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Design Research Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Relogic Research

Mechanical Design Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer At ReLogic Research, you won't be just another headcount. We're a tight-knit team of engineers, physicists, and technical professionals solving complex challenges in ...

ReLogic Research

Mechanical Design Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer At ReLogic Research, you won't be just another headcount. We're a tight-knit team of engineers, physicists, and technical professionals solving complex challenges in ...

Relogic Research

Mechanical Design Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$76K - $103K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer At ReLogic Research, you won't be just another headcount. We're a tight-knit team of engineers, physicists, and technical professionals solving complex challenges in ...

Sysco

Responsible for briefing projects into Global PD (Design, R&D, Engineer) * Prepare Mechanical Artwork request form and ensure to meet regional regulatory compliance with Approver for label print.

Delta Research Inc

CAD Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

Key responsibilities of CAD Designer:- Research relevant component and technical related resources in support of project objectives - Provide design solutions while being mindful of form, fit ...

Delta Research Inc

CAD Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

Key responsibilities of CAD Designer: - Research relevant component and technical related resources in support of project objectives - Provide design solutions while being mindful of form, fit ...

Delta Research, Inc.

CAD Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$80K - $150K/yr

Key responsibilities of CAD Designer: - Research relevant component and technical related resources in support of project objectives - Provide design solutions while being mindful of form, fit ...

Delta Research Inc

CAD Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

Key responsibilities of CAD Designer:- Research relevant component and technical related resources in support of project objectives - Provide design solutions while being mindful of form, fit ...

Kratos Defense

Senior Systems Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$97K - $133K/yr

Conducting trade studies and performing design research of engineering concepts and explorations to determine optimal requirements and system architecture * Developing system/subsystem design ...

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All JobsDesign Research JobsDesign Research Jobs in Alabama

Design Research information

See Alabama salary details

$33.5K

$96.1K

$129.2K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in Alabama is $96,088.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,300.00 and $94,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is design research?

Design research is a field that focuses on understanding users’ needs, behaviors, and experiences to inform and improve the design process. It combines methods from social sciences, such as interviews and observations, with design thinking principles to gather insights that help create user-centered products, services, or systems. Design researchers work closely with designers, product managers, and stakeholders to ensure that solutions are both innovative and practical, ultimately enhancing the user experience.

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

To thrive as a Design Researcher, you need a solid understanding of research methodologies, user experience principles, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in design, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like UserTesting, Qualtrics, and data visualization software is commonly required. Strong communication, empathy, and critical thinking skills help researchers effectively interpret insights and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure that research findings directly inform user-centered design solutions, leading to better products and experiences.

How does a design researcher typically collaborate with designers and product teams throughout a project?

Design Researchers work closely with designers, product managers, and engineers to ensure user insights are integrated at every stage of the development process. Early in a project, they help define user needs and pain points by conducting interviews, surveys, or usability tests. As the project progresses, they facilitate workshops, share findings through presentations or reports, and recommend design improvements based on research data. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are essential, as researchers often act as the bridge between users and the product team.

What is the difference between Design Research vs User Experience Designer?

AspectDesign ResearchUser Experience Designer
Primary FocusUnderstanding user needs and behaviors through research methodsDesigning and improving user interfaces and interactions
Required SkillsQualitative and quantitative research, data analysis, user interviewsWireframing, prototyping, visual design, usability testing
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field studies, collaborative teamsDesign studios, product teams, cross-functional collaboration
Common UsageGathering insights to inform design decisionsCreating user-centered designs based on research findings

While both roles focus on improving user experiences, Design Research primarily involves understanding user needs through research, whereas User Experience Designers apply those insights to create and refine digital interfaces. Both roles often collaborate closely within product teams to ensure user needs are effectively addressed.

How much do design researchers make?

Design researchers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level roles may start around $60,000, while senior positions can exceed $130,000, especially in tech or large organizations. Skills in user research, data analysis, and familiarity with tools like Sketch or Figma can influence compensation.

What does a design researcher do?

A design researcher studies user behaviors, needs, and preferences to inform the development of products, services, or interfaces. They use methods such as interviews, surveys, and usability testing, often working closely with designers and product teams to ensure user-centered solutions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Research jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Design Research jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Research jobs in Alabama?

