Principal, UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal, UX Researcher Company: Entegris Location: Bedford, MA (Hybrid) Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience Research / Product Operations Date Posted: 2025-10-30 Experience Level: 7+ Years (Senior/Lead) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of user experience research initiatives to drive digital business transformation within Entegris's complex operational environments.
• Partner directly with highly technical stakeholders, including engineers, scientists, operations leaders, and business leaders, to deeply understand user needs and shape impactful digital solutions.
• Establish and mature a new, human-centered design (HCD) practice, defining core ways of working, research processes, and best practices from the ground up.
• Develop and implement measurement frameworks and continuous feedback loops to guide product evolution and ensure measurable outcomes for digital tools and platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Principal/Lead UX Researcher, indicating a significant level of autonomy and strategic influence. The emphasis on "newly formed team," "building a new practice from the ground up," and "democratize human-centered thinking" highlights a foundational role with substantial opportunity to shape the HCD function at Entegris. The focus on complex operational workflows also suggests a need for researchers who can navigate intricate B2B environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and lead digital transformation initiatives through comprehensive user research programs, ensuring alignment with business objectives and user needs.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers, scientists, operations, and business leaders, to map user needs and identify opportunities for innovation in complex ecosystems.
• Support the development of operational workflows and emerging AI-enabled tools by applying user-centered thinking and rigorous research methodologies.
• Establish and continually evolve the nascent design research practice by defining operational workflows, processes, and best practices in partnership with the Director of HCD.
• Create and present key research artifacts such as personas, journey maps, qualitative research plans and guides, and detailed feedback and insights reports to inform product strategy.
• Design and implement experience measurement frameworks and feedback loops to monitor user satisfaction and drive continuous improvement across digital platforms.
• "Democratize" human-centered thinking by developing playbooks, facilitating learning sessions, and executing internal "marketing" efforts to embed HCD principles across the organization.
• Partner deeply with Change Management to align functional areas, driving efficiency in workflows and fostering a deeper understanding of employee experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize not only traditional UX research but also the strategic and foundational aspects of building an HCD practice. This includes defining processes, influencing cross-functional strategies, and embedding HCD principles organization-wide, which is typical for senior/lead roles in newly established or evolving functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience:

• 7+ years of dedicated UX research experience, with a strong preference for experience within operational, manufacturing, supply chain, or similarly complex B2B environments.
• Demonstrated experience in leading research strategy and influencing product direction within cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to build and mature a design research practice, including defining ways of working, processes, and best practices.

Required Skills:

• UX Research Expertise: Proficient in a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, with the ability to strategically select the most appropriate methods for specific contexts and business needs.
• Systems Thinking: Ability to understand complex ecosystems, identify interdependencies, and translate insights into purposeful, efficient solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven success in building trusted relationships and collaborating effectively with engineers, scientists, operations leaders, business leaders, and design partners.
• Human-Centered Design (HCD) Acumen: Deep understanding of HCD principles and the ability to apply them to complex operational challenges and emerging technologies like AI.
• Communication & Storytelling: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex research findings and their implications clearly and compellingly to diverse audiences.
• Outcome-Focused Approach: Ability to deliver meaningful impact by focusing on actionable insights and aligning research with measurable business outcomes, rather than solely on exhaustive deliverables.
• Ambiguity Navigation: Aptitude for bringing clarity to ambiguous situations and driving work forward confidently in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Facilitation Skills: Strong ability to facilitate workshops, design thinking sessions, and cross-functional discussions to drive alignment and innovation.

Preferred Skills:

