Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher Company: Fivetran Location: Oakland, California, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience / Design Research Date Posted: 2026-02-19T19:36:47 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user research programs for Fivetran's data pipeline platform, influencing product design decisions and strategy.
• Leverage a blend of rigorous qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to uncover customer needs and product opportunities.
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams (Design, Product Management, Analytics) to ensure research initiatives are aligned with business objectives and user pain points.
• Translate complex research findings into compelling narratives and actionable insights that drive product innovation and improve user experience for businesses of all sizes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is focused on a "Senior" level UX Researcher, indicating a need for demonstrated leadership in research planning, execution, and synthesis, with a strong emphasis on influencing product strategy and cross-functional collaboration. The role requires a balance of research methodology expertise and business acumen to drive impactful product decisions within the data infrastructure space.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and execute end-to-end user research programs for specific product areas within the Fivetran platform.
• Design and implement mixed-method research studies (qualitative and quantitative) to address key product questions and hypotheses.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Analysts to identify research needs, frame research questions, and integrate research findings into the product development lifecycle.
• Conduct user interviews, usability testing, surveys, and other research activities to deeply understand user behaviors, needs, motivations, and pain points.
• Synthesize research data from multiple sources, including past research, analytics, and direct user feedback, to identify patterns and generate actionable insights.
• Develop and deliver compelling presentations and reports that communicate research findings and recommendations to stakeholders, influencing product strategy and design decisions.
• Lead ideation sessions based on research insights to foster innovation and identify new product opportunities or improvements.
• Act as a user advocate, ensuring user needs and perspectives are represented throughout the product development process.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers or team members on research best practices and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive and strategic approach to research, emphasizing program management, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to translate insights into actionable product improvements. The emphasis on "deeply understand user behaviors, needs, motivations, and pain points" suggests a focus on generative research and problem discovery in addition to evaluative research.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in User Experience (UX) research, with a proven track record of leading and executing research programs in a product development environment.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience with mixed-method research, encompassing both qualitative (e.g., interviews, usability testing, ethnography) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, analytics analysis, A/B testing) methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, scope, and execute user research projects from inception to completion, managing timelines and deliverables effectively.
• Exceptional storytelling and presentation skills, with the ability to craft engaging narratives that clearly communicate complex research findings and drive stakeholder buy-in.
• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of research projects, detailing your research philosophy, methodologies used, and demonstrable outcomes and impact.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a high degree of self-motivation, initiative, and a bias towards action; comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving projects to completion in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Design, Engineering, and Analytics, to achieve shared goals.
• A deep curiosity and desire to understand users and how Fivetran's product impacts their success, translating this understanding into product improvements.
• Proficiency in synthesizing research data from various sources to identify key themes and actionable insights.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with various survey design methods, data analysis techniques, and relevant data visualization tools.
• Familiarity with SQL for data extraction and analysis.
• Experience working within the data industry, SaaS, or B2B software environments, understanding the complexities of data infrastructure and analytics platforms.
• Experience with specific UX research tools such as UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Lookback, or similar platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level for a Senior UX Researcher implies a need for strategic thinking, independent project leadership, and the ability to mentor others. The emphasis on "entrepreneurial," "self-motivated," and "bias toward action" suggests the company values individuals who can identify opportunities and drive initiatives with minimal oversight, especially given the "greenfield opportunity" mentioned.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Study Depth: Provide detailed case studies that clearly articulate the research problem, your role, the methodologies employed (explaining why specific methods were chosen), the research process, key findings, and most importantly, the impact of your research on product decisions and outcomes.
• Methodology Diversity: Showcase a range of research methods, demonstrating your versatility in qualitative and quantitative approaches, and how you adapt your toolkit to different research objectives.
• Storytelling & Presentation: The portfolio should demonstrate strong narrative structure, making it easy for reviewers to follow the journey of each project and understand the insights derived. Visual elements and clear, concise language are crucial.
• Outcome & Impact Focus: Quantify impact whenever possible (e.g., improvements in conversion rates, task success rates, user satisfaction scores, reduction in support tickets) or clearly articulate the qualitative influence on product strategy and design direction.

