Sr. Design Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Design Researcher Company: Techtronic Industries (TTI) Location: Anderson, SC, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design & Innovation Research / Product Development Operations Date Posted: February 11, 2026 Experience Level: 7+ Years (Mid-Senior Level) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This Sr. Design Researcher role focuses on uncovering deep user insights to drive front-end innovation and the development of new outdoor product categories.
• The position requires a strong blend of user-centered research methodologies, design thinking principles, and front-end innovation strategies to inform concept development.
• Core responsibilities include identifying unmet user needs, behaviors, and emerging trends that can inspire disruptive new products.
• This role operates upstream of traditional product development, acting as a critical link between user understanding and strategic product roadmaps.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description focuses on design research, the "Operations" aspect is inherent in the strategic application of research findings to product development processes, concept validation, and roadmap planning. This role influences the GTM strategy by ensuring new products are deeply aligned with market needs and user pain points. The "Sr." designation implies a need for demonstrated leadership in research strategy and execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and execute comprehensive end-to-end design research initiatives to inform early-stage innovation and concept development for new outdoor product categories.
• Conduct in-depth field research, including ethnography and contextual inquiry, to identify unmet user needs, pain points, and opportunities within both professional and consumer outdoor user segments.
• Employ a diverse range of qualitative and quantitative research methods such as interviews, usability testing, surveys, and diary studies to gather rich user data.
• Synthesize complex research findings into clear, actionable insights, opportunity frameworks, and user-centric design principles that guide product strategy.
• Foster deep collaboration with industrial design, engineering, and strategy teams, providing research-driven guidance to shape concept direction and critical decision-making.
• Translate research findings into compelling narratives, personas, journey maps, and experience frameworks to effectively communicate user needs and opportunities to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Support rapid concept iteration and validation by designing and conducting tests on early prototypes, ensuring assumptions are rigorously evaluated.
• Contribute significantly to long-range product roadmaps by identifying emerging user behaviors, market trends, and strategic whitespace opportunities.
• Act as a user advocate throughout the Advanced Concepts and Outdoor Products organizations, championing user-centered design principles and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a focus on early-stage innovation and concept development, which is crucial for GTM success. The emphasis on identifying "unmet user needs" and "whitespace opportunities" directly feeds into market analysis and product-market fit strategies. The collaboration with design, engineering, and strategy teams underscores the operational integration of research into the product lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a closely related field.
• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant discipline is preferred, indicating a deeper theoretical and practical understanding of research methodologies.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in design research, user research, or applied research roles, with a significant portion focused on early-stage product innovation.
• Demonstrated success in conducting research within undefined or early-stage problem spaces, where clear objectives may not yet be established.
• Proven ability to translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights that directly influence design direction and product strategy.
• Experience working in close collaboration with industrial designers and engineers, particularly in the context of developing and testing physical prototypes.
• Familiarity with consumer hardware, power tools, or outdoor products is highly preferred, providing essential domain knowledge.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in planning and executing end-to-end design research projects.
• Proficient in a wide array of qualitative research methods including ethnography, contextual inquiry, user interviews, and diary studies.
• Skilled in quantitative research methods such as surveys and usability testing.
• Strong analytical and synthesis capabilities to derive actionable insights from diverse data sources.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling skills for effectively conveying research findings.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (design, engineering, strategy).
• Experience in user-centered design principles and their application in product development.
• Ability to identify and analyze emerging user behaviors and market trends.
• Experience in concept development and validation through user feedback.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with rapid prototyping and iterative design processes.
• Familiarity with the operational aspects of product development, including roadmap planning and strategy.
• Understanding of electrical and mechanical systems (e.g., motors, microcontrollers, batteries) relevant to outdoor products.
• A "Maker" mindset with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and project engagement.
• Experience in translating technical information for non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of research expertise and practical application in product development. The requirement for experience in "early, unrefined problem spaces" and collaboration with "industrial designers and engineers on physical prototype development" highlights the operational integration of research into the product innovation pipeline, feeding into GTM readiness for novel products.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 significant design research projects, with a strong emphasis on early-stage innovation and concept development.
• For each project, clearly articulate the research objectives, methodologies employed, key findings, and the direct impact of the research on product strategy, design decisions, or concept evolution.
• Demonstrate the ability to translate raw research data into compelling insights, user personas, journey maps, and actionable design principles.
• Include examples of how research was used to validate early assumptions, iterate on concepts, and identify unmet user needs or market opportunities.
• Showcase your collaborative approach, illustrating how you worked with design, engineering, and strategy teams to integrate research findings into the product development process.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of structured research planning and execution, detailing the process from defining research questions to synthesizing findings.
• Examples of how you have developed and utilized user-centric frameworks (e.g., opportunity spaces, design principles) to guide product innovation.
• Documentation illustrating your approach to concept evaluation and iterative testing with users.
• Case studies demonstrating your ability to identify and articulate emerging trends and whitespace opportunities that informed strategic product direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Sr. Design Researcher role influencing product innovation, a portfolio is critical. It serves as tangible proof of their ability to execute research operations that feed directly into the GTM strategy by ensuring market viability and user desirability for new product categories. The emphasis on "early-stage innovation" and "concept development" is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Sr. Design Researcher with 7+ years of experience in Anderson, SC, the estimated salary range is $110,000 - $150,000 annually. This range accounts for the specialized nature of early-stage innovation research, the need for strategic influence, and the location's cost of living and market rates for experienced professionals in manufacturing and product development.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Covering medical needs for employees and their families.
• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k)) with Company Match: Supporting long-term financial planning and wealth accumulation.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays: Including vacation, sick leave, and designated company holidays to promote work-life balance.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Providing financial security for employees and beneficiaries.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Offering confidential support for personal and professional challenges.
• Potential for Performance-Based Bonuses: Rewarding contributions to successful product innovation and company objectives.
• Opportunities for Professional Development: Including access to training, conferences, and workshops relevant to design research and innovation.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours.
• Flexibility may be offered to accommodate field research schedules, potentially involving non-standard office hours for interviews or observations, with the ability to flex time.
• Occasional travel requirement of ~15% (domestic/international) may necessitate adjustments to standard working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general market data for experienced research professionals in the US, adjusted for location and industry. Benefits are standard for a large, established company like Techtronic Industries, emphasizing employee well-being and long-term engagement. The working hours note the flexibility required for field research, a common operational aspect of this role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Power Tools, Outdoor Power Equipment, Floor Care Appliances, Accessories) Company Size: Large Enterprise (Techtronic Industries is a global company with tens of thousands of employees worldwide.) Founded: 1985 (Techtronic Industries has a long history of innovation and market leadership in its product categories.)

