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Product Design Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... Product Design team, connecting user behavior to product strategy through sharp, well-executed ... You will take ownership of the research agenda, assess each challenge independently, recommend the ...

... Product Design team, connecting user behavior to product strategy through sharp, well-executed ... You will take ownership of the research agenda, assess each challenge independently, recommend the ...

As a Product Design Engineer, you will support the planning, design, and execution of engineering ... Design, research, and develop mechanical components and systems for assigned projects * Plan ...

As a Product Design Engineer, you will support the planning, design, and execution of engineering ... Design, research, and develop mechanical components and systems for assigned projects * Plan ...

Sr. Director, Product Design

New York, NY

$169K - $208K/yr

At Runyon, Product Design is evolving - not just in what we make, but in how we make it. We're ... Translate insights from qualitative research and strategic design into clear, engaging, and ...

Sr. Director, Product Design

New York, NY · On-site

$203K - $265K/yr

At Runyon, Product Design is evolving - not just in what we make, but in how we make it. We're ... Translate insights from qualitative research and strategic design into clear, engaging, and ...

Director, Product Design

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$204K - $300K/yr

Within our Product Design & Research team, we bring that mission to life by crafting experiences that delight customers and support the businesses and veterinarians who care for pets. We're a team of ...

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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 Jul 17, 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.

Is AI replacing product designers?

AI is transforming product design by automating repetitive tasks and providing data-driven insights, but it does not replace the need for human product designers. Designers are essential for creative problem-solving, user research, and creating intuitive experiences that AI tools support rather than replace. Skills in user-centered design, prototyping, and familiarity with AI tools remain valuable in the field.

What is the highest paid product design job?

Senior roles such as Lead Product Designer, Design Director, or Head of Product Design tend to have the highest salaries in product design, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools and user research methods.

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.

Is 40 too old to become a UX designer?

Product Design Research and UX design are accessible to individuals of any age, as success depends on skills, portfolio, and experience rather than age. Many professionals transition into UX later in life, leveraging their prior knowledge and applying relevant tools like wireframing and user testing. Continuous learning and building a strong portfolio are key to entering the field at any age.

How much does a design researcher make?

The average salary for a product design researcher typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in user research and usability testing may earn higher salaries.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $184,336 per year, or $88.6 per hour.
Product Design R&D Engineer II

Product Design R&D Engineer II

Andersen

Menomonie, WI • On-site

$90K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

ANDERSEN CORPORATION SUMMARY:

At Andersen, we see possibility everywhere, every day and in everything we do. The possibility for our employees to achieve their full potential, for our communities to be stronger and for everyone to have a healthier, happier place to live.

Our portfolio of brands - Andersen Windows & Doors, Renewal by Andersen and Fenetres MQ - is crafted to serve customers across the new residential, home improvement and light commercial building sector.

Join our more than 13,000 employees who are inspired every day to deliver exceptional experiences that turn possibility into reality.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The OPD Engineer II is an experienced engineering role responsible for leading product design enhancements, supporting manufacturing implementation, and driving continuous improvement initiatives on our Menomonie, WI team. This position operates with a high degree of autonomy and serves as a key technical link between product development and plant operations, ensuring solutions are manufacturable, scalable, and aligned with Andersen's quality, cost, and performance objectives while advancing our goal of delivering a world-class customer experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Product Development & Design Leadership

  • 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 supervision

  • Proactively identify design risks and drive mitigation strategies early in the development process

2. Manufacturing & Plant Integration

  • Serve as a primary engineering liaison to the Menomonie plant for assigned products and projects

  • Ensure design changes are production-ready and aligned with tooling, processes, and plant capability

  • Lead implementation of product and process changes, including pilots, validation, and production ramp-up

3. Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

  • Lead root cause analysis (RCA) on complex product and process issues using data-driven methods

  • Identify and implement design and process improvements to enhance quality, reduce cost, and improve throughput

  • Drive measurable improvements in key performance metrics (e.g., defect rates, capability, efficiency)

4. Cross-Functional Leadership

  • Lead and influence cross-functional teams including operations, quality, supply chain, and suppliers

  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced engineers

  • Effectively communicate risks, trade-offs, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership

5. Technical Analysis & Validation

  • Analyze engineering and production data to support design decisions and continuous improvement

  • Develop and execute validation plans, including testing, DOE (Design of Experiments), and capability studies

  • Support material qualification, supplier changes, and product certification requirements

  • Create and present reports summarizing technical analysis and business viability to varied audiences

QUALIFICATIONS

Must Have:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, related field, or equivalent practical experience)

  • 3-7 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing or product development environment

  • Experience as a design engineer on a cross-functional engineering team

  • Strong aptitude for process improvement, problem solving, technical execution, and project management

  • Experience delivering products from ideation through commercialization using a gated design review process

Nice to Have:

  • Experience with window/fenestration products or similar engineered systems

  • Knowledge of PDP / stage-gate product development processes

  • Experience with statistical tools, DOE, and data analysis

  • Experience with Autodesk, FEA, MS Office, BAAN, and MES

Key Competencies

  • Strong technical problem-solving and analytical capability

  • Ability to lead projects and influence cross-functional teams

  • Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and constraints

  • Effective communication and decision-making skills

  • Continuous improvement and ownership mindset

Expected Impact

  • Independently leads scoped projects and design improvements

  • Drives resolution of complex technical issues with minimal oversight

  • Improves product manufacturability and plant performance

  • Contributes to faster, more efficient product development cycles

  • Builds capability within the team through mentorship and knowledge sharing

#LI-JL2

PAY RANGE:

$90,039.00 - $139,561.00

CULTURE AND BENEFITS:

At Andersen, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. Every day, theirtalent, dedication and passion enables us to be the most trusted window & door company. To support our employees, we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards Package - a thoughtful combination of pay and benefits that reflects our commitment to investing in each team member's wellbeing and success. While specific benefits may vary by position or location, we're proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and future. Our benefits include:

  • 401 (k) Plan, Employer Fixed Contributions & Company Matching

  • Profit Sharing*

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage*

  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*, Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)

  • Life Insurance

  • Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays

  • Paid Maternity Leave & Paid Parental Leave*

  • Career Growth Planning & Nationwide Career Opportunities

*For employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement, some benefits may differ or may not be available based on the terms of the agreement.

PROFIT SHARING: In 2026 Andersen has set a profit-sharing target of $3,600 per eligible employee, prorated as appropriate. Profit Sharing will be paid out in quarterly installments to provide eligible employees with payments throughout the year, with payment amounts tied to quarterly operating profit performance.

EEOC EMPLOYER: Andersen is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, disability, marital status, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Andersen Corporation will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable federal, state and local laws.

We look forward to seeing how your unique skills, background and experiences will inspire our team and help us continue to be the leader we are today.