Process Documentation:

• Research Planning: Evidence of well-defined research plans that outline objectives, target participants, methodologies, timelines, and success metrics.
• Synthesis & Insight Generation: Examples of how you effectively synthesize raw data into clear, actionable insights, potentially including affinity mapping, thematic analysis, or user journey mapping outputs.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Demonstrations of how research is integrated into product development workflows, including collaboration with design, product, and engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "strong storytelling skills, use of effective research methodologies, and clear results of your previous work" in the job description directly translates to portfolio requirements. Candidates should prepare case studies that not only showcase their technical research skills but also their ability to communicate value and influence product direction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $174,391 - $217,989 USD per year.

Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid medical insurance*
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy
• Paid sick time
• Inclusive parental leave policy
• Paid holidays
• Paid volunteer days off
• RSU stock grants*
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Access to an innovative mental health support platform offering therapy, coaching, and self-guided mindfulness exercises for employees and dependents.

*Benefits may vary by country and worker type; candidates should clarify specifics with their recruiter.

Working Hours: While not explicitly stated, a full-time role typically assumes a standard 40-hour work week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility, with two days per week required in the Oakland office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to Oakland, CA. For roles in other locations, the range would be adjusted based on local market data and cost of living. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on health and well-being, professional growth, and employee support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data Infrastructure / SaaS (Software as a Service) - Fivetran operates in the rapidly growing data integration and data warehousing sector, providing essential tools for businesses to manage and leverage their data effectively. Company Size: Fivetran is a well-established, high-growth technology company, valued at over $5.6 billion. While the exact employee count isn't specified, its scale suggests a dynamic environment with significant resources and opportunities. Founded: Fivetran was founded with the mission to simplify data access, positioning itself as a critical component of the modern data stack.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team is part of a larger Design organization and reports to the Head of UX Research.
• Senior UX Researchers are expected to lead projects and collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Analysts, indicating a matrixed, cross-functional team structure.
• The culture emphasizes collaboration, feedback, and a supportive environment.

Methodology:

• Research is integrated into product development, focusing on understanding user needs to inform design and business decisions.
• Emphasis on both research rigor and business focus, ensuring that insights are not only methodologically sound but also strategically relevant.
• A "bias toward action" and comfort with "greenfield opportunity" suggest a culture that encourages proactive problem-solving and innovation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Fivetran's mission to simplify data access positions it as a key player in the data-driven economy. The company culture, as described through its values ("Get Stuck In, Do the Right Thing, One Team, One Dream"), suggests an environment that values initiative, ethical conduct, and strong teamwork. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion further shapes the collaborative ecosystem.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Researcher. This level signifies a move beyond individual contributor tasks to include strategic planning, program leadership, and mentorship. The role requires autonomy, the ability to navigate complex problems, and a significant impact on product direction. In a revenue-generating context, this role is critical for ensuring product-market fit and user adoption, indirectly impacting revenue through product success.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher reports directly to the Head of UX Research. This provides a clear line of communication and mentorship within the UX Research discipline.

Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue-generating role, UX Research has a profound impact on Fivetran's success. By ensuring the data pipeline platform is intuitive, efficient, and meets the critical needs of its users (data professionals, engineers, analysts), this role directly influences:

