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Design Research Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Stryker

Senior Designer, CAD - R&D

Memphis, TN · Hybrid

$72K - $120K/yr

Trauma | Stryker In this role, you will create 3D models, assemblies, technical drawings, and documentation while partnering with R&D engineers to turn concepts and design inputs into production ...

Stryker

Senior Designer, CAD - R&D

Memphis, TN · On-site

$72K - $120K/yr

Trauma | Stryker In this role, you will create 3D models, assemblies, technical drawings, and documentation while partnering with R&D engineers to turn concepts and design inputs into production ...

Stryker Group

Staff R&D Design Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$89.30 - $148.80/hr

As a Staff R&D Design Engineer in Memphis, TN , focusing on the Foot & Ankle/Lower Extremities market, you will work on the mechanical design of implants and instruments used by surgeons and surgical ...

Stryker

Staff R&D Design Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$89K - $148K/yr

As a Staff R&D Design Engineer in Memphis, TN, focusing on the Foot & Ankle/Lower Extremities market, you will work on the mechanical design of implants and instruments used by surgeons and surgical ...

Stryker

Staff R&D Design Engineer

Memphis, TN · Hybrid

$89K - $148K/yr

As a Staff R&D Design Engineer in Memphis, TN, focusing on the Foot & Ankle/Lower Extremities market, you will work on the mechanical design of implants and instruments used by surgeons and surgical ...

TNBR Careers

Graduate Research Fellow

Nashville, TN · On-site

The TBR Policy Lab also collaborates closely with the TBR Innovation Lab, which leads the design, implementation, and evaluation of projects to improve student success. The Graduate Research Fellow ...

EskewDumezRipple

Senior Interior Designer

Nashville, TN · On-site

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

Nashville, TN · On-site

$80K - $107K/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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign Research JobsDesign Research Jobs in Tennessee

Design Research information

See Tennessee salary details

$33.6K

$96.2K

$129.3K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in Tennessee is $96,219.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,400.00 and $94,400.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Design Research jobs in Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

Design Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,219 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Senior Designer, CAD - R&D

Stryker

Memphis, TN • Hybrid

$72K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Work Flexibility: Hybrid

Join Stryker's Trauma & Extremities team as a Senior Designer, CAD, supporting new product development for Foot & Ankle orthopedic instruments and implants. Trauma | Stryker

In this role, you will create 3D models, assemblies, technical drawings, and documentation while partnering with R&D engineers to turn concepts and design inputs into production-ready CAD solutions.

This role is based in Memphis, TN, with a hybrid workstyle.

What You Will Do

  • Design and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, and technical drawings for orthopedic instruments and implants using established engineering and drafting standards.

  • Develop components, subsystems, tooling, fixtures, and related documentation to support concept development, prototyping, testing, and production release.

  • Create, route, and release engineering documentation, including engineering change requests and design revisions, while meeting quality and regulatory requirements.

  • Review technical drawings, bills of materials, and product documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established standards.

  • Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) principles to support manufacturability, inspection, and product quality.

  • Lead CAD-related activities for cross-functional product development teams during ideation, design reviews, testing, and prototype evaluations.

  • Analyze design inputs and technical requirements to develop effective CAD solutions and support design decision-making.

  • Provide training, guidance, and technical support on product lifecycle management (PLM), CAD tools, and documentation processes.

What You Will Need

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma and 6+ years of relevant design experience; OR associate degree and 4+ years of relevant design experience; OR bachelor's degree.

  • 2+ years of experience using three-dimensional Computer-Aided Design software.

  • Experience with 3D CAD software.

  • Experience creating and maintaining technical drawings and engineering documentation.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Creo experience is strongly preferred.

  • Experience with Windchill/OnePLM, or another product lifecycle management system; transferable PLM or lifecycle management experience will be considered.

  • Experience applying engineering drafting standards or GD&T principles.

  • Experience supporting medical device, orthopedic, regulated product, aerospace, automotive, industrial manufacturing, or consumer product development environments.

  • $72,500 - $120,900 USD Annual

Travel Percentage: 10%Stryker Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Stryker is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability.Stryker Corporation will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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