Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher

Company: Microsoft

Location: Redmond, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research / Program Operations

Date Posted: January 08, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Orchestrate complex customer engagement R&D programs, specifically focusing on the Microsoft Compass Program and its role in shaping the future of Copilot.

• Blend customer account management, UX research program operations, and program management to foster mutually beneficial product development relationships with strategic enterprise customers.

• Drive engagement with both existing and prospective customers within the Compass program, ensuring adherence to research participation obligations and managing disengagement complexities.

• Develop and manage new research programs designed to gather customer insights throughout all stages of the product lifecycle, with a particular emphasis on AI-driven experiences like Copilot.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior UX Researcher," the description explicitly states this role is a unique combination of customer account management, UX research program operations, and program management. This deviates from a traditional, hands-on UX researcher role and emphasizes operational, strategic, and relationship management aspects within an R&D context. The core focus is on managing customer participation in research programs, not necessarily conducting the research itself.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and cultivate relationships with a select group of Microsoft's strategic enterprise customers within the Compass Program, ensuring their active and compliant participation in research activities.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for designated Compass customers and their associated Microsoft sales teams, facilitating communication and ensuring program objectives are met.

• Develop, implement, and manage new research programs and initiatives to capture customer feedback and insights across various product development phases, from early concept to post-launch.

• Engage with the broader Microsoft field sales and account teams to integrate Compass activities into their customer engagement strategies, identifying opportunities for new customer recruitment and participation.

• Oversee customer program obligations, proactively addressing any complexities or challenges related to their participation, retention, and disengagement from the Compass program.

• Contribute to the strategic planning and operational execution of the Compass Program, with a focus on enhancing customer R&D engagement and driving product innovation, particularly for AI-powered experiences like Copilot.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on operational management and customer relationship management within a research program context. This suggests a need for meticulous planning, execution, and stakeholder coordination, rather than deep methodological UX research expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Doctorate in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 1+ year(s) User Experience Research experience; OR

• Master's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 3+ years User Experience Research experience; OR

Experience:

• 5+ years of program or product management experience, demonstrating a strong track record of managing complex initiatives and cross-functional projects.

Required Skills:

• Program & Project Management: Exceptional ability to manage complex, matrixed relationships and drive projects to completion, with a strong grasp of agile execution principles and meticulous attention to detail.

• Customer Relationship Management: Demonstrated experience in managing customer engagements, fostering strong partnerships, and ensuring program obligations are met.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to thrive and collaborate positively within an intense, fast-paced program environment, working effectively with diverse internal teams (e.g., sales, product, research).

• Strategic Operations: Aptitude for developing and managing research programs, understanding product lifecycle phases, and contributing to R&D strategy.

Preferred Skills:

• Research Program Operations: Direct experience in managing the operational aspects of user research programs, including logistics, participant recruitment, and data management.

• AI & Emerging Technologies: Strong familiarity with Artificial Intelligence and its applications, particularly in the context of user-facing products like Copilot.

• Ambiguity Navigation: Ability to manage multiple, challenging, and ambiguous assignments concurrently, delivering consistent results in a dynamic environment.

• Methodological Familiarity: Understanding of product-making research methods and processes, enabling effective collaboration with UX researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Qualifications" section for UX Research experience is somewhat contradictory to the role's emphasis on program and customer management. Candidates should highlight their project/program management and customer-facing experience prominently, while framing their UX research background in terms of understanding research processes and contributing to research strategy rather than direct execution of research methodologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Program Management Case Studies: Showcase examples of managing complex programs or projects from initiation to completion, detailing scope, key milestones, challenges overcome, and successful outcomes.

• Customer Engagement Examples: Provide evidence of successful customer relationship management, highlighting strategies used to build trust, manage expectations, and ensure partner satisfaction in a B2B context.

• Operational Process Design: Demonstrate experience in designing, documenting, and optimizing operational processes, particularly those related to research programs, customer onboarding, or stakeholder coordination.

• Cross-Functional Project Contributions: Illustrate instances where you've effectively collaborated with diverse teams (e.g., sales, product management, engineering, research) to achieve shared objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Evidence of analyzing existing workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within research or customer engagement programs.

• Program Lifecycle Management: Demonstrating an understanding of managing programs through distinct phases, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closure, with a focus on research program operations.

• Stakeholder Communication Protocols: Examples of establishing clear communication channels and reporting mechanisms for various stakeholders (customers, sales teams, internal product teams) to ensure alignment and transparency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should focus their portfolios on demonstrating their strengths in program management, customer engagement, and operational process improvement. While UX research experience is a requirement, the portfolio should emphasize the operational and strategic aspects of how that background informs their program management and customer interaction capabilities, rather than showcasing detailed research methodologies or findings.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• U.S. (General): USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year (Base Pay)

• U.S. (San Francisco Bay Area & New York City Metro): USD $158,400 - $258,000 per year (Base Pay)

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is for base pay only. Microsoft's total compensation often includes bonuses, stock awards, and other benefits, which could significantly increase the overall compensation package. The specific range applied will depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the specific geographic location within the US.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and conferences.

