Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher Company: Magna International Location: Lowell, Massachusetts, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: User Experience Research / Product Operations Date Posted: November 5, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead mixed-methods UX and consumer insights research across the entire product lifecycle, from generative to evaluative studies, driving data-informed product development.
• Establish and refine internal research operations, including tools, templates, and ethical best practices, to scale research capabilities effectively.
• Champion user empathy and the voice of the customer across product, engineering, and design teams, fostering a user-centered culture.
• Collaborate strategically with product managers, engineers, and designers to ensure research findings directly influence product strategy and roadmap decisions.
• Define how user research informs AI and robotics-based product behavior, contributing to the development of next-generation mobility solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a foundational member of the UX team within Magna New Mobility, indicating a significant opportunity to shape research practices and influence product direction from an early stage. The emphasis on establishing research operations and working on "0-1 products" suggests a need for a proactive, strategic, and adaptable researcher.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive qualitative research studies, including in-depth interviews, ethnographic observations, concept testing, and usability evaluations.
• Conduct quantitative research such as surveys, segmentation studies, MaxDiff, and conjoint analysis to inform product positioning, targeting, and prioritization.
• Synthesize complex research data into compelling, actionable insights and recommendations that directly influence product strategy and user experience.
• Develop and maintain research documentation, including study plans, reports, and best practice guidelines, to ensure consistent and effective research execution.
• Participate actively in product strategy workshops, design sprints, and concept validation sessions, bringing user insights to bear on critical decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Engineering, Design) to align research objectives with business goals and product roadmaps.
• Advocate for user needs and ensure user empathy is embedded throughout the product development process.
• Contribute to defining research methodologies for AI and robotics-based product behaviors, ensuring user-centricity in emerging technologies.
• Manage research projects effectively, prioritizing efforts in fast-paced, ambiguous environments, particularly for new product categories.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on research execution and strategic influence, characteristic of a senior-level role. The expectation to "shape the future of user research" and "define the systems, practices, and principles" points to a need for leadership in research operations and methodology development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, 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 a Senior UX Researcher role.

Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in UX research, consumer insights, or a closely related field, with a strong preference for experience involving hardware and integrated hardware-software products. Demonstrable experience working on "0-1" products or entirely new product categories is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in designing and conducting mixed-methods UX research (qualitative and quantitative).
• Strong proficiency in qualitative methods such as user interviews, ethnographic observation, concept testing, and usability studies.
• Solid understanding and application of quantitative research techniques, including survey design, sampling strategy, and statistical analysis (e.g., cluster analysis, factor analysis, MaxDiff, conjoint analysis).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in fast-moving, ambiguous environments, with a talent for lean and scrappy research approaches.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex insights into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Experience collaborating effectively with product managers, engineers, and designers in a product development setting.
• A user-obsessed, curious, and collaborative mindset.
• Proficiency with design tools such as Figma for understanding design artifacts and collaborating on user flows.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within Agile development workflows and on cross-functional product teams.
• Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools like Jira and Confluence.
• Exposure to product analytics platforms such as Pendo for user behavior analysis, in-app guidance, or NPS collection.
• Interest or experience in conducting research for AI-enhanced experiences or robotics.
• Hands-on experience conducting research specifically for integrated hardware-software products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong foundation in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, a critical blend for understanding user needs holistically. The preference for experience with "0-1 products" and hardware/software integration suggests that candidates who can navigate ambiguity and apply research to novel product categories will be highly sought after.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct research projects that demonstrate a strong command of the research lifecycle, from problem definition to actionable insights.
• For each project, clearly articulate the research objectives, methodologies employed, the challenges faced, and the impact of the research on product decisions and outcomes.
• Highlight specific examples of how qualitative and quantitative methods were combined to achieve a deeper understanding of user needs and behaviors.
• Include examples of how research findings were translated into concrete design recommendations or product strategy shifts.
• Demonstrate experience in research operations, such as creating templates, defining ethical guidelines, or implementing new research tools.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating clear and concise research plans and study designs.
• Examples of synthesizing complex data into easy-to-understand reports and presentations tailored for different stakeholders.
• Documentation illustrating how research insights were communicated and integrated into product development workflows.
• Demonstrations of how research processes were optimized for efficiency and scalability in fast-paced environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher role focused on establishing research functions, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase research skills but also the ability to strategize, operationalize, and evangelize user research within an organization. Emphasis should be placed on impact and the ability to drive product decisions through user insights.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,670 - $159,110 USD per year.

• Methodology: This range is provided by the employer and is based on factors including education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and alignment with market data for similar roles in the Lowell, Massachusetts area.
• Market Context: For a Senior UX Researcher in Lowell, MA, this range aligns with industry benchmarks, considering the specified experience level (5-10 years) and the company's position in the automotive technology sector.

