Entry Level Research Analyst Jobs in Riverside, CA

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun, and even like new again. Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates. The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1.3 million jobs nationally, and generates $52 billion in parts sales annually. For more information, visit www.sema.org.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a Solutions Analyst I to support the design, analysis, and optimization of business systems across a complex digital ecosystem. This role sits at the intersection of business operations and technology, working closely with the Solutions Architect to investigate issues, define requirements, and implement system improvements across platforms such as Salesforce (Nimble AMS), various web properties, and integrated third-party systems.

This is not a traditional entry-level role. We are looking for a curious, systems-oriented thinker who enjoys solving problems, connecting data across platforms, and understanding how things work under the hood.

What You’ll Do:

Problem Investigation & Analysis:

• Analyze business processes and system behaviors to identify root causes of issues
• Trace data across systems (e.g., Salesforce objects, integrations, APIs)
• Assist in debugging issues related to orders, payments, user access, and workflow

System Support & Configuration:

• Support configuration and updates within Salesforce (Flows, fields, page layouts, validation rules)
• Assist with testing and validating system changes across environments (Dev, Staging, Production)
• Collaborate on system integrations and data flow mapping

Documentation & Process Mapping:

• Translate technical and business requirements into clear documentation
• Create process flows, system diagrams, and functional specs
• Maintain documentation for ongoing projects and system behavior

Collaboration:

• Work with cross-functional teams including Marketing, IT, Membership, Accounting, Show, Government Affairs and external vendors
• Participate in solution discussions and contribute insights during planning sessions
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Pay Range: $80,000 - $90,000

What We’re Looking For:
Core Traits:

• Naturally curious — you ask “why” and “how” until things make sense
• Strong problem-solving mindset — you enjoy breaking down complex issues
• Systems thinker — you can connect how different tools and data points relate
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and figuring things out independently

Technical Exposure (Not All Required):

• Familiarity with CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred)
• Basic understanding of relational data (objects, fields, relationships)
• Exposure to web technologies, APIs, or system integrations
• Experience with tools like Excel, SQL, or similar data/query tools is a plus

Communication:

• Able to clearly document processes and explain technical concepts simply
• Comfortable asking questions and collaborating across teams

What Success Looks Like:

Within 90 days, you will:

• Understand core business processes and system architecture
• Independently investigate and document system issues
• Support small system enhancements and configurations
• Contribute to improving documentation and process clarity

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, skills, relationships or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.