Team Structure:

• The Sr. Design Researcher will be part of the Advanced Concepts group within the Outdoor Products Engineering division.
• This team is highly collaborative, deeply hands-on, and driven by curiosity and continuous learning.
• The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional partners including industrial designers, engineers, and strategy teams.
• Reporting structure likely within a research or product innovation leadership function.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on user-centered design, design thinking, and front-end innovation.
• Research is integral to the early stages of product development, informing system-level concept development.
• A culture that values curiosity, continuous learning, and hands-on engagement ("Maker" mindset).
• Data-driven decision-making, where user insights directly shape product direction and strategy.

Company Website: [Techtronic Industries (TTI) website can be found by searching for "TTI Group"]

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding TTI's position as a global leader in cordless technology and its focus on innovation is crucial. The "Advanced Concepts" group implies a forward-thinking, R&D-intensive environment. The "Maker" mindset and collaborative approach are key cultural indicators for potential candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned as a Senior contributor, indicating a need for significant expertise and the ability to lead research initiatives independently. It's a mid-to-senior level role focused on specialized research application within product development. The "Sr." title suggests leadership in research strategy and execution, influencing product roadmaps and innovation pipelines.

Reporting Structure:

• The Sr. Design Researcher will likely report to a Director or Manager of Advanced Concepts, Innovation, or Design Research within the Outdoor Products Engineering division.
• Close working relationships will be maintained with Industrial Design, Engineering, and Product Strategy teams, forming a core innovation pod.

