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User Experience Researcher Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Element Solutions

UX Researcher

Washington, DC

$145K - $185K/yr

The Senior UX Researcher is responsible for leading user research efforts to better understand user needs, behaviors, and challenges when interacting with products, services, or digital platforms.

Element Solutions

UX Researcher

Washington, DC · Remote

$145K - $185K/yr

The Senior UX Researcher is responsible for leading user research efforts to better understand user needs, behaviors, and challenges when interacting with products, services, or digital platforms.

ECS

UX Researcher

Falls Church, VA · On-site

Everforth ECS is seeking a UX Researcher to work in the National Capital Region covering the Pentagon, Falls Church, and Fairfax . Please Note: This position is contingent upon contract award. The ...

Amazon

UX Researcher II - AMZ22666.4

Arlington, VA · On-site

$130K - $176K/yr

Position: UX Researcher II - AMZ22666.4 Location: Arlington, VA Multiple Positions Available: 1.Own and drive end-to-end user & strategic research studies across multi-ple highly technical AWS ...

For People

Senior UX Researcher (Contract)

Arlington, VA · Remote

$90 - $110/hr

A humble and caring attitude aligning with For People's values: passion, fun, curiosity, sustainability, humility, and respect * 6+ years of user research experience, ideally in healthcare, ...

For People

Senior UX Researcher (Contract)

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$90 - $110/hr

A humble and caring attitude aligning with For People's values: passion, fun, curiosity, sustainability, humility, and respect * 6+ years of user research experience, ideally in healthcare, ...

Elder Research

UI/UX Designer

West Mclean, VA · On-site

The UI/UX Designer will provide User Research and Analysis support, lead User Experience (U) and User Interface (UI) efforts for complex, high-visibility systems, develop interactive prototypes using ...

Prysm Technology

UX/UI Designer

Herndon, VA · On-site

User Research & Analysis * Plan and conduct user research activities including interviews ... Lead UX and UI efforts for complex, high-visibility applications. * Define, maintain, and evolve ...

Closure Technologies

UI/UX Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$95K - $118K/yr

User Research & Analysis * Plan and conduct user research activities including interviews ... Lead UX and UI efforts for complex, high-visibility applications. * Define, maintain, and evolve ...

Bridge Core (BCore)

UI/UX Developer

Mclean, VA

Responsibilities User Research & Analysis * Plan and conduct user research activities including ... Lead UX and UI efforts for complex, high-visibility applications. * Define, maintain, and evolve ...

Bridge Core (BCore)

UI/UX Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Responsibilities User Research & Analysis * Plan and conduct user research activities including ... Lead UX and UI efforts for complex, high-visibility applications. * Define, maintain, and evolve ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsUser Experience Researcher JobsUser Experience Researcher Jobs in Reston, VA

User Experience Researcher information

See Reston, VA salary details

$31.3K

$117.9K

$171.5K

How much do user experience researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for user experience researcher in Reston, VA is $117,883.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,800.00 and $160,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a User Experience Researcher, you need a strong understanding of research methodologies, human-centered design principles, and often a background in psychology, HCI, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as usability testing platforms, survey software, and data analysis tools like SPSS or Excel is typically required. Excellent communication, empathy, and analytical thinking help researchers connect with users and translate findings into actionable insights. These skills are crucial for creating user-friendly products that meet real user needs and drive business success.

What is the difference between User Experience Researcher vs UX Designer?

AspectUser Experience ResearcherUX Designer
Primary FocusGathering user insights, conducting research, understanding user needsDesigning user interfaces, creating wireframes, developing visual layouts
Skills & CredentialsResearch methods, data analysis, user interviews, surveysDesign tools, prototyping, visual design, user flows
Work EnvironmentResearch teams, usability labs, user testing sessionsDesign teams, collaboration with developers and product managers
GoalsIdentify user needs, inform design decisions, improve user satisfactionCreate engaging, intuitive interfaces that meet user needs

While both roles focus on enhancing user experience, the User Experience Researcher primarily conducts research to gather insights about users, whereas the UX Designer focuses on creating the visual and interactive aspects of products. Both roles often collaborate closely to ensure the final product aligns with user needs and expectations.

What do you do as a UX researcher?

A UX researcher studies how users interact with products or services to identify their needs, preferences, and pain points. They conduct methods such as interviews, surveys, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design improvements and enhance user experience. Strong analytical skills and familiarity with research tools are essential in this role.

What are User Experience Researchers?

User Experience (UX) Researchers are professionals who study how users interact with products, services, or systems to understand their needs, behaviors, and challenges. They use a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as interviews, usability tests, and surveys, to gather insights about users. The findings from their research help design teams create more effective, user-friendly products. UX Researchers play a crucial role in ensuring that products meet user needs and provide a positive experience. Their work often involves close collaboration with designers, developers, and product managers.

What Does a User Experience Researcher Do?

A user experience researcher works in various industries to understand the interaction between a product or service and the targeted audience. In this position, your duties are to research user behavior, identify customers’ needs, and provide an analysis to improve the user experience (UX). You may use surveys, interviews, and other methods to test audience interaction and gather information. You then develop reports on how to improve a product or service to make it more user-friendly. Your responsibilities are to help a company understand what motivates consumers to choose a specific item or service and how to market these goods in a way that will increase sales.

