UX Researcher I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher I

Company: Cox Enterprises

Location: Atlanta, GA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: April 1, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This entry-level UX Researcher role focuses on uncovering user insights to inform product development within the automotive technology sector.

• Responsibilities include planning and executing various user research methodologies, such as interviews and usability testing.

• The role requires strong analytical skills to interpret both qualitative and quantitative data and translate findings into actionable product recommendations.

• Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, and engineers, is crucial for integrating user feedback into the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided title is "UX Researcher I," the core responsibilities and required qualifications strongly suggest an entry-level position focused on foundational user research skills in a product development environment. The company's focus on automotive technology indicates a need for candidates who can adapt research methods to understand complex user needs within this domain. The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and conduct qualitative and quantitative user research studies, including but not limited to user interviews, usability testing sessions, surveys, and contextual inquiries.

• Analyze research data using appropriate statistical and qualitative analysis techniques to identify user behaviors, needs, motivations, and pain points.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights, translating complex data into compelling narratives for stakeholders.

• Develop and present research artifacts such as user personas, journey maps, empathy maps, and detailed research reports to communicate user insights to product, design, and engineering teams.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers throughout the product development lifecycle, from ideation to iteration, ensuring user-centered design principles are embedded in decision-making.

• Advocate for the user by championing user needs and research-backed recommendations in cross-functional team discussions and product strategy meetings.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of UX research processes, methodologies, and best practices within the organization.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in UX research, human-computer interaction (HCI), and the automotive technology industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to reflect the typical scope of an entry-level UX Researcher role within a product development organization. This includes detailing the types of research methodologies, analytical approaches, artifact creation, and the collaborative nature of the role. The emphasis on advocating for the user and contributing to process improvement is common for roles aiming to foster a strong user-centric culture.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Human Factors, Behavioral Science, Statistics, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a closely related field.

• An equivalent combination of education and 4 years of relevant experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience or academic coursework in conducting user research, including planning, execution, and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.

• Foundational understanding of research design principles, hypothesis testing, and statistical analysis techniques.

Required Skills:

• User Research Methodologies: Proficiency in planning and executing a range of research methods such as user interviews, usability testing, surveys, and focus groups.

• Data Analysis: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to analyze and interpret both qualitative (themes, patterns) and quantitative (metrics, statistical significance) data.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate research findings and recommendations to diverse audiences.

• Detail Orientation: Meticulous attention to detail in research design, data collection, and analysis.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• UX Research Tools: Familiarity with industry-standard UX research platforms such as UserTesting.com, Optimal Workshop, Qualtrics, or similar tools.

• Design Software: Basic familiarity with design platforms like Figma or Sketch.

• Mixed-Methods Research: Understanding and experience in applying mixed-methods research approaches to gather comprehensive user insights.

• Automotive/SaaS Domain: Prior exposure to or interest in automotive technology, connected car services, or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) product environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been structured to clearly delineate required versus preferred skills, aligning with industry expectations for an entry-level UX Researcher. The inclusion of specific tool examples and domain knowledge as preferred skills provides candidates with clear areas for development or highlighting on their resume. The educational requirement has been clarified to include equivalent experience, which is common for these roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed research projects that demonstrate your ability to plan, execute, and analyze user research. Each case study should clearly outline the research problem, methodology used, your specific role, key findings, and the impact of your insights on product decisions.

• Methodology Diversity: Include examples of research employing both qualitative (e.g., interviews, usability testing) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, analytics) methods.

• Insight Generation: Clearly articulate how your research led to actionable insights and influenced design or product strategy, ideally with measurable outcomes.

• Artifact Examples: Present examples of research deliverables such as personas, journey maps, or concise research reports.

Process Documentation:

• Research Planning: Demonstrate an understanding of how to create a research plan that defines objectives, target participants, methodology, and timelines.

• Data Synthesis: Show evidence of your process for synthesizing raw research data into structured findings and actionable recommendations.

• Communication & Presentation: Include examples of how you effectively communicate research findings to cross-functional teams, such as presentation slides or executive summaries.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Researcher role, a portfolio is critical. This section details what a strong portfolio for an entry-level candidate should contain, focusing on demonstrating practical application of research skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to translate findings into impact. The emphasis is on process and outcome, which are key indicators of future success.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The hourly base pay rate is anticipated to be between $29.38 and $44.09 USD.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off accrued per month.

• Holidays: Seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year.

• Additional Leave: Bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.

• Flexible Vacation/Wellness Days: Encouragement of work-life balance through flexible time off policies.

• Sick Leave: Dedicated sick leave provisions.

Working Hours:

• Standard daytime work schedule, likely aligning with a 40-hour work week.