Benefits:

• Eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus, tied to individual and company performance.
• Comprehensive benefits package typically includes health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Access to Magna's global resources and employee development programs.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team coordination and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a strong indicator of the role's seniority and the company's commitment to competitive compensation. The bonus potential adds another layer to the total compensation package. Details on specific benefits should be confirmed directly with Magna International.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Technology & Mobility Solutions. Magna International is a leading global supplier of automotive parts and systems, with Magna New Mobility focusing on advanced solutions for urban markets, industrial intralogistics, commercial, and autonomous vehicles, including cutting-edge software and hardware integration. Company Size: Magna International is a large, established global corporation. The "Magna Corporate" group designation suggests this role is within the central corporate functions or a significant business unit like New Mobility. Founded: Magna International was founded in 1957. This long history suggests a stable, experienced organization with deep roots in the automotive industry, now actively innovating in new mobility spaces.

Team Structure:

• The UX team within Magna New Mobility is likely lean and growing, with this Senior UX Researcher being one of the earliest members.
• Reporting to the Senior UX Designer indicates a collaborative design leadership structure.
• The role requires close collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, and Designers, highlighting a cross-functional, team-oriented approach to product development.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on a user-centered approach, integrating user research findings throughout the product lifecycle.
• A blend of qualitative and quantitative research methods to inform strategy and validation.
• A focus on developing and scaling research operations to support rapid product development.
• Encouragement of innovation, particularly in AI and robotics, with a strong emphasis on user empathy.

Company Website: https://www.magna.com/ (Note: The input did not provide a specific URL for the organization, so the main corporate site is used.)

📝 Enhancement Note: Magna's established presence in automotive manufacturing combined with its focus on New Mobility suggests a dynamic environment where traditional expertise meets cutting-edge innovation. The "Corporate" group context implies potential for broad organizational impact and interaction with various business units.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role is a senior-level individual contributor position, focused on leading and executing complex research initiatives. It offers the opportunity to establish foundational research practices and influence product strategy within a growing business unit.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher will report to the Senior UX Designer. This structure suggests a close working relationship within the design and research function, with potential for collaboration with product management and engineering leadership.

Operations Impact: The role has a significant potential for impact by directly influencing product strategy, design decisions, and the overall user experience of new mobility solutions. By championing user empathy and providing critical insights, the researcher will help ensure the success and adoption of innovative hardware and software products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Research Operations: Opportunity to build and lead the research operations function, defining processes, tools, and best practices.
• Specialization in Emerging Tech: Develop deep expertise in UX research for AI, robotics, and integrated hardware-software systems within the mobility sector.
• Strategic Influence: Grow into a key advisor on product strategy, leveraging research insights to guide innovation and market positioning.
• Mentorship: As an early senior member, there's potential to mentor junior researchers as the team expands.
• Cross-functional Leadership: Gain experience leading research initiatives across multiple product lines and collaborating with diverse engineering and product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and emphasis on establishing research infrastructure indicate a clear pathway for growth into leadership roles, either through managing research operations or becoming a recognized subject matter expert in advanced mobility UX.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role is based at the Lowell, Massachusetts facility. Office Location(s): 1001 Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell, MA 01854, USA. This location serves as the primary workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with design, product, and engineering teams, suggesting an open and interactive workspace designed for teamwork.
• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, potentially including specialized research equipment or software depending on the facility's capabilities. Figma, Jira, and Pendo are mentioned as relevant tools.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with colleagues within Magna New Mobility and potentially other corporate functions, fostering knowledge sharing and a cohesive team dynamic.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week (Regular / Permanent). While on-site, flexibility in daily hours may be available, subject to operational needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at the Lowell facility indicates a preference for in-person collaboration, essential for establishing team dynamics and fostering a strong UX culture within Magna New Mobility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, assessing alignment with the core requirements.
• Portfolio Review: Expect to present your portfolio, showcasing specific research projects. This will involve detailing your process, methodologies, insights, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss how you handled ambiguity and contributed to "0-1" product development.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interviews: These interviews will likely delve deeper into your research philosophy, technical skills (qualitative and quantitative methods), problem-solving abilities, and experience with hardware/software integration. Expect behavioral questions assessing collaboration, communication, and user empathy.
• Cross-functional Interviews: You may meet with Product Managers and Engineers to assess your ability to collaborate effectively and integrate research into their workflows.
• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with senior leadership to evaluate strategic thinking and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: Focus on projects where your research directly influenced product decisions, leading to measurable improvements or successful product launches. Quantify impact where possible.
• Highlight "0-1" Experience: If you have experience with new product development, explicitly detail the challenges and your approach to research in such ambiguous contexts.
• Demonstrate Mixed Methods: Include examples that clearly show how you integrated qualitative and quantitative approaches to gain comprehensive insights.
• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies with a clear narrative: problem, your approach, key findings, recommendations, and outcomes.
• Research Operations: If possible, include examples of how you've contributed to improving research processes, tools, or best practices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach research for a hypothetical new mobility product (e.g., an autonomous delivery robot for urban environments).
• Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you would handle conflicting stakeholder opinions or tight deadlines for research deliverables.
• Data Synthesis: Practice articulating how you would synthesize findings from diverse data sources (interviews, surveys, analytics) into a cohesive narrative.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on establishing research operations and working on new product categories means interviewers will likely probe your ability to be self-directed, strategic, and adaptable. A strong portfolio demonstrating these capabilities will be paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: For understanding design artifacts, collaborating on user flows, and potentially contributing to design system elements.
• Survey Platforms: Tools like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms, or custom-built solutions for quantitative data collection.
• Qualitative Research Tools: Video conferencing tools (Zoom, Teams) for remote interviews, potentially specialized tools for ethnographic recording or annotation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Tools (Preferred): Pendo is mentioned as a "nice to have," indicating potential use for understanding user behavior, in-app engagement, and collecting feedback like NPS.
• Statistical Software: Familiarity with tools like SPSS, R, or Python for quantitative data analysis is beneficial.
• Data Visualization Tools: Potentially Tableau, Power BI, or similar for presenting quantitative findings.

