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Speculative Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fidelity Investments

Co-op, Design Researcher

Boston, MA · On-site

$20 - $32/hr

Our speculative design practice combines creativity, strategy, and rigorous research to craft products, spaces, and vivid storytelling, taking a holistic approach to design innovation. We challenge ...

Fidelity Investments

Co-op, Designer

Boston, MA · On-site

$20 - $32/hr

Our speculative design practice combines creativity, strategy, and rigorous research to craft products, spaces, and vivid storytelling, taking a holistic approach to design innovation. We challenge ...

Bipsync

Speculative applications

New York, NY · On-site

We welcome speculative applications from talented people who are keen to join the Bipsync team but ... Product Design and People Operations. Please ensure that your desired role falls within your ...

Apple

Senior Design Prototyping Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Interaction Architecture (IA) is a design and prototyping team within the larger Apple Design Team ... speculative products. We apply technical expertise and product thinking to early-stage concepts ...

FISCHER HOMES

NEW HOME DESIGN COORDINATOR

Erlanger, KY · On-site

Work with Division Managers and Sales Managers to design speculative inventory homes utilizing research on what will be popular for a given community and home plan. * Maintain a presentable Design ...

Fischer Homes

NEW HOME DESIGN COORDINATOR

Erlanger, KY · On-site

Work with Division Managers and Sales Managers to design speculative inventory homes utilizing research on what will be popular for a given community and home plan. * Maintain a presentable Design ...

TAE

Senior Neutral Beam Design Engineer

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

If speculative CVs are sent, no fee will be applicable. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further ...

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Speculative Design information

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$42K

$114.5K

$201.5K

How much do speculative design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for speculative design in the United States is $114,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Speculative Design position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Speculative Design, you need a strong background in design thinking, critical research, and future scenario development, often supported by a degree in design, innovation, or related fields. Familiarity with prototyping tools, visual storytelling software like Adobe Creative Suite, and speculative design frameworks is highly beneficial. Outstanding creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong communication skills set exceptional candidates apart. These abilities enable designers to imagine and articulate visionary concepts that provoke discussion and inform real-world innovation.

What is the highest paying career in design?

In design, roles such as Creative Director, UX Director, or Design Director tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools and strategic planning.

What is a Speculative Design job?

A Speculative Design job involves exploring possible futures by creating concepts, prototypes, and narratives that challenge assumptions and inspire new ways of thinking. Designers in this field use research, technology, and storytelling to investigate social, ethical, and environmental implications of emerging trends. Rather than solving immediate problems, speculative designers provoke discussion and envision alternative possibilities. These roles are common in innovation labs, academic institutions, and research-driven design studios.

What are some typical projects or challenges faced by professionals in Speculative Design roles?

Professionals in Speculative Design often work on projects that envision alternative futures, develop conceptual products or services, or explore the potential impact of emerging technologies on society. They are frequently tasked with creating prototypes, visual narratives, or immersive experiences that provoke dialogue and critical thinking among diverse stakeholders. Challenges may include grappling with uncertainty, balancing imagination with practical feasibility, and effectively communicating speculative ideas to non-expert audiences. Collaboration is key, as speculative designers regularly work with researchers, technologists, and policy experts to address complex, ambiguous problems.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

Speculative design roles may evolve or diminish as automation, AI, and advanced technology automate tasks traditionally performed by humans. Jobs involving routine or repetitive work, such as basic data entry or manual manufacturing, are likely to decline, while roles requiring complex problem-solving and creativity will grow. Adaptability and skills in emerging technologies will be essential for future employment.

Is AI replacing designers?

Speculative design involves exploring future possibilities and often uses AI tools to generate ideas and prototypes. While AI can automate certain tasks, it generally complements designers' creativity and critical thinking rather than replacing them entirely, as human insight remains essential for meaningful innovation.

What is a speculative designer?

A speculative designer is a professional who creates conceptual designs and scenarios to explore future possibilities, often addressing social, ethical, and technological issues. They use design methods, storytelling, and visualizations to challenge assumptions and provoke discussion about potential futures.
More about Speculative Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Speculative Design jobs? Cities with the most Speculative Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Speculative Design jobs? The most popular types of Speculative Design jobs are:
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Speculative Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Speculative Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,491 per year, or $55 per hour.
Co-op, Design Researcher

Co-op, Design Researcher

Fidelity Investments

Boston, MA • On-site

$20 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Fidelity Investments rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 270 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 150 rated financial services

Job description


The company
Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT https://fcatalyst.com/overview) drives innovation to advance Fidelity's market leadership. FCAT teams assess, test, and scale concepts and ideas involving blockchain, artificial intelligence, fintech, quantum computing, and emerging technologies to enhance customer experiences and keep Fidelity at the forefront of the financial services industry. Celebrating 25 years of innovation, FCAT focuses on these cutting-edge technologies and sociocultural trends to shape the future of financial services.
What you'll be working on
As a co-op student, you will collaborate with FCAT's design team, leveraging speculative design philosophies, user research methodologies, and design thinking to envision and create future experiences. Our speculative design practice combines creativity, strategy, and rigorous research to craft products, spaces, and vivid storytelling, taking a holistic approach to design innovation.
We challenge conventional problem-solving by adopting fresh perspectives to envision bold alternatives-think sci-fi meets financial investing.
Your Role
You will work alongside and support our experienced design team from research and ideation to sketching and rapid prototyping. You will assist in creating multimodal outputs while developing a full story arc. Most projects are iterative and driven by multiple feedback cycles.
What We're Looking For
We seek someone eager to engage in groundbreaking collaboration, with a bias towards action, the ability to embrace failure, and a strong intellectual curiosity. We value individuals who can play, learn, and have fun. We believe the world would be a better place if we rolled up our sleeves and made prototypes to get quick feedback from real users.
Qualifications
Core Qualifications
  • Interest in the future of digital experiences

  • Interested in emerging technologies (e.g. VR, Generative and Agentic AI)

  • Comfortable with ambiguity, inquisitive and eager to learn

  • Problem-solving skills, ability to think critically about design challenges, conceptualize and communicate ideas effectively

  • Passionate about human-centric approach in all actions and decisions

  • Able to work collaboratively within a team environment

  • Strong inter-personal and communication skills

  • Excellent presentation and facilitation skills

  • You can build and specify market requirements for current and future products by conducting market research with customers and non-customers

  • You have a strong interest in analyzing consumer trends and customer feedback to add new product ideas and themes into the pipeline

  • You understand the importance of conducting competitive analysis to ensure the team is on top of the dynamic landscape

  • You can work with others across the firm to collaboratively learn more about Fidelity

  • Skills in quantitative research manipulated to create qualitative results, i.e., writing screeners and surveys using remote testing for researching early-stage prototypes

  • Developing skill in identifying hidden customer segments and latent customer needs

  • Communicate clearly and effectively. Use research insights to create an emotional connection with customers.

Preferred:
  • Comfortable with software including but not limited to Adobe Creative Suite and Figma

  • Participation in extracurricular clubs such as Scout, Sandbox, etc.

  • One previous co-op experience

The base salary range for this position is $20 - $32 per hour.
Placement in the range will vary based on job responsibilities and scope, geographic location, candidate's relevant experience, and other factors.
Note, the application window closes when the position is filled or unposted.
Please be advised that Fidelity's business is governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, numerous state laws governing securities, investment and retirement-related financial activities and the rules and regulations of numerous self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA, among others. Those laws and regulations may restrict Fidelity from hiring and/or associating with individuals with certain Criminal Histories.
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