ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Design Research Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

ORB International

Research Manager

Aiea, HI · On-site

$100K/yr

Take responsibility for research design, taking client objectives all the way through to instrument and indicator design. * Coordinate with the research team to ensure they are aligned on client ...

HBC MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC

Strategist

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Your key roles will be driving research, design frameworks, processes, and communications on different initiatives across several multi-functional teams. Primary Responsibilities * Develop products ...

HDR

Design Coordinator

Honolulu, HI

From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and ... From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering ...

HDR

Design Coordinator

Honolulu, HI · On-site

From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and ... From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering ...

HTM Group

CAD Design Manager

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Support research, development, and special design initiatives as assigned. * Review the work of other drafting or design personnel as the department grows. Qualifications * Associate's or bachelor ...

New

Danaher

R&D Internships

Honolulu, HI · On-site

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ... Familiarity with statistical methods and design of experiments (DOE) Company Description At Beckman ...

Danaher

R&D Internships

Mililani, HI

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ... Familiarity with statistical methods and design of experiments (DOE) Company Description At Beckman ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign Research JobsDesign Research Jobs in Hawaii

Design Research information

See Hawaii salary details

$38.4K

$110.1K

$148.1K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in Hawaii is $110,142.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,100.00 and $108,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Design Research jobs in Hawaii? For Design Research jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Research jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Design Research jobs in Hawaii are:
Design Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,142 per year, or $53 per hour.

Research Manager

ORB International

Aiea, HI • On-site

$100K/yr

Other

PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Research Manager

ONSITE - Camp H.M. Smith, Aiea, Oahu, Hawaii


About the Company

ORB is a US/UK based company providing research and analytics to public and private sector clients in over 115 countries! We offer great benefits, interesting and challenging work, and the opportunity to build skills and experience in international quantitative and qualitative research.


Position Overview

This Research Manager position combines project management, analysis, and stakeholder coordination. This position is located onsite in Aiea, Oahu and offers the opportunity to work closely with the leadership in specific Combatant Commands (INDOPACOM) close gaps, and manage and conduct primary research to fill those gaps. This work covers the issues of U.S. global standing, development, and security. This role will suit someone with a keen interest in international politics and a background in research.


Job Duties and Responsibilities

Client management

  • Have a thorough understanding of how client requirements translate into research projects
  • Actively contribute and/or lead discussion with the client about research design
  • Identify any weaknesses or gaps in the client’s approach and ask the right questions to get clarity on client brief
  • Take ownership of client relations – communicating regularly and ensuring that they are satisfied with our delivery

Project management & delivery

  • Take responsibility for research design, taking client objectives all the way through to instrument and indicator design.
  • Coordinate with the research team to ensure they are aligned on client objectives
  • Designs and implements complex sampling methodologies, develops/reviews quantitative and qualitative instruments, builds and enforces project-specific quality control. Suggests new approaches to sample, instrument, scripting, quality control, analysis, and reporting.
  • Help junior staff to manage their time and take responsibility for ensuring that all deadlines within the team are met.
  • Take the lead with reporting design and analysis, and writing, communicating research findings in a clear and convincing way. Help to manage junior staff who are contributing to reporting
  • Briefing client on research findings – tailoring to the specific team/objective
  • Contribute to creation of budgets, including for complex projects or those required to adhere to pre-specified client formats


Requirements

  • Degree in International Affairs, Social Sciences, or History *Advanced degree preferred
  • 7+ years of progressively responsible experience for research deliverables, including studies, specialized products, quantitative studies, case studies, and other products
  • SECRET CLEARANCE Required
  • High proficiency with quantitative data (using Excel/SPSS) and excellent writing skills
  • Leadership experience within a team environment
  • Willingness and ability to travel internationally
  • General knowledge of the politics, economics, and societies of Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East
  • Foreign language fluency is strongly preferred; French, Arabic and Spanish
  • Preference given to candidates with M&E background; knowledge of the methods and techniques of monitoring and evaluation, including developing survey questionnaires, drawing a sample and assessing the quality of resulting data


US Citizenship Required

Salary Range begins at $100,000+ based on experience

ORB offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off and profit sharing.

Apply