• Hybrid work arrangement allows for a portion of the week to be worked remotely, offering flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range has been estimated based on the provided hourly rates and common full-time work hours (40 hours/week). The benefits have been compiled from the provided text and common offerings for large corporations like Cox Enterprises, tailored to operations professionals who often value comprehensive benefits packages and work-life balance. The "Day" work shift has been interpreted as a standard 40-hour work week.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Technology, Media & Advertising, Telecommunications, Data Analytics. Cox Enterprises operates across diverse sectors, with Cox Automotive being a significant player in transforming the automotive industry through technology solutions for dealers and consumers.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (often 10,000+ employees across the entire Cox Enterprises umbrella). Cox Automotive specifically is a major subsidiary.

Founded: Cox Enterprises was founded in 1898, giving it a long history and established presence in its various industries.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher I will likely be part of a dedicated UX Research team within Cox Automotive's Engineering or Product Development division.

• This team may comprise researchers of varying experience levels, working collaboratively to support multiple product lines.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Cox Enterprises emphasizes leveraging data and insights to drive strategic decisions across all its businesses.

• User-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and serving customer needs is a core tenet, particularly within Cox Automotive's product development.

• Innovation: The company fosters an environment that encourages innovative solutions to complex industry challenges.

• Collaboration: Cross-functional teamwork is essential for bringing integrated solutions to market.

Company Website: https://www.coxenterprises.com/, https://www.coxauto.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been enriched by incorporating information about Cox Enterprises and its subsidiary Cox Automotive, highlighting their industry position, historical significance, and operational methodologies relevant to a UX Researcher role. The team structure and methodological approach are inferred based on typical large enterprise operations in the tech and automotive sectors.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as an "Individual Contributor" at an "Entry-Level" (UX Researcher I). It represents the foundational stage for a career in user experience research, focusing on learning and applying core research methodologies under guidance.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher I will report to a UX Research Manager or Lead, who provides mentorship and oversees research project assignments. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers, UX Designers, and Engineers on specific product initiatives.

Operations Impact: Although not directly tied to revenue operations or sales operations, this role has a significant indirect impact on business success by ensuring products are user-friendly, meet market needs, and contribute to customer satisfaction and loyalty. This ultimately drives adoption, retention, and positive brand perception, which are critical for revenue generation and market share.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative techniques, quantitative analysis, generative research) or product domains within Cox Automotive.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced UX researchers and product leaders for guidance and professional development.

• Advancement: Potential to progress to UX Researcher II, Senior UX Researcher, Lead UX Researcher, or specialized roles like UX Research Manager, depending on performance and career aspirations.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining experience working with diverse teams and understanding the broader product development lifecycle.

• Learning & Development: Access to internal training, workshops, and potentially external conferences or certifications related to UX research and human-computer interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory and impact of a UX Researcher within a large enterprise like Cox Enterprises. While the role itself isn't directly in Revenue or Sales Operations, its contribution to user adoption and product success has a clear, albeit indirect, impact on business outcomes, which is important for candidates to understand. The growth opportunities are framed within the context of a large organization's typical career paths.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid - Ability to work remotely part of the week." This implies a blend of in-office presence for collaborative activities and remote work for independent tasks. The office is located at 6305 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd Bldg B, Atlanta, GA.

Office Location(s): Primary office location is Atlanta, GA, with travel expected up to 15% of the time, likely for research activities, team meetings, or cross-site collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Atlanta office likely serves as a central point for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and in-person collaboration with designers, product managers, and engineers.

• Technology-Enabled: Expect access to standard office technology, as well as specialized UX research tools and design software necessary for the role.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for interaction with the UX research community within Cox Automotive, fostering knowledge sharing and a supportive environment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard daytime work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid model offers flexibility, allowing for a balance between structured in-office days and remote work flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is tailored to the "Hybrid" arrangement and the specified Atlanta location. It emphasizes the collaborative nature of UX research within a product team and the technological resources available to support the role. The travel percentage is also noted as a factor for candidates to consider.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth conversation with the hiring manager to discuss experience, research philosophy, and role expectations.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present a selection of their best research work (case studies) from their portfolio. This is a critical step to evaluate research skills, analytical thinking, and communication effectiveness.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders such as UX Designers, Product Managers, and potentially Engineers to assess collaboration skills and understanding of product development processes.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: May include a small research exercise or a more detailed discussion of research methodologies and data analysis techniques.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding interview, potentially with senior leadership, followed by a job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills and align with the job description. Focus on quality over quantity.

• Structure Your Story: For each case study, clearly articulate: the problem/opportunity, your role and responsibilities, the research methods used, key findings, challenges encountered, and the impact of your insights on the product or business.

• Highlight Actionable Insights: Emphasize how your research led to concrete recommendations and influenced design or product decisions, ideally with measurable outcomes.

• Showcase Your Process: Be prepared to discuss your thought process for planning research, recruiting participants, conducting studies, and analyzing data.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure it is clear, concise, engaging, and fits within the allotted time. Be ready to answer questions about your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Research Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical research problem relevant to Cox Automotive's products (e.g., understanding user needs for a new car buying feature, improving the usability of a dealer inventory management tool).

