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Design Researcher Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Design Manager must be able to manage and self-lead projects from start to finish by identifying appropriate themes and research that conveys the spirit of each vehicle brand. The Design Manager ...

* Plans, organizes, leads, and directs technical work related to product design and development ... Research, recommends, and implements or improves new and/or existing products, processes, materials ...

Plans, organizes, leads, and directs technical work related to product design and development ... Research, recommends, and implements or improves new and/or existing products, processes, materials ...

A typical Design Engineer needs to combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design. Job Responsibilities:

The Design Manager must be able to manage and self-lead projects from start to finish by identifying appropriate themes and research that conveys the spirit of each vehicle brand. The Design Manager ...

Job Title: Machine Design Engineer The Machine Design Engineer designs and develops custom ... Research, quote, and select appropriate components for automated equipment, balancing performance ...

Following, learning, and contributing to R&D procedures, such as design controls and risk management, per the Quality Management System. * Assisting prototyping efforts and bench testing. What you ...

Following, learning, and contributing to R&D procedures, such as design controls and risk management, per the Quality Management System. * Assisting prototyping efforts and bench testing. What you ...

Lead UX Researcher

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$163K/yr

Lead UX Researcher Role Summary: About the UX Team Come and join the Tax UX Research Team as we ... Other User-Centered Design (UCD) methods to develop user insights You have deep knowledge and ...

Discipline Design Leader - Systems Design

Troy, MI · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

Discipline Design Leader - Systems Design (multiple positions open) for Troy, MI to provide ... Research & Development - a multi-cultural environment that values diversity and international ...

AI/ML Senior Researcher

Warren, MI · On-site

$92K - $117K/yr

AI/ML Senior Researcher - Smart Manufacturing Systems Research Group Who We Are The Materials ... A background in manufacturing systems and process design, smart manufacturing, digital twins ...

Design Release Engineer

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$40 - $45.75/hr

... Research Assistant, or related role. OR Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field, and three (3) years of experience as a Design ...

Design Release Engineer

Pontiac, MI · Hybrid

$40 - $45.75/hr

... Research Assistant, or related role. OR Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field, and three (3) years of experience as a Design ...

Discipline Design Leader - Systems Design

Troy, MI · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

Discipline Design Leader - Systems Design (multiple positions open) for Troy, MI to provide ... Research & Development - a multi-cultural environment that values diversity and international ...

The Design Manager must be able to manage and self-lead projects from start to finish by identifying appropriate themes and research that conveys the spirit of each vehicle brand. The Design Manager ...

AI/ML Senior Researcher

Warren, MI · On-site

$92K - $117K/yr

AI/ML Senior Researcher - Smart Manufacturing Systems Research Group Who We Are The Materials ... A background in manufacturing systems and process design, smart manufacturing, digital twins ...

Showing results 41-60

Design Researcher information

See Michigan salary details

$26.1K

$98.6K

$143.4K

How much do design researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 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.

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 popular job titles related to Design Researcher jobs in Michigan?

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Design Researcher jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Design Researcher job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Researcher job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,579 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Design Manager

Stellantis

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Create production and advanced exterior design proposals for vehicles and components.

  • Manage and self-lead design projects from start to finish, including research and theme development.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve program targets and deadlines.


Stellantis rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 45 rated automakers


Job description

The Design Manager is responsible for creating both production and advanced exterior design proposals while demonstrating exceptional design intuition, strong presentation and design communication skills. Design assignments will range from complete exterior bodies to singular components such as front/rear end designs, wheels, exterior lighting and graphics/badging. The Design Manager must be able to manage and self-lead projects from start to finish by identifying appropriate themes and research that conveys the spirit of each vehicle brand. The Design Manager must be able to work with the necessary cross functional teams in order to achieve program targets and deadlines.
We're looking for people who thrive in a fast-paced environment, deliver as a way of life and are inspired to make a positive impact. Team members are expected to establish effective working relationships, founded on trust and transparency, with our internal and external partners. Sound judgment, excellent communication skills and the ability to drive decisions through consensus and influence change are a must.
Basic Qualifications:
  • A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial, Product or Automotive Design
  • A minimum of 8 years of automotive interior product design experience
  • Working knowledge of Alias, Illustrator, and Photoshop Ability to create both production and advanced design proposals while demonstrating exceptional design intuition
  • Ability to artistically represent 2-D and 3-D concepts using a wide variety of presentation techniques, including manual/digital sketching, ALIAS, Photoshop and/or similar programs
  • Experience with manual and digital sketching
  • Strong presentation and design communication skills
  • Must possess an exceptional awareness of the global state of automotive design concepts and emerging design trends

Portfolio Requirements:
This position requires a portfolio be submitted with your application. Applications will not be processed without meeting this requirement. Please ensure your portfolio meets the following requirements:
  • Your portfolio should represent your skills as it pertains to the position to which you're applying
  • Your most current work should be presented first and displayed in descending order of most current to oldest
  • When appropriate, provide a brief description of your contributions to work that is submitted for review. (i.e.: if a full model is presented, provide explanation to explain you were responsible for the full model or that your involvement was limited to specific areas of the model)
  • Although depictions of your professional work are needed, you're also welcome to submit work you've accomplished on a personal basis; however, the two should be separated and kept in separate sections of the portfolio
  • When naming your portfolio, please use the following naming convention: Lastname-firstname-portfolio.pdf

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