• Jobs To Be Done (JTBD) Framework: Skilled in applying JTBD and other outcome-focused research approaches.
• AI Design Principles & Applications: Familiarity with AI design principles, feedback loops, or agent-based UX, and experience with platforms like Google Cloud's AI suite or comparable technologies.
• Enterprise Tools & Operational Workflows: Experience with enterprise software and a deep understanding of complex operational workflows, particularly in manufacturing, supply chain, B2B life sciences, pharmaceutical, medical device, or biotechnology sectors.
• Measurement & Feedback Platforms: Experience in building and analyzing surveys, designing experience measurement frameworks, and utilizing feedback collection tools; capable of guiding tool selection and implementation.
• Dashboard Design & Analytics: Familiarity with dashboard design principles and tools commonly used in manufacturing or supply chain contexts.
• Change Management Partnership: Experience working closely with change management functions to align stakeholders and drive organizational adoption of new processes and ways of working.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Outstanding Candidates Will Have" section has been integrated into the "Preferred Skills" and "Experience" sections, as it directly outlines desired qualifications. The emphasis on "systems thinker," "collaborative partner," "self-starter," and "nimble and outcome-focused" are key traits for success in this foundational role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Strategic Research Leadership: Showcase instances where you defined research strategy, influenced product roadmaps, and drove significant product decisions based on your research findings.
• Complex Ecosystem Case Studies: Include detailed examples of research conducted within complex operational, manufacturing, or B2B environments, illustrating your ability to navigate intricate user workflows and stakeholder landscapes.
• HCD Practice Development: If applicable, present examples of how you contributed to establishing or improving research processes, defining best practices, or mentoring junior researchers.
• Outcome-Oriented Deliverables: Highlight research that led to measurable business or operational improvements, such as increased efficiency, reduced errors, enhanced user satisfaction, or successful adoption of new tools.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Examples: Illustrate how you partnered effectively with engineers, product managers, designers, and business stakeholders, showcasing your communication and influence skills.

Process Documentation:

• Research Planning & Execution: Provide examples of comprehensive research plans, including clear objectives, methodology selection, participant recruitment strategies, and ethical considerations relevant to operational settings.
• Insight Synthesis & Storytelling: Demonstrate your ability to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable insights and compelling narratives that resonate with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Framework & Playbook Development: Showcase any contributions to developing user research playbooks, HCD process guides, or frameworks that enable others to adopt user-centered thinking.
• Measurement & Feedback Systems: Include examples of how you designed and implemented systems for measuring user experience and gathering continuous feedback, such as survey frameworks, in-app feedback mechanisms, or post-launch analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on building a new practice and the senior nature of the role, a portfolio demonstrating strategic impact, process creation, and cross-functional influence is critical. The request for a portfolio link/sample is explicit in the job description.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Principal UX Researcher role in the Bedford, MA area with 7+ years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $150,000 - $200,000 USD.

This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior UX research positions in the Boston metropolitan area, considering the hybrid work model, the company's industry (semiconductor materials), and the leadership responsibilities outlined. Factors such as specific skills, interview performance, and precise level of experience within the 7+ year range can influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Annual Bonus Eligibility: Performance-based bonus opportunities to reward contributions.
• Progressive Paid Time Off (PTO): A flexible and generous PTO policy designed for employee well-being and work-life balance.
• Generous 401(K) Plan: A robust retirement savings plan with a significant employer match and no delayed vesting, ensuring immediate benefit from employer contributions.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Excellent medical coverage options to support employee health and wellness.
• Dental Insurance: Coverage for dental care needs.
• Vision Insurance: Support for eye care and vision needs.
• Education Assistance: Programs available to support ongoing learning and professional development, aiding in skill advancement and career growth.
• Values-Driven Culture: An environment that emphasizes People, Accountability, Creativity, and Excellence.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, typically involving approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for a combination of on-site and remote work, providing flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry data for the specified location and experience level. The job description explicitly lists several key benefits, which have been detailed here for clarity.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Entegris operates within the Semiconductor Materials industry, a highly technical and innovation-driven sector. This context means the company deals with complex scientific processes, advanced R&D, and high-stakes manufacturing environments. Company Size: Entegris is a publicly traded company with a significant global presence, likely falling into the Large Enterprise category (10,000+ employees globally). This scale implies established processes, extensive resources, but also potential for bureaucracy if not managed effectively. Founded: Founded in 1966, Entegris has a long history of innovation and growth, evolving into a critical supplier for the semiconductor industry. This longevity suggests stability and deep domain expertise.

