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Design Research Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Kratos Defense

Senior Systems Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$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 ...

Kratos Defense

Systems Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

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

Duplantis Design Group

CAD Designer

Mobile, AL · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Design Manager / Project Manager FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Travel: 30% Purpose DDG is ... Be able to identify and seek needed information/research skills. • Extensive knowledge of AutoCAD ...

Kratos Defense

Systems Engineer

Huntsville, AL

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

EskewDumezRipple

Project Architect

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$77K - $104K/yr

About EskewDumezRipple EskewDumezRipple (EDR) is a nationally recognized group of architects, designers, and thinkers operating within the fields of architecture, interior design, research, and urban ...

EskewDumezRipple

Project Architect

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$77K - $104K/yr

About EskewDumezRipple EskewDumezRipple (EDR) is a nationally recognized group of architects, designers, and thinkers operating within the fields of architecture, interior design, research, and urban ...

EskewDumezRipple

Project Architect

Birmingham, AL

$77K - $104K/yr

About EskewDumezRipple EskewDumezRipple (EDR) is a nationally recognized group of architects, designers, and thinkers operating within the fields of architecture, interior design, research, and urban ...

Marmon Holdings, Inc.

Design Engineer II

Jasper, AL · On-site

Key Responsibilities Design Engineering: * R&D and Innovation: * Evaluate and propose current products and new product innovation. * Create multiple iterations of design prototypes using computer ...

Marmon Holdings, Inc.

Design Engineer II

Jasper, AL · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Design Engineering:*** R&D and Innovation: + Evaluate and propose current products and new product innovation. + Create multiple iterations of design prototypes using computer-aided design tools, FEA ...

Marmon

Design Engineer II

Jasper, AL

Key Responsibilities Design Engineering: * R&D and Innovation: * Evaluate and propose current products and new product innovation. * Create multiple iterations of design prototypes using computer ...

UAB NOVA RENT

RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Birmingham, AL · On-site

... design. This position will operate with a moderate degree of independence. Ability to communicate effectively with team members and participate in a team-oriented environment is essential. General ...

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Showing results 21-40

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.

Senior Systems Engineer

Kratos Defense

Huntsville, AL

$97K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

5-D Systems, a KRATOS Company, is seeking a highly motivated candidate who will provide full lifecycle systems engineering technical contribution and leadership in support of radar and hypersonic technology programs in aerospace and defense. This position is full-time and requires the ability to successfully work in a team environment. The successful candidate will understand and have experience applying the full systems engineering lifecycle, and must be able to develop requirements, create system design documentation, generate, utilize and maintain Cameo models. This position will interface with internal and external project team members, company leadership, and customers.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Analyzing customer/stakeholder requirements, decomposing requirements, deriving requirements, and allocating requirements to system and subsystem elements
  • Developing system architectures for new and existing systems
  • Conducting trade studies and performing design research of engineering concepts and explorations to determine optimal requirements and system architecture
  • Developing system/subsystem design documentation such as interface definitions, system schematics, and system description documents
  • Developing and executing system verification
  • Developing MBSE processes, procedures, templates, and best practices
  • Developing, reviewing, and presenting Cameo models to internal and external stakeholders
  • Leading or supporting system engineering technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR)
  • Assisting in preparation of proposals and presentation materials
  • Performing peer reviews of fellow team members' work
  • Developing and reviewing test plans and reports
  • Supporting the planning and execution of various kinds of testing including hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL), subsystem and system testing
  • Traveling to customer locations as needed (<25% anticipated)

The successful candidate has:

  • Experience developing system requirements, system designs, and verification documentation
  • Experience working within the Defense and/or Aerospace industry is a must
  • Experience in radar systems and/or hypersonics is desired; experience in unmanned aircraft systems is a plus
  • Experience with MBSE and Cameo is highly desired
  • Sharp analytical abilities, excellent communication skills, and can work effectively in a dynamic environment
  • Demonstrated technical leadership capabilities
  • Sense of ownership, urgency, and drive to accomplish results

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline from an accredited engineering university
  • 11-20 years of relevant industry experience
  • A U.S. DoD Secret Clearance or higher (or the ability to obtain such a clearance if needed)

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