• Customer Acquisition & Retention: A superior user experience can be a key differentiator, attracting new customers and reducing churn.
• Product Adoption & Usage: Understanding user workflows ensures the platform is effectively adopted and utilized, maximizing customer value and loyalty.
• Product Strategy & Innovation: Identifying unmet needs and pain points helps Fivetran prioritize its roadmap and develop new features that drive market leadership.
• Efficiency & Cost Savings: By identifying usability issues early, the company can avoid costly redesigns or development of features that don't meet user needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Lead UX Researcher, managing a team, or specializing in a critical product area.
• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the UX research strategy for Fivetran and influence the broader product vision.
• Domain Expertise: Deepen knowledge in the data infrastructure and SaaS industry, becoming an expert in user needs within this complex domain.
• Skill Expansion: Opportunities to further develop quantitative research skills, data analysis capabilities (e.g., SQL), and leadership competencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a strategic role beyond just executing research tasks. The impact on revenue is indirect but significant, by enhancing product-market fit, user adoption, and customer retention. Growth opportunities likely involve expanding research scope, strategic leadership, and specialization within the data industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fivetran operates a hybrid work model, requiring two days per week in their Oakland, CA office. This setup aims to balance the flexibility of remote work with the benefits of in-person collaboration. Office Location(s): Oakland, California, United States.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-person collaboration, team-building activities, and spontaneous interactions that are crucial for innovation and team cohesion.
• Tools & Technology: Access to modern UX research tools, analytics platforms, and the Fivetran data pipeline product itself will be essential for conducting research.
• Cross-functional Interaction: The environment is designed to foster close working relationships with product managers, designers, and engineers, facilitating rapid iteration and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the hybrid model offers some flexibility. The expectation is to be present in the office on designated days for collaborative work, with remote flexibility for other days. This schedule needs to accommodate research participant availability and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model (2 days in office) is a key characteristic of the work environment, emphasizing a need for candidates comfortable with both independent work and in-person collaboration. This setup is designed to foster team connection while maintaining flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review your application, focusing on experience, skills, and alignment with the role's seniority. A strong resume and cover letter are key.
• Portfolio Review: This is a critical step. You'll be asked to present your portfolio, showcasing case studies that demonstrate your research process, methodologies, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your decision-making at each stage.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Head of UX Research to assess your research philosophy, strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural fit.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Designers, and potentially Engineers to evaluate your collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate research into product development workflows.
• Final Interview/Executive Review: Potentially a final discussion with senior leadership to confirm strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Presentation: Use a clear, logical flow for each case study: Problem -> Your Role -> Research Questions -> Methodology -> Process -> Findings -> Recommendations -> Impact.
• Quantify & Qualify Impact: Wherever possible, demonstrate the tangible results of your research. If direct quantification is difficult, articulate the qualitative influence on product direction or design decisions.
• Showcase Your Process: Explain why you chose certain methodologies and how you adapted your approach to the specific context of the project. Highlight any challenges and how you overcame them.
• Tell a Story: Engage your audience by framing your work as a compelling narrative. Focus on the user's journey and how your research provided solutions.
• Tailor to Fivetran: Research Fivetran's product, market, and users. Where possible, subtly connect your experience to their domain (data infrastructure, B2B SaaS).

