UX Researcher - AI Wearables

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher - AI Wearables

Company: Linda Werner & Associates

Location: Redmond, Washington, United States

Job Type: Contract (12 Months)

Category: User Experience Research / Product Development

Date Posted: March 9, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive early-stage research and advanced development for next-generation AI wearable technologies, focusing on human-AI interaction and communication.

• Lead quantitative UX research studies, including experimental design, survey methodology, and behavioral measurement for audio-driven interfaces.

• Translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights and measurable recommendations for product, engineering, and design teams.

• Collaborate with world-class engineers, designers, and scientists to shape the future of AI glasses and wearable communication systems.

• Contribute to a mission-driven environment focused on redefining how people connect and communicate through AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a contract position for 12 months, requiring a strong focus on quantitative research methods applied to emerging AI wearable technologies. The emphasis on speech communication and audio interaction suggests a need for candidates with a background in linguistics, speech sciences, or related fields, combined with robust UX research experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute rigorous quantitative UX research studies to inform the development of AI-powered wearable experiences, with a specific emphasis on speech communication, audio interaction, and human-AI collaboration.

• Lead the design and implementation of lab-based experiments, user surveys, and behavioral measurement protocols to assess user perception, interaction patterns, and real-world benefit of AI features.

• Supplement quantitative findings with qualitative methods such as user interviews, diary studies, and contextual inquiry to provide a holistic understanding of user needs and experiences.

• Evaluate and iterate on audio, communication, and AI-driven features by deeply understanding user perception, interaction patterns, and the perceived value of the technology.

• Synthesize complex research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights, presenting measurable recommendations to cross-functional partners including product managers, engineers, and designers.

• Collaborate closely with product, engineering, and design teams throughout the product development lifecycle to influence the design and integration of future AI wearable experiences.

• Partner with other UX researchers to contribute to research roadmaps, refine study designs, and enhance overall methodological approaches within the research team.

• Independently manage research projects from conceptualization through to completion, including study design, data collection, rigorous analysis, comprehensive reporting, and ensuring cross-functional alignment on findings and next steps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a proactive researcher capable of end-to-end project management. The emphasis on influencing product direction and collaborating with diverse teams indicates that strong communication and stakeholder management skills are as crucial as research methodology expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in Cognitive Psychology, Linguistics, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, Speech & Hearing Sciences, Neuroscience, or a closely related quantitative or behavioral science field.

Experience: A minimum of 2+ years of industry experience conducting applied research on consumer products, with a demonstrated emphasis on quantitative and mixed-methods research approaches. Experience working within cross-functional product teams for at least 1 year is required.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in designing and conducting quantitative UX research, including experimental design, survey methodology, and statistical analysis.

• Proficiency in descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze user data and draw meaningful conclusions.

• Experience with qualitative research methods such as user interviews, diary studies, and contextual inquiry.

• Strong ability to translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights and measurable recommendations.

• Proven experience working effectively within cross-functional product teams (e.g., engineering, design, product management).

Preferred Skills:

• PhD in Cognitive Psychology, Linguistics, HCI, Human Factors, Speech & Hearing Sciences, Neuroscience, or a related discipline.

• Experience conducting attitudinal or behavioral research specifically involving wearable technologies such as smart glasses, headphones, or smartwatches.

• Advanced proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization using tools like R or Python.

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize qualitative insights to inform product strategy and strategic decision-making.

• Experience with human-AI interaction, speech communication, or audio-driven interfaces.

• Familiarity with advanced data visualization techniques and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for a PhD and experience with wearable technologies, R/Python, and human-AI interaction suggests that candidates with deeper domain expertise and advanced analytical skills will be highly competitive. This role requires a blend of academic rigor and practical application in a fast-paced product development environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 robust UX research projects that highlight the application of quantitative and mixed-methods research.

• Include detailed case studies demonstrating the research process from problem definition and study design to data analysis, interpretation, and impact on product decisions.

• Provide examples of how research insights directly influenced product features, user experience, or strategic direction for consumer products.

• Demonstrate proficiency in presenting complex data and findings in a clear, concise, and actionable manner, tailored to a product-focused audience.

Process Documentation:

• For each project, clearly outline the research questions, chosen methodologies, participant recruitment strategy, and data analysis plan.

• Document the iterative process of research, showing how findings were used to refine hypotheses or product concepts.

• Showcase how research outcomes were communicated to cross-functional teams and how alignment was achieved.

• Provide evidence of how research contributed to measurable outcomes or improvements in user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on quantitative research and AI wearables, the portfolio should strongly feature projects involving experimental design, statistical analysis, and the measurement of user behavior or perception. Demonstrating the ability to translate these findings into tangible product improvements for complex technologies will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contract position through an agency, a specific salary range is not provided in the listing. However, based on industry standards for UX Researchers with 2-5 years of experience in the Redmond, WA area, a competitive hourly rate or equivalent annual salary would likely fall between $70,000 - $110,000 USD per year, depending on experience, specific skill set, and contract negotiation.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Health savings account (HSA)

• Life insurance

• Paid time off (PTO)

• Retirement plan

Working Hours:

• Standard 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts.

