Senior UX Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Engineer

Company: BD

Location: Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Design Engineering

Date Posted: March 09, 2026

Experience Level: 2-6 years

Remote Status: On-site (minimum 4 days per week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead early-stage innovation research programs for both Acute Care and Home Care platforms, focusing on uncovering deep user insights and shaping future product strategies.

• Conduct generative and exploratory research to identify unmet needs, motivations, and contextual factors within clinical and home-care settings.

• Translate complex qualitative data into strategic frameworks, opportunity statements, and actionable design inputs to guide product development.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Marketing, Clinical, and Program Management teams to define user-driven value propositions for next-generation medical devices and services.

• Champion a customer-centric approach, ensuring that innovation efforts are grounded in real-world evidence and address meaningful problems worth solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Engineer, emphasizing a blend of engineering principles with deep user research expertise. The focus on "early-stage innovation research" and "shaping opportunity spaces before concepts are defined" indicates a strategic, forward-looking position within the R&D or Product Development lifecycle, rather than a traditional product-focused UX role. The requirement for 4 days in-office per week highlights BD's commitment to collaborative, on-site innovation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead primary exploratory research initiatives, including ethnographic observations, contextual inquiries, in-depth interviews, and diary studies, across diverse settings (clinical, home-care, caregiver).

• Map complex stakeholder ecosystems to identify patterns, workarounds, emotional drivers, and latent user needs, thereby surfacing high-value opportunity areas.

• Develop and utilize strategic frameworks such as journey maps, service blueprints, systems maps, and behavioral models to clarify user goals, constraints, and value drivers.

• Articulate and prioritize identified opportunities in collaboration with Strategy and Product teams, crafting clear, high-impact opportunity statements.

• Facilitate cross-functional alignment by partnering closely with Industrial Design, Human Factors Engineering (HFE), and core Engineering teams to ensure early insights inform concept exploration and UI direction.

• Provide critical input to market and program planning by collaborating with Marketing and Program Managers, contributing to value propositions, early segmentation views, and initial business cases.

• Design and facilitate collaborative workshops, including co-creation sessions and assumption-mapping exercises, to align diverse teams on needs hierarchies, success criteria, and concept directions.

• Translate research findings into actionable design inputs, such as design principles, experience requirements, and initial concept criteria for ideation phases.

• Conduct user evaluations of early concepts through lean prototypes, storyboards, and low-fidelity mockups to validate desirability, relevance, and alignment with user needs.

• Communicate research insights effectively to senior stakeholders through compelling reports, visual frameworks, highlight videos, and presentations to drive evidence-based decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a research-heavy role with a strong strategic component. The emphasis on "mapping stakeholder ecosystems," "translating research into strategic frameworks," and "enabling cross-functional alignment" suggests a need for strong analytical and communication skills beyond basic data collection. The inclusion of "regulatory-grade documentation" points to the critical nature of the medical device industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Expertise in a wide range of ethnographic and generative research methodologies, demonstrating a strong ability to uncover deep, nuanced user insights.

• Proven ability to synthesize complex qualitative data into clear, actionable insights, identify opportunity areas, and formulate strategic recommendations.

• Exceptional storytelling and communication skills, with a demonstrated capacity for producing engaging reports, compelling visualisations, and effective workshop materials.

• Comfort and proficiency in operating within ambiguous, early-stage innovation environments where hypotheses evolve and directional clarity emerges through iterative exploration.

• Strong command of user research methodologies, including formative research and usability testing, especially within regulated or safety-critical contexts.

• Ability to analyze both qualitative and light quantitative data to identify risks, define design requirements, and establish evidence-based opportunity areas.

• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, precise, and regulatory-grade documentation when required.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific medical device development processes and regulatory frameworks (e.g., FDA, MDR).

• Familiarity with human factors engineering (HFE) principles and their application in medical device design.

• Experience in facilitating design thinking workshops and innovation sprints.

• Proficiency in specific qualitative data analysis software (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo).

