User Experience Research Manager Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a full-time Human Factors Design Engineer 2 at Garmin's U.S. headquarters in the Greater Kansas City area. In this role, you will be responsible for leading the development and design of moderately complex aviation products, ensuring systems are designed to meet the needs and capabilities of intended users, and leading a small cross‑functional team using a variety of research methods including user testing, interviews, surveys, and cognitive task analysis to identify user needs, preferences, and limitations.

• Design intuitive interfaces, controls, displays, and user experiences to optimize human performance and minimize human error
• Develop product design requirements and guidelines to meet the highest standards of safety and usability
• Research, design, and prototype user experiences for new features and products
• Apply human‑centered design techniques to develop insights and generate new product ideas
• Communicate research/design requirements using mockups, story boarding, visual presentations, or other methods
• Effectively articulate and defend design decisions/recommendations
• Apply design standards and procedures to ensure consistent user interface designs and behaviors across aviation products and services
• Communicate with internal stakeholders to define and commit to user research objectives
• Lead in research planning/preparation including recruiting, scheduling, and test script development
• Employ both qualitative/quantitative research methods to answer research questions
• Moderate, observe, and take detailed notes during usability testing sessions
• Use data analysis results to identify usability issues, benchmark products, discover opportunities to improve designs, and learn about user behaviors and preferences
• Present research results to support stakeholder decision‑making
• Work collaboratively/professionally with cross‑functional teams of product designers and business stakeholders and adhere to ethical research standards
• Communicate status of work clearly by thoroughly documenting work in an organized manner
• Remain current on research and design trends, methods, techniques, and software
• Mentor and/or provide training to less‑experienced Human Factors Design team members and interns
• Assist in general aviation advocacy through training and outreach activities in Garmin’s flight simulator labs
• Represent Human Factors in software Change Control Board (CCB) meetings

• Bachelor's Degree or above in Human Factors, Human Computer Interaction, User Experience, Human Centered Design, Aviation, or a related field AND a minimum of 1 year relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule) with the demonstrated ability to apply learned knowledge
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative and qualitative methodologies such as usability testing, task analysis, heuristic evaluations, contextual inquiries, and surveys
• Demonstrated experience analyzing and synthesizing user data to identify usability insights and translate those insights into actionable recommendations
• Demonstrated experience with rapid digital prototyping tools like Figma or Photoshop
• Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated experience applying usability, accessibility, and other industry standard practices
• Capable of leading multiple projects of varying complexity
• Must be team‑oriented, detail‑oriented, possess a positive attitude, demonstrate ability to work well with others in a highly collaborative environment, and can work proactively and effectively with minimal supervision
• Exposure to aviation human factors and associated guidance and applicable FAA and international regulatory material
• Able to lift up to 25lbs using safe lifting techniques

• Outstanding academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.5) with the demonstrated ability to apply learned knowledge
• Demonstrates basic knowledge of Garmin Integrated Flight Decks and general knowledge of most Garmin aviation products
• Demonstrates working knowledge of aviation, avionics, and applicable FAA regulations
• Demonstrates basic working knowledge of Garmin aviation user interface guidelines
• Online portfolio demonstrating experience in both usability research and design
• Highly proficient using common rapid prototyping tools, remote research tools (ex. Figma, UserZoom, Qualtrics, etc.) and/or data analysis tools (statistics in Minitab, Python, SAS, SPSS, etc.)
• Pilot’s Certificate with an Instrument Rating
• Previous work or internship experience working on aviation products

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.

This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits