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Design Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Taste Labs

Design Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

You are deeply curious and think like a researcher * You are AI forward - you tinker with AI tools, you're in claude code/cursor/codex, you ship design in code * You are great at collaborating with ...

Tastelabs

Design Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

You are deeply curious and think like a researcher * You are AI forward - you tinker with AI tools, you're in claude code/cursor/codex, you ship design in code * You are great at collaborating with ...

Hyundai Motor Company

User Insight Specialist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $155K/yr

User Insight Specialist Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is looking for an experienced UX design researcher to join the UX Studio Team of Vehicle Software The Position: The User Insight ...

Hyundai Motor Company

User Insight Specialist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $155K/yr

User Insight Specialist Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is looking for an experienced UX design researcher to join the UX Studio Team of Vehicle Software The Position: The User Insight ...

Adobe

Staff UX Researcher, AI

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Opportunity On the Design Research & Strategy team, our mission is to lay a user-centered foundation for Adobe product design and development. We are seeking a Staff UX Researcher to lead ...

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Design Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do design researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for design researcher in California is $111,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a design researcher do?

A Design Researcher studies user needs, behaviors, and pain points to inform design decisions. They use qualitative and quantitative research methods—such as interviews, surveys, and usability testing—to gather insights. Their findings help teams create user-centered products and services that are both functional and enjoyable. Design Researchers collaborate closely with designers, product managers, and developers to refine and improve user experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by design researchers, and how do they overcome them?

Design Researchers often face challenges such as recruiting the right participants, balancing tight project timelines, and ensuring that research insights are integrated into the design process. Overcoming these hurdles typically involves collaborating closely with designers, product managers, and engineers, as well as advocating for the importance of user research within cross-functional teams. Being adaptable and maintaining strong organizational and communication skills can help navigate shifting priorities and ensure that research findings have a meaningful impact. Many organizations support ongoing learning and encourage Design Researchers to experiment with new research methods and tools, helping them grow in their roles.

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 strong skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods, user-centered design, and a relevant degree in fields such as design, psychology, or human-computer interaction. Experience with tools like usability testing platforms, survey software, and data analysis programs is highly valuable, and certifications such as UX Certification can enhance your profile. Exceptional communication, active listening, and problem-solving abilities set standout design researchers apart. These combined skills ensure that research findings effectively inform product decisions and result in solutions that truly meet user needs.

How much does a design researcher earn?

The average salary for a design researcher varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually. Entry-level roles may start around $50,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn over $120,000. Salaries often increase with proficiency in research methods, user experience tools, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

What is a design researcher?

A design researcher is a professional who investigates user needs, behaviors, 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 Researcher jobs in California?

The most popular types of Design Researcher jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Researcher jobs in California?

For Design Researcher jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Researcher jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Researcher jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Design Researcher jobs?

Cities in California with the most Design Researcher job openings:

Design Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Design Researcher (Contract, Palo Alto)

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Moon Creative Lab
Specialized Design Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Moon Creative Labexternal

$90 - $115/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Moon is hiring a Design Researcher (Contractor) who is passionate, self-driven, and open to deepening their skills within Design/UX Research as well as expanding their skills in different areas within Design (e.g. Strategic Design, UX/UI, Product Design, etc.). The ideal candidate is infinitely curious, analytical, creative and experienced enough to adapt research methods to a new industry context quickly.
As a contractor, you will work with the Project Manager to define/refine and execute the scope of research across different stages of new initiative development for the project(s) at Moon.
This is a part-time contract role based in Palo Alto for an initial term of 3 months, requiring 20-28 hours per week. This role may require travel as and when necessary to perform project tasks. There is a possibility of contract extension based on the business needs and performance. Rate is $90 - 115 an hour.
Who We Are
Moon is a global enterprise accelerator for Mitsui & Co. Our vision is to accelerate Mitsui & Co. through emerging global technologies to create brighter futures everywhere. Our global, multidisciplinary team connects the right people, technologies, and opportunities to deliver impact at scale.
What You'll Do at Moon
  • Work closely with the Project Manager to define and execute research scope across new initiatives stages, for heavy industry-focused partnerships and collaborations.
  • Assist with/execute various aspects of research planning to address project goals, and business/product decisions.
  • Plan and execute desktop and market research, including but not limited to: trend analysis, competitive landscape, steeple/pestle analysis, etc.
  • Plan and run qualitative research with key stakeholders, and subject matter experts to surface real operational, safety and commercial unmet needs.
  • Synthesize research and findings, identify key insights, and collaborate with the team to define implications for key project decisions.
  • Plan and run concept testing with key stakeholders, including validating emerging concepts against user/stakeholder needs and identifying industry constraints.
  • Join brainstorming sessions as needed, and be a thought partner to the team - expanding your thinking into different areas but bringing your unique POV/experience to the table (as both a researcher and beyond).
  • Assist in defining innovation opportunities based on the research for potential projects and working with the team to prioritize what can/should be done.
The Must-Haves
  • 7+ years of experience with Design Research or UX Research background, with demonstrated qualitative methods.
  • A degree with course work relevant to Design, the Scientific Process/Methodology, the Human Condition (e.g. Product/Service Design, Psychology, Sociology, etc) OR relevant experience in Design Research, Strategic Design, or UX Research.
  • Ability to synthesize complex findings into clear, decision ready outputs.
  • Proactive, self-driven, comfortable working closely with a Project Manager in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
  • B2B research experiences
  • Proficiency in Google tools, Slack, Notion, Figma.
  • Business level English
The Nice-to-Haves
  • Experiences in heavy industries (mining, energy, manufacturing, supply chain or similar) - domain knowledge is a plus but not a requirement.
  • Previous experience with Exploratory Research in early stage product development/new business creation.
  • Experience in proof of concept prototyping and iteration.
  • Experience with Quantitative Research Methodologies / Synthesis.
  • Experience experimenting AI tools effectively to conduct research.
  • Experience working in deep-tech / AI.
  • Experience working with a cross-cultural/international organization.
  • Experience in/understanding of other design areas (e.g. Solution/Product Design, Service Design, Brand Design, etc.).
  • Business level Brazilian Portuguese and/or Spanish.
Sounds Fun, Right?
If you identify with Moon's values and would like to contribute to our work, please submit your resume and optionally, a cover letter.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Moon Creative Lab is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all roles without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital, parental, veteran or military status, unfavorable military discharge, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

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