Principal UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal UX Researcher

Company: Ocean Infinity

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research (UXR) / Product Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: Senior / Principal (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and evolve the user research strategy across Ocean Infinity's product portfolio, encompassing marine robotics, autonomous systems, and data-driven platforms.

• Drive evidence-based decision-making by conducting end-to-end qualitative and quantitative research to uncover user needs, behaviors, and complex workflow challenges.

• Act as the primary UX research expert, translating intricate technical and operational processes into clear, actionable insights and strategic product recommendations.

• Champion user-centered thinking throughout the product lifecycle, influencing product strategy, roadmap planning, and engineering decisions for intuitive, scalable user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Principal UX Researcher, indicating a strategic leadership capacity. The emphasis on "leading and evolving strategy," "influencing product strategy," and "mentoring colleagues" suggests a significant impact beyond individual research execution. The focus on complex technical environments like robotics and autonomous systems, coupled with operational systems, positions this role at the intersection of product development and deep operational understanding, requiring a strong blend of strategic foresight and hands-on research expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute comprehensive UX research strategies across Ocean Infinity’s diverse product lines, including marine robotics, autonomous systems, and data platforms.

• Conduct a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing, diary studies, contextual inquiry) to deeply understand user needs, behaviors, and pain points.

• Collaborate intimately with Product Management, Engineering, AI, Hardware, and Operations teams to integrate user insights into product design, feature prioritization, and technical roadmaps.

• Translate complex technical concepts and real-world operational workflows into digestible, actionable insights and strategic recommendations for product development and improvement.

• Drive research initiatives for autonomy platforms, robotics interfaces, mission control systems, and data visualization products, ensuring user needs are met in critical environments.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal operational teams, end-users, and external customers to gain a nuanced understanding of operational challenges and opportunities.

• Lead the entire research project lifecycle, from planning and recruitment to analysis and reporting, ensuring evidence-based decision-making is embedded within teams.

• Establish and maintain scalable research frameworks, best practices, and centralized repositories to mature and professionalize Ocean Infinity’s UX research capabilities.

• Act as a vocal advocate for user-centered design principles, guiding teams in transforming research findings into tangible product enhancements and user experience improvements.

• Proactively influence product strategy and roadmap planning, identifying potential usability risks and adoption challenges early in the development cycle.

• Mentor junior researchers and colleagues, fostering a culture of research excellence and user advocacy across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership ("Lead UX research strategy," "Influence product strategy") and hands-on execution ("Conduct qualitative and quantitative research," "Deliver hands-on research execution"). The emphasis on translating "complex technical and operational processes" into insights is a key differentiator, suggesting a need for researchers who can navigate highly technical domains and understand mission-critical workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in Senior, Lead, Staff, or Principal UX Research roles.

• A proven track record of defining and executing research strategy within complex, technology-driven environments.

• Demonstrated experience in shaping product direction and influencing strategic decisions through research insights. Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in a broad spectrum of qualitative research methods (e.g., in-depth interviews, ethnographic studies, contextual inquiry, usability testing) and quantitative research methods (e.g., surveys, analytics, A/B testing, statistical analysis).

• Extensive experience conducting research for enterprise software, operational platforms, or highly technical products where reliability and usability are paramount.

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a natural curiosity to uncover latent user needs and translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights.

• Strong ability to influence stakeholders at various levels, including Product Managers, Engineers, Designers, and leadership, fostering cross-functional alignment.

• Demonstrated comfort operating in ambiguous environments, effectively balancing user needs with technical constraints and business objectives.

• Proven experience facilitating workshops, driving cross-functional collaboration, and directly shaping product strategy and roadmaps.

• Ability to be both a strategic thinker and a hands-on researcher, capable of leading initiatives and executing research tasks independently.

• Excellent written and spoken English communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, with the ability to articulate research findings compellingly. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within robotics, autonomy, artificial intelligence (AI), marine technology, aerospace, defense, or industrial technology sectors.

• Specific experience researching operational, mission-critical, or highly regulated workflows.

• Familiarity with data-heavy platforms, geospatial systems, or remote operations environments.