For Design Research jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Research jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Research jobs in Alabama are:

Design Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,088 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Human Factors Usability Researcher & Evaluator

Torch Technologies, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Torch Technologies
Thank you for your interest in employment with Torch Technologies. We are a 100% employee-owned, Certified Great Place To Work and named Best Places to Work in Huntsville/Madison County, headquartered in Huntsville, AL. Our team provides superior research, development, and engineering services to the Federal Government and Department of War. As one of the nation's top 100 defense companies, the services we provide directly support the men and women who serve our country. Our corporate mission sums up the pride our employee-owners take in the work we do: "Lighting the Pathway of Freedom". And, as a Certified Evergreen ESOP, we have made the commitment to grow and sustain our company for the next 100 years! Come grow with us!
Torch Technologies, a 100% employee-owned company, is seeking a talented Human Factors Usability Researcher & Evaluator to join our innovative Human-Machine Interaction (HMI) team. This role is both highly collaborative and customer-facing, requiring close engagement with stakeholders to understand system requirements and user needs. As part of the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) team, you will play a key role in optimizing usability through rigorous, data-driven human factors research. You will identify key system components, select appropriate research methods, define performance metrics, and design/execute human-factors studies. Your work will focus on generating reliable, quantifiable data that leads to actionable recommendations and measurable system improvements.
Your responsibilities will include:
User Needs & Workflows:
  • Analyze user workflows, tasks, and decision-making processes through detailed personas, journey maps, and other usability methodologies.
  • Identify and understand user needs and pain points through in-depth user interviews, heuristic evaluations (analyses), and cognitive task analyses.
  • Advocate for the user in design and engineering discussions.

Usability Research & Evaluation:
  • Use relevant usability metrics and Key-Performance-Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate user interactions with a system/product.
  • Design and execute comprehensive usability studies from the development of study plans/scenarios to the in-person participant facilitation of the study.
  • Gather and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to deliver actionable recommendations and digestible insights that will drive design and workflow decisions.

Documentation & Communication:
  • Produce usability reports, findings, and summaries that will drive practical design recommendations and future system applications.
  • Support design reviews and communicate insights to stakeholders, UX designers, and engineers
  • Integrate into cross-functional teams to guide and enhance research methodologies and their implementation among colleagues.
  • We are looking for a candidate with a strong foundation in human-centered design and a proven track record of conducting impactful user research.

Required Qualifications:
  • US Citizenship.
  • BA/BS degree in Usability Engineering, Human Factors, Cognitive or Experimental Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Industrial or Systems Engineering, or a related field with a focus on human factors technology. Graduate degree is preferred.
  • 3-8 years of experience in Human Factors research.
  • Preferably 1.5 years of DoW experience.
  • Proficiency in a variety of user experience research methodologies, including usability evaluations, customer interviews, task analysis, heuristic evaluation, and user surveys.
  • Excellent communication, written, and interpersonal skills, with a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
  • Willingness to travel approximately 20% of the time to various locations across the U.S.
  • This is an on-site position.
  • Experience with DoW weapons systems and/or unmanned aircraft systems is a plus.
  • To succeed in this role, you should be a proactive and creative individual with a passion for understanding and advocating for the user.
  • Proactive and Organized: You have strong project management skills and can clearly communicate research findings through written reports and in-person presentations.
  • A Critical Thinker: You are comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, and you possess excellent critical thinking and analysis skills.
  • Creative and Driven: You bring creativity and a strong drive to the design research process, constantly seeking innovative ways to improve the user experience.

Security Requirements:
  • Must possess and be able to maintain a Final Secret Clearance or meet the eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.

Schedule: M-F; 8-5
Work Location: Customer- site
Travel: Yes, 20%
Relocation Assistance Available: No
#LI-TS1
Benefits:
Torch Technologies is proud to offer a stable and professional work environment, a competitive salary, and an excellent, comprehensive benefit package including: ESOP participation, 401(k) match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, Health Saving Accounts and Health Reimbursement Accounts, EAP, education assistance, paid time off, and holidays.
Applying to Torch Technologies:
Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at Torch Technologies is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Torch Technologies, Inc. participates in E-Verify.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Careers Link as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by sending an email to HR@torchtechnologies.com. Thank you for your interest in Torch Technologies.

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