• Stock Awards: Potential for Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of the compensation package.

• Employee Assistance Program: Support services for personal and work-related challenges.

• Discounts & Perks: Employee discounts on Microsoft products and services.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility: While the role is on-site, Microsoft often offers some level of flexibility in work schedules, which can be discussed during the interview process, particularly concerning managing customer time zones and research program timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on customer engagement and managing relationships across potentially different time zones suggests that while standard hours apply, some flexibility may be inherent in the role's demands.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Software & Cloud Services)

Company Size: Extremely Large (Over 200,000 employees globally)

Founded: 1975

Team Structure:

• Reporting: This role is part of the UX research team but operates with significant autonomy and cross-functional alignment. It will likely report to a manager within the Experiences & Devices division, overseeing the Compass Program.

• Collaboration: Operates within a highly matrixed environment, requiring close collaboration with UX researchers, product managers, program managers, sales teams, and strategic enterprise customers.

• Focus: The team is dedicated to understanding customer needs and driving product innovation through deep engagement and feedback loops, with a strong emphasis on emerging technologies like AI.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: Employs a rigorous approach to gathering and analyzing customer feedback to inform product development and strategic decisions.

• Agile Development: Works within fast-paced development cycles, requiring adaptability and rapid iteration.

• Customer-Centricity: Places a high value on understanding and addressing customer needs to ensure product success and satisfaction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Microsoft's culture is known for its scale, complexity, and drive for innovation. The Compass Program, especially with its focus on Copilot, signifies a strategic initiative at the forefront of AI development. Candidates should be prepared for a large, dynamic, and results-oriented environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Senior UX Researcher role, despite its title, functions at a mid-to-senior level within program management and customer engagement. It offers a unique blend of strategic R&D operations and account management, providing a pathway beyond traditional UX research.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the UX research team but has significant interactions with product management, sales leadership, and executive stakeholders within the Experiences & Devices division. This provides visibility across multiple organizational levels.

Operations Impact: The role directly influences the development trajectory of key Microsoft products, particularly Copilot, by managing the critical feedback loop with strategic enterprise customers. Success in this role translates to more robust, customer-aligned product launches and enhanced market adoption.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in R&D Program Operations: Deepen expertise in managing large-scale customer R&D programs within a leading tech organization.

• Customer Account Management Evolution: Transition into more senior customer-facing roles or strategic partnership management.

• Product Strategy Influence: Gain insights into product development pipelines and contribute to strategic decision-making for AI-driven products.

• Leadership Development: Potential to lead larger program initiatives or manage teams focused on customer engagement and research operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for this role is less about becoming a deep UX research methodologist and more about developing into a strategic program leader with strong customer-facing and operational skills within a cutting-edge technology context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily on-site within a large, corporate campus environment.

Office Location(s): Redmond, Washington, USA.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect access to modern office facilities designed for collaboration, including meeting rooms, project spaces, and team areas.

• Technology Rich: Microsoft's environment is equipped with cutting-edge technology, tools, and resources to support its employees' work and innovation.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of colleagues, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• Given the customer-facing nature and the intensity of product development cycles (especially for Copilot), some flexibility may be required to accommodate customer needs or critical program milestones. This typically involves proactive planning and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Redmond, WA, indicates a preference for in-person collaboration and immersion in Microsoft's primary development hub. Candidates should be comfortable with a structured, corporate campus environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, role understanding, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on program management, customer engagement experience, and understanding of the Compass Program's objectives. Expect behavioral questions.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with potential future colleagues (UX researchers, program managers, sales leads) to assess collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and fit within the team dynamics. Case studies or scenario-based questions are likely.

• Senior Leader/Panel Interview: Final interview with a senior leader to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall alignment with Microsoft's values and the program's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Program Management Focus: Structure your portfolio to clearly demonstrate your project and program management capabilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for each example.

• Customer Success Stories: Highlight specific instances where you successfully managed customer relationships, resolved complex issues, and achieved mutually beneficial outcomes. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Operational Process Examples: Showcase your ability to design, document, and optimize operational workflows. Include examples of process improvements that led to increased efficiency or better program outcomes.

• AI/Copilot Relevance: If possible, tailor examples to demonstrate your understanding of or experience with AI, cloud technologies, or enterprise software, highlighting your ability to grasp complex technical concepts and their user implications.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly articulates your contributions and impact. Avoid overly technical UX research jargon; focus on program and business outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions that present hypothetical scenarios related to managing difficult customer situations, balancing competing priorities, or resolving program operational issues.

• Strategic Thinking: Be ready to discuss how you would approach building and managing a research program for a new AI product, considering customer engagement, data collection, and feedback integration.

• Collaboration Skills: Practice articulating how you build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including sales teams and customers, and how you navigate complex organizational structures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily scrutinize program management, customer relationship management, and operational execution skills, given the role's description. Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience in these areas with concrete examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar tools for planning, tracking, and managing complex projects and tasks.