Team Structure:

• Newly Formed HCD Practice: This role is part of a newly established Human-Centered Design (HCD) practice, indicating a nascent but growing focus on user experience and design thinking within the organization.
• Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will partner with the Director of HCD and will likely report into this leadership role. Collaboration will extend across product management, engineering, science, operations, and business leadership.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: A strong emphasis is placed on partnering directly with highly technical and operationally savvy individuals across various functions, suggesting a highly collaborative and integrated approach to product development and digital transformation.

Methodology:

• Human-Centered Design (HCD): The core methodology promoted is HCD, aiming to embed user needs and perspectives into the development of digital tools and platforms.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: While HCD is central, the role implies a data-driven approach through measurement frameworks and continuous feedback loops to assess impact and guide evolution.
• Lean & Fast-Moving Environment: The description suggests a dynamic environment where efficiency and agility are valued, requiring researchers to be nimble and outcome-focused.
• Process & Best Practice Development: A significant part of the role involves defining and establishing new ways of working, processes, and best practices for the HCD practice.

Company Website: https://www.entegris.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry is critical for understanding the complexity of the operational workflows and user needs this role will address. The "newly formed team" aspect is a key differentiator, suggesting an opportunity to build and shape.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is designated as Principal, signifying a senior-level individual contributor with leadership responsibilities. It's a strategic position focused on setting direction, influencing cross-functional teams, and building foundational capabilities within the organization. It sits at the top tier of individual contributor UX research roles, often serving as a subject matter expert and de facto team leader in its domain.

Reporting Structure: The Principal UX Researcher will likely report to the Director of Human-Centered Design (HCD). They will work very closely with product managers, engineering leads, data scientists, operations leaders, and business stakeholders. This structure allows for direct influence on product strategy and operational improvements.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to enabling digital business transformation by improving complex operational workflows, supporting R&D innovation, and empowering users across various business units. Success will be measured by the tangible outcomes of these digital tools and platforms, contributing to Entegris's strategic goals, efficiency, and competitive advantage in the semiconductor materials market.

Growth Opportunities:

• HCD Practice Leadership: Significant opportunity to shape and lead the growth of the HCD practice, potentially growing into a management role as the team expands.
• Domain Expertise Development: Deepen knowledge in semiconductor materials, manufacturing, and supply chain operations, becoming a subject matter expert at the intersection of HCD and industrial technology.
• AI & Emerging Technologies: Gain hands-on experience with AI-enabled tools and advanced technologies, contributing to Entegris's innovation in these areas.
• Strategic Influence: Develop enhanced strategic thinking and business acumen by working closely with executive leadership and directly impacting business transformation initiatives.
• Mentorship & Coaching: As a Principal, there's an expectation to mentor and guide other team members (current and future) in research methodologies and HCD principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" title and the mandate to "build a new practice from the ground up" are key indicators of significant growth potential and strategic importance, extending beyond typical UX research responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, meaning a blend of in-office and remote work. This suggests a flexible work environment that balances the benefits of in-person collaboration with the autonomy of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is specified as Billerica / Bedford, MA. This area is a known hub for technology and R&D in Massachusetts.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment likely facilitates collaboration with engineers, scientists, operations leaders, and design partners, crucial for mapping complex user needs and workflows.
• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, as well as specialized tools for UX research, design, and potentially data analysis/visualization relevant to the semiconductor industry.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with the newly forming HCD team and other cross-functional colleagues, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. The role also involves "internal marketing" of HCD, suggesting active engagement across departments.