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is specific regarding the type of research (qualitative UX/design research) and the industry (healthcare/medical devices). The emphasis on "safety-critical environments" and "regulatory-grade documentation" is crucial for candidates applying to roles in this sector. The preferred skills suggest areas where a candidate can further differentiate themselves.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a robust portfolio showcasing a track record of leading and executing generative and exploratory research projects, particularly in complex or regulated environments.

• Include case studies that clearly articulate the research problem, methodology employed, key insights uncovered, and the resulting strategic impact on product direction or opportunity definition.

• Showcase examples of translating raw qualitative data into strategic frameworks (e.g., journey maps, service blueprints, behavioral models) that informed design and business decisions.

• Highlight projects where you identified and articulated unmet user needs and defined high-value opportunity spaces, ideally with evidence of how these shaped product strategies or innovation pipelines.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of research documentation, such as ethnographic reports, interview guides, synthesis summaries, and insight presentations, demonstrating clarity, rigor, and strategic articulation.

• Showcase experience in creating and utilizing strategic frameworks derived from research, such as detailed user journey maps, service blueprints, or systems maps, explaining their purpose and impact.

• Illustrate your approach to translating user insights into actionable design inputs, including design principles, experience requirements, or initial concept criteria.

• Be prepared to discuss your process for planning, executing, and synthesizing generative research, as well as your methods for evaluating early-stage concepts with users.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on early-stage innovation research, the portfolio needs to emphasize the process of discovery and strategic framing, rather than just the final design outputs. Candidates should be ready to walk through their research methodologies, synthesis techniques, and how they influence strategic direction. The ability to document complex findings clearly for regulatory or cross-functional review is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €54,800.00 - €83,600.00 EUR Annual

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., pension scheme) with company matching contributions.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training programs, workshops, and conferences.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week.

• A minimum of 4 days per week is expected in the Castletroy, Limerick office to foster collaboration and innovation.

• Flexibility may be available within the standard work week, subject to team needs and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to Ireland and reflects a Senior UX Engineer role with 2-6 years of experience in a specialized field like medical device innovation research. The company emphasizes a strong commitment to associate well-being and development, which is reflected in the typical benefits package for a multinational company like BD. The on-site requirement of 4 days per week is a key aspect of the work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Medical Technology (MedTech) / Healthcare

Company Size: Large Enterprise (BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world, with thousands of employees globally).

Founded: 1897 (BD has a long history and established presence in the healthcare industry).

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Customer-Centric Design team, specifically focused on innovation research.

• You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Program Management, Marketing, Clinical Affairs, and Research & Development (R&D) / Engineering.

Methodology:

• BD emphasizes a "Customer-Centric" approach, meaning user needs and experiences are paramount in the product development lifecycle.

• The company's purpose, "Advancing the world of health™," underscores a commitment to innovation and improving patient outcomes.

• The role requires a blend of rigorous qualitative research methodologies and strategic thinking to identify and define future opportunities.

• Emphasis is placed on transforming insights into actionable strategies that inform product roadmaps and business cases.

Company Website: https://bd.com/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: BD's long history and status as a global leader in MedTech suggest a structured, quality-driven environment. The "Customer-Centric Design" team implies a dedicated focus on user understanding, which is critical in healthcare. The emphasis on collaboration with various departments highlights the interconnected nature of product development in this industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Specialist

• This role is designated as "Senior," indicating a level of expertise and autonomy beyond entry-level or mid-level positions.

• As a Senior UX Engineer focused on innovation research, you are expected to lead complex research programs, mentor junior team members (potentially), and influence strategic decisions.

Reporting Structure:

• Likely reports to a Director or Senior Manager within the UX, Design, Research, or Innovation department.

Operations Impact:

• Directly influences the direction of future product development by identifying high-impact user needs and market opportunities.

• Ensures that BD's innovation efforts are aligned with real-world user challenges and clinical workflows, leading to more relevant and successful medical devices and services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or therapeutic areas within BD's portfolio (e.g., Urology & Critical Care, Home Care).