• CRM Systems: Microsoft Dynamics 365, Salesforce, or similar for managing customer relationships, tracking interactions, and understanding customer profiles.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal communication, team coordination, and virtual meetings.

• Productivity Suites: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for documentation, data analysis, presentations, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables), Power BI, or similar for analyzing customer data, program metrics, and generating reports.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating or interpreting dashboards for program progress, customer engagement levels, and research insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Data Management: Proficiency in managing and leveraging customer data within CRM systems to inform engagement strategies.

• Workflow Automation Concepts: Understanding of how automation can streamline operational processes, though direct implementation might not be a primary focus.

• Integration Awareness: Familiarity with how different systems (CRM, project management, communication) integrate to provide a cohesive operational view.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, proficiency with Microsoft's own ecosystem (Teams, Dynamics, Office Suite, Power BI) is highly probable and would be a significant advantage. The focus is on leveraging these tools for operational efficiency and customer engagement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving customer needs, ensuring their success and satisfaction through engagement.

• Excellence & Impact: Driving for high-quality results and making a tangible impact on product development and business objectives.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing diverse perspectives and working effectively across teams and functions to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies, approaches, and challenges, particularly in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with sales, product, engineering, and research teams to ensure alignment and shared understanding of program goals.

• Relationship Building: Emphasis on developing strong, trusting relationships with both internal stakeholders and external customers.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where information is shared freely, feedback is constructive, and challenges are addressed transparently.

• Process Orientation: A methodical approach to planning and executing programs, with a focus on efficiency and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Microsoft's culture emphasizes a drive for results, continuous learning, and a customer-first mindset. Within this context, the Compass Program team likely operates with a high degree of intensity and a strong sense of mission, particularly concerning the strategic importance of Copilot.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: The fast-paced development of AI products like Copilot means constant change and evolving priorities, requiring adaptability and resilience.

• Managing Complex Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of strategic enterprise customers, internal sales teams, and product development groups can be demanding.

• Operationalizing Research at Scale: Ensuring consistent, high-quality engagement and data collection from a large number of diverse customers requires robust operational processes.

• Intense Program Demands: The "intense program" mentioned implies high workload, tight deadlines, and significant pressure to deliver results in a critical product area.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep AI/Copilot Immersion: Gain unparalleled insight into the development and strategic positioning of Microsoft's flagship AI products.

• Advanced Program Management: Hone skills in managing large-scale, high-impact R&D programs within a global technology leader.

• Strategic Customer Engagement: Develop expertise in managing and influencing key enterprise customer relationships for product co-development.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend relevant industry events or access internal training on AI, cloud technologies, and customer success strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to be at the forefront of AI product development, offering significant professional growth in program management, customer relations, and strategic operations within a leading technology company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach managing a portfolio of 15-20 strategic enterprise customers for an R&D program like Compass, ensuring they meet their participation obligations while fostering a positive relationship?" (Focus on your program management, customer engagement strategies, and operational planning.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage complex, matrixed relationships involving customers and internal sales teams. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure alignment and successful outcomes?" (Highlight your cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Microsoft's Compass Program and its role in shaping products like Copilot?" (Demonstrate research into the program and genuine interest in AI and product development.)

• "How do you thrive in an intense, fast-paced environment with significant demands? Describe your approach to managing workload and maintaining collaboration." (Emphasize your resilience, time management, and teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Program Management Narrative: For each portfolio item, clearly articulate the program's objectives, your specific role and responsibilities, the actions you took to manage it, and the quantifiable results or impact achieved.

• Customer Relationship Highlights: Present case studies that specifically detail your approach to building and maintaining customer relationships, including how you managed expectations, addressed concerns, and fostered partnership.

• Operational Process Deep Dive: Be prepared to walk through an example of a process you designed or improved. Detail the "before" and "after," highlighting efficiency gains, improved outcomes, or better stakeholder alignment.

• Impact & ROI Focus: Frame your contributions in terms of business impact. How did your program management or customer engagement efforts lead to better product insights, customer retention, or strategic advantages for Microsoft?

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to speak extensively about their program management, customer management, and operational process experience, using concrete examples and quantifying achievements where possible. The "UX Researcher" title should be addressed by framing how that background informs their understanding of research needs and customer feedback, rather than focusing on research methodologies themselves.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Microsoft Careers portal link provided in the job posting.

• Tailor Your Resume: Clearly highlight your experience in program management, customer engagement, stakeholder management, and operational process improvement. Use keywords from the job description such as "program management," "customer engagement," "project management," "research program operations," and "agile execution."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in program management, customer relationship management, and operational process optimization. Focus on quantifiable achievements and impactful results.

• Research Microsoft & Compass: Familiarize yourself with Microsoft's mission, its recent advancements in AI and Copilot, and the stated goals of the Compass Program. Understand the strategic importance of this initiative.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare detailed answers to common behavioral and situational questions, using the STAR method, and be ready to discuss your portfolio items with confidence and clarity.

⚠️ 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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