• Flexibility for extended hours may be required, including potential weekend work (Saturday-Sunday) as needed to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed benefits are comprehensive for a contract role and indicate a commitment to employee well-being. The potential for extended hours suggests the need for candidates who can manage their time effectively and adapt to project demands in a fast-paced development cycle. Salary estimation is based on market data for contract UX Researchers in the Seattle metropolitan area with comparable experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (AI, Wearables, Consumer Electronics)

Company Size: Linda Werner & Associates is a staffing and recruitment firm, indicating the role is likely with a client company in the tech sector. The description mentions "world-class engineers, designers, and scientists" and "breakthrough AI wearable technologies," suggesting the client is a significant player in innovation.

Founded: Information regarding the founding date of the client company is not specified.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will be part of a dedicated research team, collaborating closely with product managers, engineers, and designers.

• This role requires close partnership with other UX researchers to shape research agendas and methodologies.

Methodology:

• The research approach emphasizes rigorous quantitative methods, supplemented by qualitative insights where necessary.

• Data-driven decision-making is central, with a focus on translating research findings into actionable product strategies.

• Collaboration is key, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas between research, product, and engineering functions.

• The team is focused on early-stage research and advanced development, indicating a forward-thinking and experimental approach.

Company Website: https://lwerner.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: While Linda Werner & Associates is the recruiting entity, the culture and team context are inferred from the job description's focus on AI wearables and collaboration with engineers and scientists. This suggests a client company that is highly innovative and values data-driven product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced UX Researcher, likely mid-level, requiring 2+ years of industry experience. It involves independent project management and significant influence on product direction, moving beyond junior-level execution.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will report to a research lead or manager within the product development organization. They will collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, and design.

Operations Impact: The researcher's insights directly influence the design and functionality of AI wearable technologies. Their work shapes user experience, product-market fit, and the overall success of next-generation communication devices, contributing significantly to the company's innovation pipeline and competitive edge.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in quantitative research methodologies, statistical analysis (R/Python), and human-AI interaction within the rapidly evolving AI wearables space.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Develop stronger collaboration and influence skills by working with senior stakeholders across product, engineering, and design.

• Specialization: Gain specialized knowledge in speech communication, audio interfaces, and wearable technology, potentially leading to future roles focused on these domains.

• Project Impact: Contribute to high-profile, breakthrough technologies that redefine user experiences and communication paradigms.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for a UX Researcher to specialize in a cutting-edge field. The contract nature might limit long-term career progression within the hiring client, but the experience gained in AI wearables and human-AI interaction will be highly transferable and valuable for future roles in tech.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Onsite (Redmond, WA)," indicating a physical office environment. This suggests a collaborative workspace conducive to in-person interactions.

Office Location(s): Redmond, Washington, USA. This location is a hub for major technology companies, offering a vibrant ecosystem for tech professionals.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is characterized by close collaboration with world-class engineers, designers, and scientists, implying a highly interactive and intellectually stimulating setting.

• Access to necessary research tools and technology for quantitative and qualitative studies will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday, with 8-hour shifts.

• Flexibility is expected, with potential for extended hours and weekend work (Saturday-Sunday) as project demands dictate, common in fast-paced product development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Onsite" suggests that in-person collaboration, spontaneous discussions, and team cohesion are valued by the client organization for this role, particularly in the context of developing complex, emergent technologies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter from Linda Werner & Associates will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and interest in the role and contract terms.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager and potentially other UX researchers or key stakeholders. This will focus on research methodology, experience with quantitative research, and understanding of human-AI interaction.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing relevant research projects. This is a critical stage where the ability to articulate research processes, findings, and impact will be evaluated. Expect to discuss specific methodologies, data analysis, and how insights influenced product decisions.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a take-home assignment or a more technical interview focusing on statistical analysis, experimental design, or data interpretation using tools like R or Python.

• Final Round: May involve meeting with additional team members or leadership to assess cultural fit and overall suitability for the role and client environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the research objectives, methodology, and quantifiable outcomes or impact on the product. Use metrics where possible.

• Showcase Process: Detail your thought process for study design, participant selection, data analysis, and how you translated raw data into actionable insights.

• Highlight AI/Wearables: Prioritize projects related to AI, human-computer interaction, speech, audio, or wearable technologies, if available.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize your experience with quantitative research, experimental design, and statistical analysis, as these are key requirements.

• Be Concise and Clear: Present your work logically and avoid jargon. Be prepared to answer specific questions about your methodology and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology Deep Dive: Be ready to discuss the pros and cons of various quantitative and qualitative research methods, especially in the context of AI wearables and speech interaction.