• Leadership: Progress into a lead research role, managing larger innovation programs or mentoring a team of UX researchers.

• Strategic Influence: Move into product strategy, market research, or R&D leadership roles, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and market dynamics.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Transition into roles within Product Management, HFE, or Clinical Affairs, applying a deep user-centric perspective.

• Continuous Learning: Access to internal and external training, conferences, and opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research techniques and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and focus on "early-stage innovation" suggest a path toward strategic influence and potential leadership within BD's R&D or product development functions. The blend of research and strategic framing offers diverse growth avenues.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: BD emphasizes on-site collaboration. The role is based in Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland, and requires a minimum of 4 days per week in the office. This indicates a traditional office setting designed to facilitate in-person interaction.

Office Location(s): Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland. This location likely offers modern office facilities conducive to collaborative work.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving through direct interaction.

• Expect access to standard office technology, meeting rooms, and potentially specialized research labs or equipment depending on the facility.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work schedule, approximately 40 hours per week.

• The requirement for 4 days in the office per week is a key component, balancing work-life needs with the company's preference for in-person collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of prioritizing on-site collaboration and requiring 4 days in the office per week is a significant factor for candidates. This suggests a culture that values face-to-face interaction for innovation and problem-solving, which is common in industries like medical technology where complex issues and safety are paramount.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and fit with BD's culture.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager to evaluate technical skills, experience, and alignment with the role's strategic objectives. This may involve discussing past research projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your research process, insights, and strategic impact. Be prepared to articulate your methodology, synthesis techniques, and how your work influenced outcomes.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from R&D, Design, Marketing, or Clinical teams to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and ability to integrate research findings into their respective functions.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and strategic vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your expertise in generative/exploratory research, qualitative data synthesis, and strategic impact, ideally within healthcare or a similar complex domain.

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate the research problem, your chosen methodologies, the challenges you faced, and your systematic approach to data collection and analysis.

• Highlight Insights & Impact: Emphasize the "so what?" of your research. What were the key unmet needs? What opportunities did you uncover? How did your findings influence product strategy, design direction, or business cases? Use data and specific examples.

• Visual Storytelling: Use visual aids (frameworks, journey maps, personas, compelling quotes) to make your presentation engaging and facilitate understanding of complex information.

• Tailor to BD: If possible, subtly align your examples with the types of challenges BD faces in Acute Care or Home Care.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential case study discussions where you might be asked to outline how you would approach a hypothetical research problem relevant to BD's product areas.

• Prepare to discuss your approach to synthesizing large amounts of qualitative data and translating it into actionable recommendations.

• Anticipate questions about navigating ambiguity, influencing stakeholders, and advocating for user needs within a corporate environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for this role. Candidates should prepare to not only present their work but also to deeply discuss their research process, strategic thinking, and ability to translate insights into tangible impact within a regulated industry.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools (Likely Utilized or Expected to Learn):

• Qualitative Data Analysis Software: Tools such as Dovetail, NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or similar for organizing, coding, and synthesizing qualitative data from interviews, observations, etc.

• Prototyping & Design Tools (for evaluation): Familiarity with tools used for creating or evaluating low-fidelity prototypes, storyboards, and lean concepts (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Miro, Adobe XD).

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for communication and virtual collaboration.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote for creating compelling reports and stakeholder presentations.

• Project Management Tools: Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello for managing research project timelines and tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While primarily qualitative, a basic understanding of how to interpret light quantitative data (e.g., survey data, user metrics) will be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly in scope for this research-focused role, but understanding how user insights feed into CRM strategies or product adoption metrics may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of this role revolves around qualitative research tools and methods. While direct use of design or engineering software might be minimal, the ability to evaluate outputs from these tools and understand their implications for users is key. Familiarity with data synthesis tools is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users (patients, clinicians, caregivers).

• Innovation: Driving forward advancements in healthcare through creative problem-solving and exploration of new solutions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams (R&D, Marketing, Clinical, etc.) to achieve common goals.