• Methodology Justification: Be ready to explain why you would choose certain research methods over others for a given scenario and what trade-offs are involved.

• Data Interpretation: Practice interpreting mock data or research findings and formulating actionable recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a detailed breakdown of a typical UX research interview process, with specific advice on portfolio presentation and preparation for potential challenges. The focus is on demonstrating practical research skills, strategic thinking, and communication abilities, which are paramount for UX researchers.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or UserZoom for remote usability testing and participant recruitment.

• Survey Tools: Proficiency with survey platforms such as Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or Google Forms for survey design and data collection.

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Tools like Miro, Mural, or Figma for collaborative brainstorming, journey mapping, and affinity diagramming.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Python libraries like Pandas) or qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail) is a plus.

• Presentation Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for creating compelling research reports and presentations.

• Spreadsheet Software: Strong skills in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data organization and basic analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly CRM-focused, understanding how user feedback integrates with product roadmapping tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) and potentially CRM insights for customer segmentation can be beneficial.

• Familiarity with design platforms like Figma or Sketch is preferred for better collaboration with design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines the typical technology stack for a UX Researcher. It differentiates between tools for direct research execution, data analysis, and collaborative work, providing candidates with a clear understanding of the technical environment they can expect. The inclusion of design tools highlights the collaborative nature of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user's needs and experiences in all product decisions.

• Data-Informed Decisions: Valuing research-backed insights and evidence to guide strategy and design, rather than relying solely on intuition.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where cross-functional teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Curiosity & Continuous Learning: Encouraging a mindset of inquiry, exploration, and ongoing professional development to stay ahead in the fast-evolving field of UX research.

• Impact & Accountability: Focusing on delivering research that drives meaningful improvements and contributes to business objectives, taking ownership of research outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership with Design: Working hand-in-hand with UX Designers to translate research findings into intuitive and effective user interfaces and experiences.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Product Managers to align research efforts with product strategy and roadmaps, and with Engineers to ensure feasibility and implementation of user-centered solutions.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing within the research team and across other departments.

• Agile Integration: Adapting research practices to fit within agile development cycles, providing timely insights to support iterative product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section articulates the likely cultural values and collaboration styles within a UX research team at a company like Cox Enterprises. It emphasizes the user-centric approach, data-driven methodologies, and strong cross-functional partnerships that are crucial for effective UX research.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Needs with Project Timelines: In a fast-paced product development environment, efficiently conducting thorough research within tight deadlines can be challenging.

• Synthesizing Diverse Data: Integrating insights from various research methods and sources to form a cohesive understanding of user behavior and needs.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating research findings and advocating for user needs to gain buy-in from diverse stakeholders with varying priorities.

• Navigating Complex Product Ecosystems: Understanding and researching within the multifaceted automotive technology landscape, which involves both consumer and business users.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodological Deep Dives: Opportunities to specialize in advanced qualitative techniques (e.g., ethnography, diary studies) or quantitative analysis methods.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience in the dynamic automotive technology sector, understanding its unique user challenges and opportunities.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior researchers and product leaders for guidance on career development and research best practices.

• Conferences & Training: Potential for attending industry conferences (e.g., CHI, UXRConf) or pursuing relevant certifications to enhance skills and knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges specific to an entry-level UX Researcher role in a large tech company and outlines concrete growth and learning opportunities that align with career progression in UX research.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to conduct user research with limited resources or time. How did you prioritize and what was the outcome?" (Focus on resourcefulness and impact).

• "How would you approach researching the needs of [specific user group, e.g., car buyers, auto dealers] for a new feature on [mention a Cox Automotive brand like Kelley Blue Book or Autotrader]?" (Assess problem-solving and domain understanding).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Cox Automotive and the automotive technology industry?" (Assess motivation and industry interest).

• "How do you handle feedback on your research findings, especially if it challenges your conclusions?" (Evaluate receptiveness to feedback and collaboration).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative: the challenge, your approach, the journey of discovery, and the resolution/impact.

• Visuals: Use clear, well-designed visuals (e.g., charts, quotes, personas) to illustrate your points and make your findings memorable.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the "so what?" – how did your research contribute to a better product or business outcome? Quantify impact where possible.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, data analysis techniques, and how you handled specific challenges during your research.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted interview preparation advice, including specific question examples designed to assess a UX Researcher's skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. The portfolio presentation strategy is tailored to showcase research impact effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher I position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday job portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that highlights 2-3 of your strongest UX research projects, clearly detailing your process, findings, and the impact of your work. Ensure it demonstrates both qualitative and quantitative research skills.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant academic coursework, research projects, and any practical experience in user research, data analysis, and communication. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear storytelling and demonstrating how your insights led to actionable product improvements. Be ready to discuss your research methodology and problem-solving approach.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive, and their key brands (e.g., Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book). Understand their mission, products, and the automotive technology landscape to articulate your interest and how your skills align.

⚠️ 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.