Operations Impact:

• The primary impact of this role is on the front-end of innovation, ensuring that new product categories are deeply aligned with user needs and market opportunities.
• By uncovering unmet needs and validating concepts early, this role directly influences the success of new product launches and the development of sustainable product roadmaps.
• Insights generated contribute to strategic decision-making regarding market entry, product differentiation, and competitive positioning, thereby impacting overall Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to Lead Design Researcher or Head of Design Research within specialized divisions or the broader organization.
• Opportunity to mentor junior researchers and lead research strategy for major innovation programs.
• Potential to transition into product strategy, innovation management, or even product management roles, leveraging deep user and market understanding.
• Exposure to global product development processes and diverse user bases across different markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Sr. Design Researcher in a large manufacturing company like TTI typically involves increasing strategic leadership, mentorship, and potentially broader product responsibility. The emphasis on "front-end of innovation" and "product roadmaps" highlights the strategic operational impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is based at TTI's Innovation Center in Anderson, SC. This is likely a modern facility designed to foster creativity and collaboration, potentially including labs, prototyping spaces, and dedicated areas for user research.
• The environment is described as "highly collaborative, deeply hands-on, and driven by curiosity and continuous learning."

Office Location(s):

• Anderson, SC, United States. This location serves as a hub for the Outdoor Products Engineering division and Advanced Concepts group.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative workspace designed to facilitate interaction between researchers, industrial designers, and engineers.
• Access to prototyping tools, testing equipment, and potentially dedicated user research facilities.
• Opportunities for hands-on engagement with physical products and prototypes.
• A dynamic environment where iterative learning and experimentation are encouraged as part of the innovation process.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work week (approx. 40 hours).
• Flexibility is expected to accommodate user research activities, which may involve non-standard hours (evenings, weekends) to align with user schedules.
• Time off can typically be flexed to compensate for extended hours spent on field research.
• Approximately 15% travel is required, which may also influence scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the "Innovation Center" and the "Advanced Concepts" team suggests a forward-thinking and hands-on work environment conducive to deep research and creative problem-solving, which is essential for effective operations in product innovation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and resumes against minimum qualifications.
• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: A discussion focused on experience, research philosophy, and fit with the Advanced Concepts team. Expect questions about past projects and how you approach user research in early-stage innovation.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A crucial stage where candidates will present selected projects from their portfolio, demonstrating their research process, insights, and impact. This is where you'll showcase your ability to translate research into actionable product direction.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meet with key stakeholders from Industrial Design, Engineering, and Strategy to assess collaboration skills and ability to integrate research into their workflows.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience in early-stage innovation, concept development, and identifying unmet user needs. Prioritize projects with tangible impact on product direction.
• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:
  • The Challenge: What was the problem or opportunity?
  • Your Role: What specifically did you do?
  • The Process: What methodologies did you use and why?
  • The Insights: What did you learn? How did you synthesize it?
  • The Impact: How did your research influence design, strategy, or concept development? Quantify results where possible (e.g., identified X new opportunities, influenced Y product features).
• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you partnered with designers, engineers, and strategists.
• Tell a Story: Make your presentation engaging. Focus on the narrative of discovery, insight generation, and driving product innovation.
• Be Prepared for "How": Expect questions about your research process, decision-making, and how you handle ambiguity in early-stage research.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical research scenarios related to outdoor products or new consumer hardware.
• Prepare to articulate your approach to defining research problems when requirements are vague.
• Practice explaining complex research concepts and findings concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Consider how you would approach understanding the needs of professional landscapers or DIY consumers for outdoor power equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes portfolio presentation and cross-functional collaboration, reflecting the operational need to integrate research seamlessly into the product development lifecycle and influence GTM strategy.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research & Synthesis Tools: Miro, Mural, Dovetail, NVivo, Optimal Workshop, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms. These are essential for qualitative data organization, thematic analysis, survey creation, and collaborative synthesis of findings.
• Prototyping & Concept Testing: While not directly a researcher's tool, familiarity with how prototypes are made (e.g., 3D printing, CAD software basics) and how to test them effectively is key. Collaboration with Industrial Designers and Engineers is paramount here.
• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote for presenting research findings and insights to stakeholders.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Survey Analytics: Tools like SurveyMonkey or Qualtrics often have built-in analytics for quantitative data.
• Data Visualization: While not the primary focus, understanding how to interpret basic charts and graphs is helpful. Familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI could be a plus for understanding broader market trends or product performance data if shared.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core research function, but understanding how user feedback or research insights might feed into CRM strategies or product marketing automation could be a bonus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Design Researcher is primarily focused on data collection, synthesis, and communication. Proficiency in tools that facilitate qualitative analysis and collaborative ideation is critical for driving the operational aspects of innovation research.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user throughout the product development process. This is fundamental to ensuring products meet market needs.