CRM & Automation:

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira and Confluence are preferred for tracking research tasks, documentation, and team communication, especially within Agile environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools for core UX research are expected, the mention of Pendo, Jira, and Confluence suggests an integrated approach to product development where research insights feed into product management and engineering workflows. Proficiency in these broader tools will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all product development decisions.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative insights to inform strategy and validate product direction.
• Collaboration: Working effectively across disciplines (design, product, engineering) to achieve shared goals.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies (AI, robotics) and methodologies to solve complex problems in a fast-paced environment.
• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding high standards in research practices and data privacy.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively embedding research within product development cycles, working closely with PMs and Engineers.
• Proactive Communication: Regularly sharing insights and findings, seeking feedback, and aligning on research priorities.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture where research learnings are accessible and utilized across teams.
• Empowerment: Encouraging a collaborative environment where team members feel empowered to contribute their expertise and challenge assumptions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Magna New Mobility team likely values a blend of structured, data-driven approaches and the agility required for innovation in a rapidly evolving sector. A collaborative, user-focused mindset is key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing Research Infrastructure: As an early member of the UX team, a primary challenge will be defining and implementing robust research processes, tools, and best practices from the ground up.
• Ambiguity in New Product Categories: Navigating the inherent uncertainty of "0-1" products and emerging technologies like AI and robotics to gather meaningful user insights.
• Balancing Lean Research with Rigor: Conducting impactful research efficiently within fast-paced development cycles without compromising methodological integrity.
• Influencing Cross-Functional Teams: Effectively communicating research insights and driving adoption of user-centered approaches across diverse teams with varying priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Foundational Role: Significant opportunity to shape the UX research function and define its long-term strategy within Magna New Mobility.
• Emerging Technology Exposure: Gain hands-on experience researching cutting-edge AI and robotics applications in the mobility sector.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Potential to grow into a leadership role as the UX team expands, mentoring junior researchers.
• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to resources for professional development, staying abreast of the latest UX research trends and techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of senior roles tasked with building new functions. Successfully navigating these will lead to substantial professional growth and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to establishing a user research function within a new product group. What are your top priorities for the first 90 days?" (Focus on research ops, foundational studies, stakeholder engagement.)
• "How would you balance the need for rigorous research with the demands of a fast-paced, Agile development environment, especially for '0-1' products?" (Highlight lean methodologies, iterative research, and clear prioritization.)
• "Walk us through a time you had to influence product strategy based on user research. What was the situation, your approach, and the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method answer showcasing impact and storytelling.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Magna New Mobility and our focus on AI and robotics in the automotive sector?" (Research Magna's mission, recent innovations, and connect your passion for UX research to these areas.)
• "How do you foster user empathy within cross-functional teams that may not have direct user interaction?" (Discuss methods like persona development, journey mapping, sharing research clips, and advocating for user needs.)
• "Describe your experience with quantitative research methods like conjoint analysis or segmentation. How have you used these to inform product decisions?" (Be ready to discuss specific use cases and the statistical underpinnings.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Impact First: Start each case study with the business problem or product goal and end with the measurable impact of your research.
• Methodology Justification: Clearly explain why you chose specific methods and how they were appropriate for the research questions and constraints.
• Insight Synthesis: Demonstrate your ability to distill complex data into clear, actionable insights that directly informed design or strategy.
• Visual Storytelling: Use visuals (screenshots, mockups, charts, key quotes) to make your presentations engaging and easier to understand.
• Address Ambiguity: For "0-1" product examples, specifically highlight how you navigated uncertainty and defined research questions in uncharted territory.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a strategic thinker who can not only execute research but also build and evangelize it. Demonstrating adaptability, strong communication, and a clear understanding of business impact will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Magna Careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating experience with hardware/software products, "0-1" initiatives, and both qualitative/quantitative methods. Emphasize research operations contributions if applicable.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5+ years of experience, specific research methodologies used, and quantifiable achievements. Integrate keywords like "UX Research," "Consumer Insights," "Mixed Methods," "Figma," "Agile," and "Product Strategy."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process and impact using the STAR method. Prepare specific examples for common UX research interview questions and be ready to discuss how you would approach research challenges at Magna.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Magna International and the Magna New Mobility division, understanding their mission, recent projects, and the automotive technology landscape. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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