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Design Researcher Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Interface

Electrical Design Engineer III (MEP)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75 - $112/hr

Researching commercially available equipment. * System design with direction from mentor and/or senior engineer. * Provide exemplary customer service to internal team members and clients. What You'll ...

Northern Trust

Senior Experience Design Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $194K/yr

They lead research for specific features and services in with their peers and counterparts in ... Ability to put Human-Centered Design and UI/UX best practices to work within a professional setting ...

Cccis

Vice President, Product Design

Chicago, IL · On-site

$159K - $196K/yr

Evolve design from a reactive service model to a proactive, product-shaping partner; establish operating models across design, research, design systems, and design operations; drive prioritization ...

IMC

Machine Learning Researcher

Chicago, IL · On-site

Design and deploy machine learning models to enhance trading performance across various asset classes * Research, test and prototype new algorithmic ideas; deploy advanced ML techniques applicable to ...

Northern Trust

Senior Experience Design Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $194K/yr

They lead research for specific features and services in with their peers and counterparts in ... design to meet objectives and outcomes, influences business and technology decisions with user ...

Northern Trust

Senior Experience Design Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $194K/yr

They lead research for specific features and services in with their peers and counterparts in ... design to meet objectives and outcomes, influences business and technology decisions with user ...

Fairygodboss

Experience Design Vice President

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150 - $260/hr

Leveraging your deep knowledge of design and research practices to lead strategically important initiatives and develop innovative solutions that align with business requirements and user needs. As a ...

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All JobsDesign Researcher JobsDesign Researcher Jobs in Chicago, IL

Design Researcher information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$116.5K

$169.5K

How much do design researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for design researcher in Chicago, IL is $116,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $158,600.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Design Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Design Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Design Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Researcher job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,511 per year, or $56 per hour.

Electrical Design Engineer III (MEP)

Interface

Chicago, IL • On-site

$75 - $112/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Build systems electrical design and layout.

  • Support complex MEP projects across various industries by designing electrical systems.

  • Research commercially available equipment and assist in system design under guidance from mentors or senior engineers.

Job description

Position:Electrical Design Engineer III (MEP)

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Id:1171

# of Openings:1

Join a People-First, Employee-Owned Firm That’s Redefining Flexibility and Growth

At Interface Engineering, we believe your career should be as dynamic and rewarding as the projects you support. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we’re proud to offer ourCollaboration from Homepolicy—giving you the flexibility of a hybrid schedule (at least 2 days/week in office) while staying connected to a team that values innovation, inclusion, and impact.

Why Interface?

We’re not just engineers—we’re collaborators, mentors, and trailblazers in high-performance design. OurPathway to Leadershipprogram offers a transparent, personalized roadmap for career advancement, empowering you to grow in the direction that excites you most.

Our Culture

Interface has the company culture and work environment you have been seeking! You’ll find a workplace with a culture of fun, superior work/life balance benefits, expansive personal development opportunities, cutting-edge technology, and great relationships. You’ll work alongside MEP industry leaders who will help you develop your own thriving career path. Our work takes us around the globe and on a steady growth curve. Our success and innovation are powered by people like you!

Our Core Values
  • We are Conscientious
  • We are Empowered
  • We are Respectful
  • We are Transformative
  • We are Resilient
Key Responsibilities

As an Electrical Design Engineer III at Interface, your responsibilities will include, (but may not be limited to):

  • Building systems electrical design and layout.
  • Supporting complex MEP projects across numerous industries: Healthcare, Education, Commercial, Biotech, Transportation, and more.
  • Innovative and complex electrical system design.
  • Researching commercially available equipment.
  • System design with direction from mentor and/or senior engineer.
  • Provide exemplary customer service to internal team members and clients.
What You'll Bring

Required:

  • BS-Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • 4+ years’ experience in MEP/AEC electrical design/consulting.
  • Working knowledge of building codes.
  • Ability to perform multiple functions in multi-deadline changing operations.
  • Ability to work effectively within a team-orientated, collaborative environment.

Preferred:

  • Working knowledge of Revit MEP.
  • PE or EIT.
  • LEED accredited.
  • Excellent communication and time management skills.
What You’ll Love
  • Competitive Pay: $75,365 to $111,857 annual salary and conditional bonus
  • Employee Ownership: Build equity through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Robust Benefits: 401(k), medical/dental/vision, life & disability insurance, transportation benefits...and more!
  • Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and company closure to clients from Christmas to New Year’s
  • Purpose-Driven Culture: Paid volunteer time and a commitment to social equity
  • Career Development: Work alongside industry leaders and access continuous learning opportunities
Social Equity

Interface is committed to social equity within our walls and in our communities. We are a diverse, inclusive, and responsible firm. Interface provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classifications.We support local business and seek to partner with small and minority-owned firms on our projects. Our staff is empowered to design community service programs (e.g., clean up beaches, serve meals at shelters, tutor school-aged children, etc.) – using paid volunteer time.

Please note: H1-B visa sponsorship or transfer is not approved for this position.

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