• Curiosity & Continuous Learning: A drive to explore new areas, ask "why," and stay abreast of evolving user behaviors, technologies, and market trends.
• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and cross-functional partnerships as essential for successful innovation and product development.
• Impact-Driven: A focus on generating actionable insights that lead to tangible improvements in product design, user experience, and ultimately, business success.
• Hands-On Approach ("Maker" Mindset): A willingness to engage directly with products, prototypes, and research participants, demonstrating a practical and proactive approach.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative and cross-functional, working closely with Industrial Design, Engineering, and Strategy teams.
• Open communication and a willingness to share insights and feedback are encouraged.
• An environment that fosters brainstorming and collective problem-solving.
• The team operates with a blend of autonomy and structured collaboration, with researchers expected to drive their own projects while integrating with broader innovation efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The described values and collaboration style directly support the operational goals of innovation and product development, ensuring that user needs are integrated effectively into the GTM process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Ambiguity in Early-Stage Research: Navigating undefined problem spaces and identifying the most critical user needs and opportunities without pre-existing product frameworks.
• Translating Insights into Action: Effectively communicating complex user insights to diverse stakeholders (designers, engineers, executives) in a way that drives concrete design and strategic decisions.
• Balancing User Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: Ensuring that user-centric recommendations are feasible from an engineering and business perspective within TTI's product development operations.
• Keeping Pace with Emerging Trends: Continuously monitoring and understanding evolving consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and market shifts relevant to outdoor products.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Methodologies: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gaining exposure to industrial design processes, engineering challenges, and product strategy frameworks.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Developing skills to lead research initiatives, mentor junior researchers, and influence organizational strategy.
• Industry Exposure: Attending conferences, workshops, and engaging with external experts in design research, innovation, and consumer products.
• Specific Product Domain Expertise: Deepening knowledge of the outdoor products market, including professional and consumer user segments, competitive landscape, and technological trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are typical for a senior role in product innovation, emphasizing strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and continuous learning within a dynamic industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a significant unmet user need that led to a new product concept or feature." (Focus on your process, insights, and impact.)
• "How do you approach research in an area with little existing information or product definition?" (Highlight your ability to handle ambiguity and define research problems.)
• "Walk us through your process for synthesizing qualitative research data into actionable insights and design principles." (Demonstrate your analytical rigor and ability to translate findings.)
• "How do you collaborate with industrial designers and engineers to ensure user insights are effectively integrated into physical product development?" (Showcase your cross-functional communication and partnership skills.)
• "What emerging trends in consumer technology or outdoor activities do you think will impact future product development?" (Demonstrate your forward-thinking perspective and market awareness.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about TTI and the Outdoor Products Advanced Concepts team?" (Research TTI's mission, values, and recent product innovations.)
• "How do you embody the 'Maker' mindset in your work?" (Provide examples of hands-on engagement and problem-solving.)
• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment when working on innovation projects." (Align your answer with TTI's described culture.)
• "How do you ensure your research is user-centric while also considering business objectives and technical feasibility?" (Showcase your balanced approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Wisely: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your ability to drive early-stage innovation and concept development. Include a mix of methodologies and impact.
• Tell a Compelling Story: Frame each project as a narrative: the problem, your approach, the key discoveries, and the resulting impact on product direction.
• Focus on Insights and Impact: Clearly articulate the "so what?" of your research. How did your findings influence decisions? What was the outcome?
• Be Ready for Detail: Prepare to discuss your specific methodologies, synthesis techniques, and how you validated your findings.
• Interactive Elements: If possible, use visuals, personas, journey maps, or even short video clips to make your presentation more engaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating expertise in early-stage research, strategic thinking, collaborative capabilities, and a deep understanding of user needs as they translate into product innovation and GTM strategy.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Design Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the TTI Workday job portal via the provided URL.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience in early-stage innovation, concept development, and user research for physical products. Emphasize projects demonstrating the identification of unmet needs and influence on product strategy.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 7+ years of experience, specific research methodologies used, and quantifiable achievements in influencing product development and innovation. Integrate keywords such as "design research," "user research," "ethnography," "concept development," and "cross-functional collaboration."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, insights, and impact using the STAR method. Prepare compelling case studies for your portfolio presentation, focusing on how your research drove tangible outcomes.
• Company Research: Gain a thorough understanding of Techtronic Industries (TTI), its product lines (especially outdoor products), its market position, and its innovation culture. Familiarize yourself with the "Advanced Concepts" group's likely objectives.

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