ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Design Researcher Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

UNFI

Director, Solutions Design

Providence, RI · On-site +1

$189K/yr

Incorporate appropriate business skills into design work (e.g. statistics, operations research, organizational behavior, finance, accounting, information technology etc.). * Develop and present ...

Constant Technologies

Be Seen First

AV Design Engineer

Providence, RI · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Research emerging AV technologies and contribute to continuous improvements in engineering processes and design standards. * Support compliance with the company's Quality Management System (QMS)

Brownhealth

Sr. Research Assistant

Providence, RI

$48K - $79K/yr

Researches literature in the field; participates in the design of experimental protocols and develops new procedures to carry out established research objectives. Conducts research according to ...

Brownhealth

Sr. Research Assistant

Providence, RI

Under supervision of the Dept. Clinical Research Supervisor and the PI of the Center for Behavioral ... Researches literature in the field, may participate in the design of experimental protocols.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign Researcher JobsDesign Researcher Jobs in Rhode Island

Design Researcher information

See Rhode Island salary details

$29.4K

$110.8K

$161.1K

How much do design researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for design researcher in Rhode Island is $110,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $150,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Design Researcher jobs in Rhode Island? The most popular types of Design Researcher jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Researcher jobs in Rhode Island? For Design Researcher jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Researcher jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Design Researcher jobs in Rhode Island are:
Design Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Researcher job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,762 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

Director, Solutions Design

UNFI

Providence, RI • On-site, Remote

$189K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

UNFI rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 49 rated food wholesalers

Job description

Job Description:
  • Develop solutions, across functional disciplines such as: network design, facility design, WMS & emerging technologies.
  • Develop people, procedures, and training to ensure efficient and effective warehouse operations to achieve significant P&L contributions across UNFI business units.
  • Develop competitive solutions for customers to increase service levels and reduce OPEX. Lead solution development and drives the end-to-end development and solutioning of UNFI capacity projects through warehouse sizing, warehouse design, assessing network capacity, network supply chain design and developing an optimal design to meet all stakeholder demands.
  • Own delivery and financial performance of assigned solutions design projects. Effectively lead and organize other cross-functional teams in support of project development and execution, including but not limited to IT, automation, local sites, regional operations, transportation, warehouse slotting, finance and others as needed. Evaluate operational, service, and capital trade-offs.
  • Provide financial oversight for assigned initiatives. Identify cross-project risks and evaluate major trade-off decisions to reporting manager with recommended resolution paths.
  • Ensure project execution aligns with enterprise design standards, methodologies and design direction established by senior leadership. Lead continuous improvement and re-engineering initiatives such as, but no limited to process re-design and improvements, warehouse layout design, slotting, varying levels of automation.
  • Deliver improvements to UNFI's supply chain through various types of projects including facility design and automation business case development. Lead and develop Solutions Design Managers and Analysts. Foster team growth and inspire high performance.
  • Lead talent identification, recruitment, and development to build a strong, future ready team. Provide advanced analytical support on reengineering and continuous improvement projects. Incorporate appropriate business skills into design work (e.g. statistics, operations research, organizational behavior, finance, accounting, information technology etc.).
  • Develop and present capital investment recommendations and financial analysis for review by Senior Director and Vice President.
  • Design new tools and supports the development of national Facility Design standards and playbook.
  • Ensure Direct Reports are well trained, effective, and optimally used. Coach Managers regarding policy, procedure, and program changes. Conduct performance appraisals as required.
  • Formulates and implements corrective actions as needed. Recommends promotions, transfers, and salary adjustments as appropriate. Assume responsibility for ensuring professional business relationships are established and maintained with customers, vendors, the business community, and trade organizations.
  • Exhibit a commitment to excellence and to superior customer service - both external and internal - in every aspect of the warehousing function.
  • Work with warehouse leadership to analyze trends, implement new technologies and drive overall performance to maximize customer satisfaction, reduce costs, improve efficiencies and implement corrective actions to resolve any issues. Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Supervises 3 subordinates - Managers, Solutions Design and Managers Project Slotting Optimization

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:
  • Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Logistics Engineering, a related field, or a foreign equivalent plus 3 years of post-baccalaureate experience in job offered or any supply chain/logistics related job titles.
  • Applicants must have 3 years of experience in the following:
    • (1) supply chain design, network optimization or operations transformation;
    • (2) developing and defending capital investment business cases;
    • (3) AutoCAD and Ability to analyze data sets with Analytical Tools including MS Power BI, Access, Alteryx;
    • (4) Implementing new warehouse distribution centers and warehouse automation;
    • (5) Working in the wholesale food distribution systems and third party logistics providers;
    • (6) optimizing warehouse performance, reducing operational costs, and enhancing warehouse efficiency;
    • (7) Implementing new warehouse distribution centers and warehouse automation; and
    • (8) Warehouse design including layouts, elevations, rack systems, sizing, capacity, and wms system capabilities as well as warehouse budgeting (labor, opex, capex).
  • 0-10% Domestic travel required to visit company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons. 100% telecommuting required.

Compensation: $189,767/year
UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Compensation:
UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.
Benefits:
For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.
Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
UNFI's compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company's sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act .

What UNFI employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply