration and automation
- Experience managing integrations in federated multi-stakeholder environments
- Knowledge of Zero Trust architecture implementation
- Experience with cloud operations and hybrid environment management
- Familiarity with malware analysis tools and cybersecurity platforms
Required Education:
BS Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, or related degree; or HS Diploma & 7-9 years of directly relevant experience.
Desired Certifications:
- DoD 8140 IAT Level II
Syndeo: ESS--3613, ESS-3614, ESS-3615
Salary & Benefits
The salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.
Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.
Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.