• Statistical Concepts: Review concepts like hypothesis testing, statistical significance, experimental design principles (e.g., controlling variables), and common statistical tests.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for hypothetical research problems related to AI wearables or communication interfaces and how you would approach them.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice explaining complex research findings to non-researchers (engineers, product managers) and how you would drive consensus and action.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review will be crucial. Candidates should prepare to not only show what they did but how they did it, emphasizing the rigor of their quantitative methods and their ability to derive actionable insights for AI product development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Statistical Analysis Software: Proficiency in tools like R or Python (with libraries such as SciPy, NumPy, Pandas, statsmodels) is highly preferred for advanced statistical analysis and data visualization.

• Survey Platforms: Experience with platforms like Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or similar tools for designing and deploying user surveys.

• Experimental Design Tools: Familiarity with software or frameworks for designing controlled experiments, potentially including A/B testing platforms.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or libraries within R/Python (e.g., ggplot2, Matplotlib) for creating insightful data visualizations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation and basic analysis.

• Reporting Frameworks: Ability to structure and present research findings clearly in reports, presentations, and potentially dashboards.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user research data can feed into product development pipelines and potentially CRM data for user profiling would be beneficial. Familiarity with product lifecycle management tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of R or Python for statistical analysis and data visualization indicates a strong preference for candidates with advanced analytical capabilities beyond standard UX research tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Future-Forward Thinking: A strong drive to explore and develop cutting-edge AI wearable technologies that push the boundaries of current capabilities.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A commitment to using rigorous research and data analysis to inform product strategy and development.

• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Synergy: A culture that values teamwork, open communication, and close partnership between research, engineering, design, and product teams.

• User-Centricity: A dedication to understanding user needs, behaviors, and experiences to create products that are valuable and intuitive.

• Impact & Measurable Results: A focus on delivering research that leads to tangible improvements in product performance, user satisfaction, and business outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with an emphasis on working closely with engineers, designers, and product managers throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Open to feedback and iterative development, fostering a culture where research insights are actively discussed and integrated.

• Knowledge sharing is encouraged, with opportunities to learn from and contribute to the expertise of other researchers and technical team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be one of intense innovation, data rigor, and collaborative problem-solving. Candidates who thrive in fast-paced, technically challenging environments and enjoy working closely with diverse teams will find this appealing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace of Innovation: Working with rapidly evolving AI and wearable technology requires continuous learning and adaptation to stay ahead of the curve.

• Defining Novel User Experiences: Researching and defining user interactions for entirely new categories of technology (AI wearables) can be challenging, requiring creative problem-solving.

• Translating Complex Tech to User Needs: Bridging the gap between sophisticated AI capabilities and understandable, valuable user experiences.

• Contract Role Duration: The 12-month contract nature may require quick ramp-up and delivering impact within a defined timeframe.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Domain Expertise: Deepen knowledge in human-AI interaction, speech communication, and wearable technology through hands-on research.

• Advanced Analytical Skills: Enhance proficiency in statistical modeling and data visualization using R and Python.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Hone skills in communicating research findings and influencing product strategy across diverse technical teams.

• Exposure to Breakthrough Technology: Gain invaluable experience working on the forefront of AI and wearable product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity lies in gaining specialized expertise in a high-demand, emerging field. The challenges are inherent to working with cutting-edge technology, requiring a proactive and adaptable researcher.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed and executed a quantitative UX research study for a complex technical product. What were your key findings, and how did they influence product decisions?" (Focus on experimental design, quantitative analysis, and impact.)

• "How would you approach researching user trust in AI-powered wearable communication systems? What methodologies would you employ, and why?" (Assess understanding of human-AI interaction and appropriate research methods.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about AI wearable technologies and human-AI interaction?" (Gauge passion and understanding of the domain.)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are effectively communicated and acted upon by engineering and product teams?" (Assess collaboration and influence skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with the business problem/user need, then detail your research objectives, methodology (emphasizing quantitative aspects), key findings (with supporting data/visualizations), and finally, the product/strategic impact.

• Data Focus: For quantitative projects, be prepared to walk through the data analysis, statistical significance, and how you interpreted the results. Use charts and graphs effectively.

• AI/Wearable Relevance: Highlight any projects that touch upon similar domains, even if not directly AI wearables, showcasing transferable skills in complex interaction design or data analysis.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives – the challenge, your approach, the discovery, and the outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be keen to assess not just what research you've done, but how you've done it, with a strong emphasis on quantitative rigor, statistical thinking, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable product insights for AI wearables.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job board.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience with quantitative UX research, experimental design, statistical analysis, and any work related to AI, wearables, speech, or audio interfaces.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with specific research methodologies, tools (especially R/Python), and the impact of your research on product development. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your quantitative research skills and experience with complex technologies. Be ready to discuss your process, findings, and impact in detail.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Linda Werner & Associates and, if possible, any information about their clients in the AI/wearables space to understand the broader context of the role. Research general trends in AI wearables to anticipate potential discussion topics.

⚠️ 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.