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Design Research Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

R&D Partners is seeking to hire a Research Associate II in Tucson, AZ . Your main responsibilities ... design, execution and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies. · ...

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Design Research information

See Arizona salary details

$34.5K

$98.8K

$132.8K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in Arizona is $98,792.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,900.00 and $96,900.00 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 Arizona?

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

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Design Research jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Design Research job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,792 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Product Engineer (Pump, Compressor, Valve) United States

Dan Bolen & Associates, LLC.

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Other

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Overview

Engineer role conducting and overseeing product design, component, and system design. Manage and support development of Pumps, Compressors, and Valve product lines for customers and end users. Develop and review BOM and part selection. Provide engineering support to Sales, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality departments. Design, Research, Evaluate, Customer Design, Product Support, Testing, Quality, Communications. Computer Aided Engineering, Production Processing, and Patent.

Responsibilities
  • Engineer role conducting and supervising product design, component design, and system design.
  • Manage and support development of Pumps, Compressors, and Valve product lines for customers and end users.
  • Develop and review BOM and part selection.
  • Provide engineering support to Sales, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality departments.
  • Design, research, evaluate, support customer design, product support, testing, quality, and communications.
  • Apply Computer Aided Engineering, production processing, and patent considerations as part of the role.
Experience Required
  • Equipment Engineering Experience (Pump, Compressors and Valves)
  • System Design Experience (Pump, Compressors and Valves)
  • Component Design Experience (Pump, Compressors and Valves)
  • Knowledge of standards for pumps, compressors, and valves
  • Customer Communications
  • Bachelors Science Mechanical Engineering
  • BSME
  • CAD, FEA, CFD
  • Word, Excel
About The Company

Dan Bolen & Associates has been providing Recruiting and Executive Search in the pump, rotating machinery, valve, and fluid handling equipment industries since 1969. Our clients are located across the globe and we pride ourselves in providing them top talent.

Job Location

Various Locations

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