Is UX a dead field?

User Experience (UX) is an active and evolving field focused on improving how users interact with products and services. UX researchers and designers are in demand across industries, and skills in user research, usability testing, and design tools remain valuable. The field continues to grow as digital products become more user-centered.

Is UI/UX still in demand in 2026?

User Experience Researchers continue to be in high demand as companies prioritize user-centered design to improve products and services. Skills in usability testing, prototyping, and familiarity with design tools like Figma or Adobe XD remain valuable, and the role is expected to grow with increasing digital transformation across industries.

Is UX a high paying job?

User Experience Researcher roles are generally well-compensated, especially with experience, specialized skills, and in competitive markets. Salaries can vary based on location, industry, and level of expertise, but UX research is considered a lucrative career path within the design and tech fields.

How do User Experience Researchers typically collaborate with designers and product managers throughout a product development cycle?

User Experience Researchers work closely with designers and product managers from the early ideation phase through to product launch. They conduct user studies to identify pain points and needs, then share actionable insights with the design team to inform wireframes and prototypes. Throughout development, they facilitate communication between stakeholders by presenting findings, leading workshops, and ensuring user feedback is integrated into product decisions. This cross-functional partnership helps create user-centric solutions and fosters continuous improvement.
More about User Experience Researcher jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of User Experience Researcher jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of User Experience Researcher jobs in Reston, VA are:
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What job categories do people searching User Experience Researcher jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for User Experience Researcher jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for User Experience Researcher jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most User Experience Researcher job openings:
User Experience Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various User Experience Researcher job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 40% In-person, 40% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,883 per year, or $56.7 per hour.
UX Researcher

UX Researcher

Element Solutions

Washington, DC

$145K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Who is Element?

We serve as a partner at the intersection of innovation and our clients' needs, efficiently crafting meaningful user experiences for government and commercial customers. By breaking down complex problems to their fundamental elements, we create modern digital solutions that drive efficiencies, maximize taxpayer dollars, and deliver essential outcomes that serve the people. 

Why Work at Element?

Make an impact that resonates-join our vibrant team and discover how you can improve lives through digital transformation.  Our talented professionals bring unparalleled energy engagement, setting a higher standard for impactful work. Come be a part of our team and shape a better future. 

Position Summary:

Element Solutions is looking for a motivated and highly experienced Senior UX Researcher to support a government contract working hybrid, with additional on-site presence as required by the client.  The Senior UX Researcher is responsible for leading user research efforts to better understand user needs, behaviors, and challenges when interacting with products, services, or digital platforms. This role applies qualitative and quantitative research methods to generate insights that inform product design and development. The Senior UX Researcher collaborates with designers, product managers, and technical teams to create intuitive and efficient user experiences that align with both user expectations and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct user research and analysis to understand user needs, behaviors, motivations, and pain points related to digital products or services.
  • Plan and execute qualitative and quantitative research methods including interviews, surveys, usability testing, contextual inquiries, and user journey analysis.
  • Translate research findings into actionable insights and design recommendations that guide product and user experience improvements.
  • Design and prototype user interfaces and user experience concepts that are intuitive, efficient, and aligned with user needs and business goals.
  • Collaborate with product managers, designers, developers, and stakeholders to integrate user-centered design principles throughout the product development lifecycle.
  • Evaluate product designs through usability testing and user feedback, iterating to improve usability and overall product effectiveness.
  • Develop research documentation including user personas, journey maps, usability reports, and research summaries.
  • Advocate for user-centered design practices across project teams and organizational initiatives.
  • Stay informed on UX research methodologies, tools, and industry trends to continuously improve research practices.
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience, Psychology, Design, Information Science, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience conducting UX research and supporting product design initiatives.
  • Demonstrated experience applying user research methods and usability testing techniques.
  • Experience translating research insights into design improvements and product strategy recommendations.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to present research findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to synthesize complex research data into clear, actionable insights.
  • Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Passion for improving user experiences through evidence-based design.
  • US Citizenship required. 
  • Must reside in the Continental US or be a Permanent Resident.
  • Depending on the government agency, specific requirements may include public trust background check or security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), UX Design, or related field.
  • Experience with prototyping and design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar platforms.
  • Experience supporting economic, financial, data-intensive, or analytical business domains.
  • Experience conducting research for digital platforms, enterprise software, or government systems.
  • Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design practices.
  • Experience collaborating within Agile product development environments.
  • Qualified individuals living in HUBZone-certified areas are strongly encouraged to apply. To find out if you live in a HUBZone go to: https://maps.certify.sba.gov/hubzone/map#center=44.722800,-103.249700&zoom=4. 
$145,000 - $185,000 a year
The likely salary range for this position is $145,000-$185,000.  The salary offered will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, geographic location, internal equity, business needs, and other factors permitted by law. Posted pay ranges are a general guideline only and are not a guarantee of compensation or salary.
 
Our People
We invest in the lives of our employees, both in and out of the workplace, by providing competitive pay and benefits packages. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law. 
 
 Location
 Be in your Element.  As a HUBZone-certified business we are committed to supporting local economic development. 
 
Element is an equal opportunity employer  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected class. 
 
We believe in a world where solutions we build improve the lives of those who use them.
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