Work Schedule: The standard full-time work schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected, with the hybrid arrangement offering flexibility in where and potentially when work is performed, as long as objectives are met and collaboration needs are satisfied.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and the emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest an environment that values both focused individual work and dynamic team interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit.
2. Portfolio Review & Deep Dive: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, detailing key projects, methodologies, and outcomes. This stage will delve into their experience with complex systems, HCD principles, and strategic research leadership.
3. Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders (e.g., Director of HCD, Product Managers, Engineering Leads, Operations Leaders) to assess collaboration skills, ability to understand technical/operational contexts, and strategic thinking.
4. Research Challenge/Case Study: A potential exercise or detailed case study presentation focusing on how the candidate would approach a specific research problem relevant to Entegris's operational challenges or digital transformation goals.
5. Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, long-term vision, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key projects that showcase your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and impact on business outcomes. Use a clear narrative for each project: problem, your role/approach, methodology, insights, and results.
• Highlight Complexity: Emphasize projects involving complex user ecosystems, operational workflows, or B2B/industrial environments. Detail how you navigated these complexities.
• Showcase HCD & Process Building: If you have experience building research practices, defining processes, or mentoring, dedicate specific sections to this. Explain your philosophy and methodology for HCD implementation.
• Quantify Outcomes: Wherever possible, quantify the impact of your research. Use metrics related to efficiency gains, cost savings, adoption rates, user satisfaction scores, or key business objectives achieved.
• Tailor to Entegris: Research Entegris's products, industry, and stated goals (digital transformation, AI). Frame your portfolio examples to highlight how your skills directly address their needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a challenge is provided, thoroughly research Entegris's industry (semiconductor materials), typical operational workflows, and any known digital initiatives.
• Apply HCD Principles: Frame your approach using user-centered design principles. Identify potential user groups, their goals, and pain points within the given scenario.
• Methodology Justification: Be prepared to justify your chosen research methods, explaining why they are appropriate for the specific problem and constraints (e.g., speed, complexity, available resources).
• Focus on Actionability: Demonstrate how your research would lead to actionable insights and concrete recommendations for Entegris.
• Communication Clarity: Practice articulating your thought process, methodology, and recommendations clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a mixed audience of technical and business stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a portfolio requirement and the emphasis on building a new practice suggest the interview process will heavily scrutinize strategic thinking, process development, and the ability to influence.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Tools for survey creation, participant management, and data analysis (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey Enterprise, UserTesting.com, Maze).
• Prototyping & Wireframing Tools (for collaboration): While not a designer role, familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD can aid in understanding and communicating design concepts.
• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) or Google Workspace for communication, document sharing, and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in statistical analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Python with libraries like Pandas/NumPy) for quantitative data.
• BI & Dashboard Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or similar for visualizing data and presenting insights, especially those used in manufacturing or supply chain contexts.
• Web Analytics (if applicable): Tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics for understanding user behavior on digital platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding of how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) might be relevant for user segmentation or customer journey analysis in a B2B context.
• Process Mining/Workflow Analysis Tools: Potential exposure to tools that map and analyze operational workflows, aiding in identifying areas for improvement (e.g., Celonis, UiPath Process Mining).
• Integration Platforms: Awareness of how different systems connect and share data can be beneficial for understanding the broader technology landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "dashboard design and tools used in manufacturing or supply chain contexts" and "operational workflows" suggests a need for familiarity with tools that support industrial and enterprise-level data analysis and process visualization, beyond standard consumer UX tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People: Entegris emphasizes valuing its employees, fostering a supportive environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are leveraged. This translates to a collaborative culture where individual contributions are recognized.
• Accountability: A core value that drives ownership and responsibility for actions and outcomes. In this role, it means taking ownership of research initiatives and their impact on business goals.
• Creativity: Encouraging innovative thinking and new approaches to problem-solving. This aligns with the role's mandate to shape new practices and explore novel solutions for complex operational challenges.
• Excellence: Striving for high standards in all aspects of work. For a Principal UX Researcher, this means rigorous methodology, impactful insights, and strategic contributions that drive operational and business excellence.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Technical Partnership: The role requires deep collaboration with engineers, scientists, and operations leaders, implying a need for clear, direct communication that respects technical expertise and operational realities.
• Building Trust: Establishing trusted relationships across functions is highlighted, suggesting a proactive and relationship-oriented approach is key.
• Democratizing HCD: The role involves actively teaching, enabling, and embedding HCD principles, indicating a collaborative style that empowers others and fosters a shared understanding of user-centered approaches.
