ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Design Researcher Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Autodesk

Principal UX Researcher

Novi, MI

As a Principal Experience Design Researcher, you will lead research that helps shape this future, focused on how complex operational ecosystems function and come together to deliver measurable ...

Haworth, Inc.

Research Specialist - Design

Holland, MI · On-site

Research Specialist - Design Posting Start Date: 6/25/26 Join the Future of Workspace Innovation at Haworth Are you ready to shape the future of how people work, live, and thrive? At Haworth, we're ...

CTC USA, LLC

Quantum Researcher

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

Design and implement quantum photonic devices and components, especially related to quantum ... Conduct research on quantum information and quantum communication techniques such as squeezed light ...

Acro Service Corporation

Be Seen First

Quantum Researcher

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$55 - $60/hr

Design and implement quantum photonic devices and components, especially related to quantum ... Conduct research on quantum information and quantum communication techniques such as squeezed light ...

CTC USA, LLC

Applied Quantum Researcher

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

Design assembly of components into subsystems. · Conduct research on quantum information and quantum communication techniques such as squeezed light, quantum interference, and mode decomposition. · ...

Reliance One

Applied Researcher

Ann Arbor, MI

$50 - $55/hr

Design and integrate photonic components into larger subsystem architectures. * Conduct advanced research on quantum information and quantum communication techniques, including squeezed light ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign Researcher JobsDesign Researcher Jobs in Michigan

Design Researcher information

See Michigan salary details

$26.1K

$98.6K

$143.4K

How much do design researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for design researcher in Michigan is $98,579.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,400.00 and $134,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do design researchers make in the US?

Design researchers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in senior roles can earn over $120,000. Skills in user research, data analysis, and familiarity with tools like UserTesting or Optimal Workshop can influence compensation.

Is UX a high paying job?

User Experience (UX) design roles are generally considered well-paying within the tech industry, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and company size. Senior UX designers and researchers with specialized skills or certifications tend to earn higher salaries, often comparable to other design or technical roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Design Researcher position, 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.

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 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 jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Design Researcher typically requires a relevant degree, but some related roles like freelance UX consultants or digital product specialists can earn $10,000 or more monthly through project-based work, strong portfolios, and specialized skills in user experience, research tools, and client management. Success often depends on experience, reputation, and the ability to secure high-paying contracts without formal degrees.

What is a Design Researcher?

A Design Researcher is a professional who investigates user needs, behaviors, and preferences to inform the design of products or services. 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 Researcher jobs in Michigan? For Design Researcher jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Researcher jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Design Researcher jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Design Researcher jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Design Researcher job openings:
Design Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Researcher job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,579 per year, or $47.4 per hour.
Senior Vehicle Design Researcher

Senior Vehicle Design Researcher

General Motors

Warren, MI • Hybrid

$105K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Identify, prioritize, and lead research initiatives that generate actionable insights to inform product, design, and user experience decisions for future in-vehicle experiences.

  • Plan and execute generative and evaluative research studies such as concept testing, usability testing, interviews, field studies, diary studies, participatory design, ethnography, and surveys.

  • Synthesize research findings into clear recommendations and frameworks that influence product, design, and strategy decisions.

General Motors rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 306 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 44 rated automakers

Job description

Job Description

The role

As General Motors shapes the future of in-vehicle experiences, we are seeking a Design/User Experience Researcher to leadgenerativeand evaluative research forfuture-facingfeatures and interfaces.

Youwill help inform the next generation ofin-vehicle user interfacesby grounding design decisions in real user needs, behaviors, and expectations. You will work across topics such as vehicle onboarding,infotainment UX framework, and cabin comfort, turning research insights into clear recommendations that influence product, design, and strategy.

WhatYou'llDo

  • Identify, prioritize, and lead research initiatives that generate actionable insights to inform product, design, and user experience decisions for future in-vehicle experiences.

  • Plan and execute a range of generative and evaluative research studies, includingconcept testing, and usability testing, interviews,field studies, interviews, diary studies, participatorydesign, ethnography,andsurveys.

  • Partner closely with Design, Product Management,Prototyping,Engineering, and other cross-functional stakeholders to define research goals, inform designiteration,and proactively shape the productstrategy.

  • Evaluate current and future concepts, features, and interfaces across both hardware and software experiences.

  • Synthesize findings into clear, compelling stories, frameworks, and recommendations that influence design strategy anddesigndirection.

  • Conductconcept testingand provide actionable feedback and recommendations to design teams.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

  • Bachelor's degree in human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Psychology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

  • 5+ years of user experience research experience in automotive, consumer electronics, hardware, software, or related fields.

  • Demonstratedexpertisein qualitative and mixed-methods research across both generative and evaluative methodologies

  • Strong communication, storytelling, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teamsand senior stakeholders

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge(Preferred Qualifications)

  • Advanced degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Psychology, Anthropology, Design Research, orrelatedfield.

  • Experience researching automotive in-cabin experiences, driver information systems,orcamera systems.

  • Experience scoping and managing prototype development and conducting research on hardware and HMI products.

  • Familiarity with future-facing mobility experiences, emerging technologies, and evolving user expectations in transportation.

  • Strong curiosity, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset with a passion for future-focused design and emerging use cases.

  • Ability toproducegreat workin shorttimeframes, multi-task acrossdiverse topics, and comfortable withrapid context switchingacrossdifferent projects

Compensation:The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of New York, Colorado, California, or Washington.

  • The salary range for this role:is$105,600 to $165,300. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.

  • Bonus Potential:An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

  • Benefits:GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.

#LI-VC1

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc). This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

What General Motors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

General Motors logo

About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908

View All General Motors Jobs

Apply