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Product Design Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Design Research

Conshohocken, PA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

At Think Company, research plays a central role in shaping thoughtful digital products and services. As Manager, Design Research , you'll lead and evolve our research practice while guiding a team of ...

Lead design enhancements and product line extensions within assigned platforms (e.g., A-Series, 200 Series) * Translate product requirements into robust, manufacturable solutions with minimal ...

Synthesize research findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for product development and design teams. * Conduct market sizing, competitive landscape analysis, and trend research ...

Product Design Engineer

Brownsville, TX

$102K - $122K/yr

The Position As a Product Design Engineer, you will provide support for our military line in the ... Conducting and/or using research on user experience and needs, current market trends and general ...

Product Design Engineer

Brownsville, TX

$102K - $122K/yr

Conducting and/or using research on user experience and needs, current market trends and general functionality * Developing solutions that solve user problems * Determining whether a design solution ...

Product Design Engineer

Brownsville, TX

$102K - $122K/yr

The Position As a Product Design Engineer, you will provide support for our military line in the ... Conducting and/or using research on user experience and needs, current market trends and general ...

Product Design Engineer

Brownsville, TX · On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

Conducting and/or using research on user experience and needs, current market trends and general functionality * Developing solutions that solve user problems * Determining whether a design solution ...

This role will oversee Design Research, shaping how early-stage insights inform product innovation. As a people-first leader, you will balance strategic direction, team development, and hands-on ...

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Product Design Research information

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$88K

$189.5K

How much do product design research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for product design research in the United States is $184,336.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $189,000.00 and $189,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is product design research?

Product design research is the process of gathering and analyzing information about users' needs, behaviors, and experiences to inform and improve the design of a product. It involves various methods such as user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and competitor analysis to ensure that the final product solves real user problems and delivers value. The insights gained from this research guide design decisions, helping teams create products that are both functional and user-friendly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Product Design Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Product Design Researcher, you need expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, user experience principles, and typically a background in design, psychology, or related fields. Familiarity with tools like UserTesting, Optimal Workshop, and prototyping software such as Figma or Sketch, as well as experience with data analysis platforms, is essential. Strong communication, empathy, and critical thinking skills help you effectively translate user insights into actionable design recommendations. These skills are crucial for creating user-centered products that meet real needs and drive business success.

What is the difference between Product Design Research vs User Experience Research?

AspectProduct Design ResearchUser Experience Research
FocusUnderstanding user needs to inform product design and developmentEvaluating user interactions and experiences to improve usability
MethodsUser interviews, ethnography, concept testingUsability testing, surveys, field studies
Work EnvironmentCollaborates closely with designers, product managers, engineersWorks with designers, UX teams, product teams
CredentialsBackground in design, psychology, anthropology often preferredBackground in psychology, human factors, or design

Product Design Research and User Experience Research share overlapping skills and work environments but differ in their primary focus. Product Design Research emphasizes informing product development through understanding user needs, while UX Research concentrates on evaluating and improving user interactions. Both roles are vital in creating user-centered products and often collaborate within the same teams.

How does a Product Design Researcher typically collaborate with designers, engineers, and product managers throughout a project?

Product Design Researchers play an integral role in cross-functional teams by gathering user insights and sharing research findings that inform product decisions. They often collaborate closely with designers to ensure user needs are addressed in prototypes and with engineers to provide context for technical solutions. Regular meetings, workshops, and feedback sessions facilitate open communication and ensure that research insights are integrated at every stage of the product lifecycle. This collaborative approach helps align the team’s efforts towards creating user-centered products and often leads to more innovative and effective design solutions.
More about Product Design Research jobs
What states have the most Product Design Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Product Design Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Product Design Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $184,336 per year, or $88.6 per hour.
Pro Tem Instructor, Department of Product Design - Open Pool

Pro Tem Instructor, Department of Product Design - Open Pool

University of Oregon

Eugene, OR • On-site

$155K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


University Of Oregon rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

332nd of 534 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Pro Tem Instructor, Department of Product Design - Open Pool
Job no: 536695
Work type: Faculty - Pro Tempore
Location: Eugene, OR
Categories: Architecture/Art/Design, Instruction
Department: DSGN School of Art + Design
Rank: Instructor
Annual Basis: 9 Month
Review of Applications Begins
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis and reviewed as needs arise.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include the following application materials:
• Curriculum Vitae or resume
• Website link to portfolio
If you have questions or would like to request a copy of the full position description, please email CBSOHR@uoregon.edu.
Department Summary
The Department of Product Design Program is part of the School of Art + Design in the College of Design at the University of Oregon. The Program offers a BFA in Product Design (the first three years are completed in Eugene and the 4th year in our Portland campus) and an MS in Sports Product Design (located in Portland).
The Product Design Program critically investigates the use, invention, and production of products to improve life. It is devised to meet the rapid changes of the material world through agility and interdisciplinary studies. It is international and local. Students study both the physical and theoretical aspects of product design, including design research, material studies, manufacturing strategies, economic planning, and innovation techniques. Through this position, we intend to strengthen our research and teaching in design to enhance the performance of the human body, in sport.
Position Summary
The Product Design program at the University of Oregon invites applications for its open instructor pool to teach design drawing (hand), 3D CAD and rendering (Rhino, Solidworks), prototyping, UI/UX, design research methods, design studios, and other relevant courses.
Positions are limited-duration appointments potentially renewable for up to a total of three years. In limited circumstances, there is the possibility of renewal beyond three years based on programmatic need, funding, and performance. Successful candidates will have either academic or professional experience in their teaching area, demonstrated ability or potential for quality teaching, and a commitment to working effectively with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
This position will have specific courses assigned each term, varying the FTE attached to the position by term.
Minimum Requirements
• A Master's degree in a relevant field.
In exceptional circumstances, significant professional experience in a relevant field may substitute for the degree.
Professional Competencies
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Product Design teaching a range of drawing, design, research, studio courses, and other relevant courses.
Preferred Qualifications
• Prior college or university-level teaching experience.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.
Advertised: June 1, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: June 1, 2027 Pacific Daylight Time

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