User Experience Researcher

Title: User Experience Researcher

Location: Within 40-minute drive of San Jose (4 day/week onsite in San Jose)

Duration: 6-month contract with possible extension

Schedule: 4 days/week onsite (Some weeks may require 3–5 days depending on testing schedules)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced UX Researcher to support usability and quality validation for hardware products and their associated software features.

This role focuses on executing and managing the mechanics of a quality program, including adapting existing testing frameworks to evaluate new “hero” features. The ideal candidate thrives in hands-on, ambiguous environments and is comfortable conducting field-based, unstructured research.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct quality and usability testing for new hardware and software features

Adapt existing testing models to evaluate new product experiences

Design and execute unstructured environmental studies to assess user expectations

Run in-person testing sessions and field research, including in-home interviews

Collect, analyze, and accurately represent qualitative and mixed-method data

Partner with engineering teams to evaluate performance perception metrics (e.g., latency, “jank”)

Support Customer Use Journey (CUJ) testing and survey-based evaluations

Deliver fast, high-quality insights to inform product decisions

Collaborate cross-functionally to identify ownership and resolution of product issues

Required Qualifications

PhD in Anthropology, Mechanical Engineering, Human Factors, Education, Archaeology, or a related field

(Master’s degree + strong relevant experience may be considered)

Proven experience conducting field research and unstructured usability testing

Strong expertise in qualitative research methods and data representation

Ability to synthesize findings quickly and communicate insights clearly

Experience working in large organizations (preferred over early-stage startups)

Comfort working hands-on with hardware prototypes in real-world environments

Preferred Qualifications

Background in anthropology or field-based research disciplines

Experience with in-home interviews and field data collection/storage

Familiarity with Customer Use Journey (CUJ) frameworks

Experience supporting bug bashes, surveys, or product validation cycles

Ability to collaborate with engineers on performance-related metrics

Logistics & Requirements

Must be located within a 40-minute commute of San Jose

Expected onsite presence:

Typically, 4 days/week

Some weeks may require 3–5 days depending on testing schedules

BayOne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any federal, state, or local protected class.

This job posting represents the general duties and requirements necessary to perform this position and is not an exhaustive statement of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise or alter this job description.