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Design Research Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

G-TECH Services, Inc.

Be Seen First

UX Designer- (short term- 12 weeks)

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$57.50/hr

... design research, to gather feedback on proposed solutions. Iterating on designs based on feedback and insights. · Documentation: · Contributing to the refinement of design proposals and potentially ...

F.tech R&D North America, Inc.

Design Engineer

Troy, MI

$70K - $77K/yr

DESIGN ENGINEER Location: Troy, MI or Troy, OH (we have a position open in both MI and OH locations ... D North America, Inc. specializes in the research and development of chassis, support structures ...

University of Michigan

RESEARCH FELLOW

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$63K/yr

The researcher will work at the intersection of optics, materials science, instrumentation, and ... Design, construction, and alignment of optical systems and beam paths , including lasers, lenses ...

University of Michigan

RESEARCH FELLOW

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

Design experiments * Direct data generation and analysis * Write the first draft of research manuscripts with input and feedback from the PI * Present experimental results internally and at ...

University of Michigan

RESEARCH FELLOW

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$62K - $64K/yr

Cover letter with a brief research statement that outlines your previous and current research as ... design; design, production, and management; marine renewable energy; and structural and hydro ...

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All JobsDesign Research JobsDesign Research Jobs in Detroit, MI

Design Research information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$36.6K

$104.8K

$140.8K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in Detroit, MI is $104,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,800.00 and $102,800.00 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 popular job titles related to Design Research jobs in Detroit, MI?

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

What job categories do people searching Design Research jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Research jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Design Research jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Design Research job openings:

Design Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,752 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Senior Automotive Component & Detail Designer (Research & Innovation)

Stellantis

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

$96K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Stellantis rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 45 rated automakers

Job description

Mission:
Lead and contribute to the research, design, and development of advanced automotive
components and detailed parts (interior and/or exterior), driving innovation through design
excellence, user-centered thinking, and strategic use of AI-assisted design tools.
Key Responsibilities included but not limited to:
  • Lead the design development of complex automotive components and detailed systems
  • Drive design research on user needs, future mobility trends, materials, and emerging technologies
  • Define and deliver high-quality design concepts aligned with brand DNA and product strategy
  • Actively use AI-assisted tools for ideation, generative design, optimization, and visualization
  • Supervise and mentor junior designers and interns
  • Produce and validate sketches, 2D/3D models, Class-A or near-production surfaces, renderings,
    and design presentations
  • Collaborate closely with engineering, UX/UI, CMF, innovation, and manufacturing teams
  • Ensure integration of technical, ergonomic, regulatory, sustainability, and industrial constraints
  • Participate in strategic design reviews, decision-making, and innovation workshops

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Automotive Design, Product Design, Transportation Design, or equivalent
  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience in automotive or transportation design
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating component design leadership, detailing excellence, and innovation
    capability
  • Advanced experience with AI-driven design workflows (concept generation, generative design,
    visual exploration)
  • Ability to define, customize, and optimize AI tools within the design process
  • Critical assessment and refinement of AI-generated outputs to meet brand and production
    standards
  • Strong interest in AI, data-driven design, and emerging digital technologies applied to mobility
  • Expert sketching skills (hand and digital)
  • Advanced 3D modeling and surfacing tools (Alias, Catia, Rhino, Blender, SolidWorks or similar)
  • Adobe Creative Suite and advanced visualization tools
  • In-depth knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and automotive standards
  • Strong sensitivity to UX, ergonomics, CMF, and sustainability

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Strong design leadership and mentoring abilities
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving mindset
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Ability to work cross-functionally and influence decision-making
  • High level of autonomy, rigor, and creativity

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