• Integrity & Quality: Adhering to high standards of research rigor, ethical conduct, and producing reliable, actionable insights, especially within a regulated industry.

• Impact: Focusing on research that leads to meaningful improvements in health outcomes and user experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where cross-functional input is valued.

• The role requires strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and influence stakeholders across different departments and levels of the organization.

• Facilitation skills are key for leading workshops and synthesis sessions, encouraging open dialogue and shared understanding.

• A proactive approach to sharing insights and seeking feedback to ensure research remains relevant and impactful.

📝 Enhancement Note: BD's mission and the "Customer-Centric Design" team structure suggest a culture that values deep empathy for users and a collaborative, evidence-based approach to innovation. The emphasis on integrity and quality is paramount in the medical device sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Operating in early-stage innovation means dealing with undefined problems and evolving hypotheses, requiring comfort with uncertainty and adaptability.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Effectively translating complex research findings into actionable insights that resonate with and influence diverse stakeholders (e.g., engineers, marketers, clinicians) who may have different priorities.

• Healthcare Complexity: Understanding and addressing the intricate workflows, regulatory requirements, and diverse user needs within clinical and home-care settings.

• Translating Insights to Strategy: Moving beyond identifying needs to actively shaping strategic opportunities and defining clear value propositions that have a significant impact on product roadmaps.

• Balancing Research Rigor with Speed: Ensuring research is thorough and insightful while meeting the demands of fast-paced product development cycles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge generative research methods and analytical frameworks.

• Industry Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge of specific therapeutic areas and the medical device market through immersion in BD's product development processes.

• Strategic Impact: Developing skills in strategic planning, opportunity definition, and influencing product roadmaps at a senior level.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Enhancing understanding of R&D, clinical affairs, marketing, and regulatory processes within a large MedTech organization.

• Professional Development: Access to internal training, external workshops, conferences, and potential for certifications in human factors or design research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section highlights the strategic and complex nature of the role, emphasizing the need for strong problem-solving and influencing skills. The "Growth Opportunities" point to clear pathways for deepening expertise and advancing within the company's innovation and product development functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led an early-stage innovation research project. What was your process, what did you uncover, and how did it shape strategic direction?" (Focus on your methodology, insight generation, and strategic output.)

• "How do you approach mapping complex stakeholder ecosystems and identifying latent user needs, especially in a regulated environment like healthcare?" (Demonstrate your understanding of complex systems and deep ethnographic skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about BD and our mission to 'Advancing the world of health'?" (Research BD's mission, values, and recent innovations. Connect it to your passion for user-centered healthcare.)

• "How do you foster collaboration with R&D, Marketing, and Clinical teams to ensure user insights are integrated effectively into product development?" (Emphasize your communication style, empathy for different functions, and ability to build consensus.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your approach (methodology), findings (insights), and impact (strategic outcomes).

• Quantify When Possible: While qualitative, try to articulate the potential impact or scale of the opportunities identified.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your methods, how you handled challenges, and why you made specific decisions during your research process.

• Focus on Strategic Framing: Emphasize how your research efforts helped define what problems are worth solving and why, not just how to solve them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on real-world examples that demonstrate mastery of generative research, strategic thinking, and cross-functional influence within a healthcare context. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the BD careers portal via the provided URL.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in qualitative UX/design research, especially within healthcare or similar regulated industries. Use keywords from the job description such as "ethnographic research," "contextual inquiry," "unmet needs," "opportunity definition," and "strategic frameworks." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your end-to-end research process, from discovery to strategic insight generation. Ensure these examples clearly demonstrate your ability to work in ambiguous, early-stage innovation environments and articulate impact.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, focusing on your research methodologies, synthesis techniques, and how your work influenced product strategy or business decisions. Practice answering strategy and behavioral questions, and be ready to articulate your understanding of BD's mission and customer-centric approach.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with BD's products, especially in Urology & Critical Care and Home Care, and understand their commitment to "Advancing the world of health™." Research their approach to innovation and customer-centricity.

⚠️ 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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