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Research Scenario: Be prepared for a scenario where you're asked to outline a research plan for a new feature or a specific problem Fivetran might be facing.
• Methodology Justification: Be ready to defend your choice of research methods based on specific goals and constraints.
• Insight Synthesis Exercise: You might be given raw data (e.g., interview transcripts, survey responses) and asked to synthesize key findings and actionable recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and "strong storytelling skills" indicates that candidates must be adept at presenting their work compellingly. The interview process is designed to assess not only research expertise but also strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and cultural alignment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting remote usability testing, interviews, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).
• Collaboration Tools: For team communication and project management (e.g., Slack, Jira, Confluence).
• Design & Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers (e.g., Figma, Sketch) is beneficial for understanding prototypes and design iterations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in analyzing quantitative data is key. Experience with tools like SQL for data extraction and analysis is a significant advantage.
• Visualization Tools: Ability to create clear and impactful visualizations of research findings (e.g., Tableau, Looker, or built-in features of survey/analytics platforms).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM systems, understanding how user data is collected and utilized within product analytics and potentially CRM systems is beneficial for context.
• Familiarity with the Fivetran platform itself will be crucial for understanding the user experience context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in mixed-method research tools is expected. The "Nice to Have" mention of SQL and data industry experience suggests that quantitative analysis skills are highly valued, especially for a Senior role in a data-centric company like Fivetran.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Get Stuck In: This value implies a proactive, hands-on approach. Researchers are expected to take initiative, dive deep into problems, and contribute actively to solutions without waiting for explicit direction.
• Do the Right Thing: This suggests an ethical approach to research, prioritizing user privacy, honest reporting of findings, and advocating for user needs even when it's challenging.
• One Team, One Dream: This highlights the importance of collaboration, shared goals, and a unified effort across departments. UX Researchers are expected to be team players, working seamlessly with Product, Design, and Engineering.
• Data-Driven: While the role is qualitative-focused, the company's nature and the mention of quantitative research and analytics suggest a strong emphasis on using data to inform decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Researchers are expected to work closely with Product, Design, and Analytics, acting as a bridge between user needs and product development.
• Feedback-Oriented: The culture values openness to feedback, both giving and receiving, which is essential for continuous improvement in research practice and product design.
• Proactive Communication: Regular updates and clear communication of research plans, findings, and recommendations are vital for effective collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values provide direct insight into the expected behaviors and mindset of employees, including UX Researchers. A candidate's ability to demonstrate these values through their experience and approach will be key to cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Fivetran is described as having "greenfield opportunity," meaning there may be many areas where research processes are still being established or where user needs are not yet fully understood. This requires a researcher who is comfortable defining scope and methodology independently.
• Influencing Stakeholders: As a Senior Researcher, a key challenge is effectively translating research findings into actionable product changes, especially when there might be competing priorities or different perspectives from product and engineering teams.
• Balancing Research Rigor with Business Needs: Ensuring research is both methodologically sound and directly supports business objectives requires strategic thinking and strong communication skills.
• Rapid Product Evolution: In a fast-growing SaaS company, the product and its user base can evolve quickly, requiring researchers to stay agile and adapt their methods accordingly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Domain Expertise: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in the complex world of data pipelines, data warehousing, and the needs of data professionals.
• Strategic Research Leadership: Develop skills in shaping research strategy, mentoring junior team members, and influencing product roadmaps at a higher level.
• Quantitative Skill Enhancement: Leverage the "nice to have" SQL skill to further develop quantitative research and data analysis capabilities.
• Industry Exposure: Work with cutting-edge technology and contribute to a platform used by thousands of companies, gaining exposure to diverse business use cases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in high-growth tech companies, emphasizing the need for strong problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering paths for both specialization and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a significant unmet user need that led to a new product feature or a major product change. Walk us through your process." (Focus on problem identification, methodology, and impact).
• "How do you balance the need for rigorous research with tight product deadlines and business objectives?" (Highlight your approach to scoping, prioritizing, and delivering actionable insights efficiently).
• "Imagine Fivetran is considering a new feature for [specific user persona, e.g., Data Engineer]. How would you approach researching its potential value and usability?" (Outline your research plan, including methods, participants, and key questions).
• "Describe a situation where your research findings conflicted with stakeholder assumptions or initial product direction. How did you present your findings and influence the outcome?" (Showcase your persuasive communication and stakeholder management skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Fivetran, what do you think are the biggest user pain points or opportunities for improvement in the data pipeline space?" (Demonstrate your research and understanding of the company's domain).
• "How do you embody the Fivetran values of 'Get Stuck In,' 'Do the Right Thing,' and 'One Team, One Dream' in your daily work?" (Connect your past experiences to these values).
• "How do you approach collaboration with Product Managers and Designers? Can you give an example of a successful cross-functional project?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your solution (research process), and the resulting impact (quantifiable metrics or strategic influence).
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, participant recruitment, data analysis, and how you handled unexpected findings.
• Showcase Your "Why": Explain the rationale behind your decisions at each step of the research process.
• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure a smooth, engaging, and concise delivery within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, strong methodological skills, impactful communication, and a cultural fit with Fivetran's values. The portfolio is a key tool for illustrating these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Fivetran careers portal via the provided URL.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features 2-3 detailed case studies that highlight your experience with mixed-method research, your ability to drive product impact, and your storytelling skills. Tailor the introduction or highlight specific projects relevant to B2B SaaS or data industries.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your years of experience, specific research methodologies used, and quantifiable achievements. Use keywords from the job description such as "User Research," "Qualitative," "Quantitative," "Mixed-Method," "Stakeholder Influence," and "Product Design."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process and impact for common UX research interview questions. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and be ready for scenario-based questions related to product strategy and user needs in the data infrastructure space.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Fivetran's product, mission, and core values. Understand their target audience (data professionals, engineers) and the competitive landscape of data integration platforms.

⚠️ 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.