• Lean & Agile Integration: Working within a fast-moving environment suggests a collaborative style that is adaptable, efficient, and focused on delivering value iteratively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values (People, Accountability, Creativity, Excellence) provide a direct lens into the expected behaviors and cultural norms for employees, including how they collaborate and approach their work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building from Scratch: Establishing a new HCD practice requires defining processes, gaining buy-in, and demonstrating value in an organization that may not have a mature design culture. This involves navigating organizational dynamics and potential resistance to change.
• Complexity of Operations: Understanding and researching deeply technical and operational workflows in industries like semiconductor manufacturing requires significant learning, attention to detail, and the ability to translate highly specialized needs into user-centered solutions.
• Bridging Technical and User Needs: Effectively translating complex scientific and engineering requirements into user-friendly digital experiences and vice-versa, ensuring alignment between technical feasibility and user desirability.
• Measuring Impact: Developing and implementing robust measurement frameworks to quantify the impact of UX research and design interventions in tangible business and operational outcomes.
• Balancing Depth and Speed: Determining the right level of research rigor for different situations – knowing when to conduct in-depth studies versus when to opt for faster, leaner approaches to meet business demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced HCD Practice Development: Opportunity to define and implement best practices for a growing HCD function, influencing its future trajectory and potentially building out a team.
• Industry Specialization: Deepen expertise in the semiconductor materials industry, understanding its unique operational challenges, user needs, and technological landscape.
• AI & Emerging Technologies: Gain hands-on experience and contribute to research in cutting-edge areas like AI-enabled tools and agent-based UX within an industrial context.
• Strategic Leadership: Develop strategic planning, stakeholder management, and executive communication skills by influencing digital transformation initiatives at a principal level.
• Cross-Functional Mentorship: Share knowledge and mentor colleagues across Product, Engineering, and Operations, solidifying understanding and fostering a culture of user-centricity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly linked to the "building from the ground up" nature of the role and the specific industry context, while growth opportunities leverage these challenges into professional development pathways.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to establish a new research practice or significantly evolve an existing one. What were the key steps, challenges, and outcomes?" (Assesses process-building and strategic influence).
• "How would you approach understanding the needs of engineers and scientists working on complex R&D projects within the semiconductor industry, and how would your research translate into actionable digital solutions?" (Tests domain adaptability and user-centric problem-solving).
• "Imagine we're developing an AI-powered tool to optimize manufacturing workflows. What research questions would you prioritize, what methodologies would you employ, and how would you measure its success?" (Evaluates AI/tech familiarity and measurement framework design).
• "How do you balance the need for rigorous, in-depth research with the demands of a fast-paced, lean environment? Can you provide an example?" (Probes adaptability and outcome-focus).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Entegris and the semiconductor materials industry, what do you see as the biggest opportunities for human-centered design?" (Tests research and strategic thinking about the company).
• "This role requires close collaboration with highly technical stakeholders. How do you build trust and effectively communicate research insights to engineers and scientists?" (Assesses communication and cross-functional partnership skills).
• "What are your expectations for how design and research should integrate into product development cycles within an organization like Entegris?" (Gauges alignment with company's evolving HCD maturity).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly articulate the business problem or user need that drove each project.
• Detail Your "How": Explain your specific research methodology, why you chose it, and how you adapted it for the context. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.
• Showcase Insights & Decisions: Focus on the key insights derived and how they directly informed product decisions or strategic shifts.
• Quantify Impact: Present metrics demonstrating the positive outcomes of your work (e.g., improved efficiency, reduced errors, increased adoption). If direct metrics are unavailable, discuss anticipated impact or qualitative improvements.
• Address Limitations & Learnings: Briefly discuss any challenges encountered and what you learned, demonstrating self-awareness and a growth mindset.
• Tailor to Entegris: Frame your presentation to align with Entegris's industry, focus on operational workflows, and highlight your experience with complex B2B environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview questions will likely focus on strategic leadership, ability to navigate complexity, and experience in building/maturing HCD functions, reflecting the senior and foundational nature of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal, UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Entegris Careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare your portfolio to prominently feature case studies demonstrating your experience in complex operational environments, strategic research leadership, and building HCD practices. Tailor your project selection and descriptions to align with Entegris's industry and digital transformation goals.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 7+ years of relevant UX research experience, emphasizing achievements in areas such as systems thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and driving measurable outcomes. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your approach to research challenges, especially those involving technical stakeholders and complex operations. Prepare to discuss how you would establish and mature an HCD practice.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Entegris, its products, its position in the semiconductor materials market, and its stated commitment to digital transformation and human-centered design. Understand their company values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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