• Experience with Research Operations (ResearchOps) principles and practices, including scaling research functions and managing research tools/processes.

• Experience working within fast-scaling or transformation-focused organizations.

• Understanding of accessibility (a11y) and inclusive design principles.

• Experience conducting field research in challenging or operational environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ years" and "Principal" title indicate a senior-level role demanding strategic leadership and a deep understanding of research methodologies. The emphasis on enterprise software, operational platforms, and technical products suggests a need for experience in complex B2B or industrial settings rather than purely consumer-facing applications. "Operating in ambiguity" and "influencing stakeholders" are critical soft skills for this level.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing end-to-end research projects, clearly illustrating your role, methodology, and impact on product decisions.

• Include case studies that highlight your ability to tackle complex technical challenges and translate them into user-centric solutions.

• Showcase examples of how you have defined and executed research strategies that align with broader product and business objectives.

• Present evidence of your ability to measure and articulate the impact of your research, ideally with quantifiable outcomes or ROI where possible. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented research processes, established best practices, or created research repositories to improve team efficiency and knowledge sharing.

• Illustrate your approach to translating complex technical or operational workflows into user journey maps, process flows, or other visual documentation that aids understanding and design.

• Showcase your experience in embedding research findings into agile development workflows, demonstrating how insights inform iterative design and development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Principal UX Researcher role, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating strategic thinking and impact. Candidates should focus on showcasing their ability to define research strategy, manage complex projects, influence product direction, and mentor others, rather than just listing individual research tasks. Evidence of establishing scalable research processes (ResearchOps) would be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Principal UX Researchers in London, a competitive salary range is estimated between £90,000 - £130,000 per annum. This range accounts for the significant experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities associated with a Principal-level role in a technology-forward company. Factors such as specific experience, interview performance, and precise responsibilities may influence the final offer. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Private Medical Insurance, covering you and your dependents.

• Generous Life Assurance policy.

• Enhanced Company Pension Scheme with employer contributions.

• 30 days of annual leave, plus public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and certifications relevant to UX research and the maritime technology sector.

• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools for research and development.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support.

• Hybrid working model offering flexibility between home and office. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in scheduling, with core working hours expected to facilitate team collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on UK market data for Principal UX Researchers in technology companies, particularly in London, considering the AI-identified experience level and the company's industry. Benefits are typical for a senior role in a UK-based tech firm, with an emphasis on health and well-being, professional development, and flexible work arrangements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Ocean Infinity operates at the forefront of the maritime technology sector, specializing in subsea data acquisition through innovative robotics and autonomous systems. The company is transforming ocean exploration and operations, focusing on safety, sustainability, and efficiency. This industry context implies a culture that values pioneering spirit, technical excellence, environmental responsibility, and a data-driven approach to complex problem-solving.

Company Size: Ocean Infinity is a fast-growing company, likely falling into the mid-to-large enterprise category in terms of employee count (based on typical growth trajectories for innovative tech firms). This size suggests a dynamic environment where individual contributions are visible, and there's potential for significant impact, while also possessing the resources and structure to support advanced research initiatives.

Founded: Ocean Infinity was founded in 2017. Its relatively recent establishment means it's a company built on modern technological foundations, likely fostering a forward-thinking, agile, and innovation-centric culture. This historical context suggests a drive for rapid development and a willingness to challenge traditional maritime practices.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research function, led by this Principal, will likely be a central part of the Product and Technology teams, working closely with Product Management, Engineering (Software, Hardware, AI), and Design.

• The reporting structure will probably place the Principal UX Researcher under a Head of Product, VP of Engineering, or a similar senior leadership role, with direct collaboration across multiple product development squads or teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, requiring seamless interaction with domain experts, operational teams, and potentially external customers to ensure research is grounded in real-world needs and constraints. Methodology:

• Data analysis is core to Ocean Infinity's mission; therefore, research methodologies will likely be rigorous and data-informed, leveraging both qualitative insights and quantitative data to validate findings.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be critical, given the operational nature of many of their products and the need for efficiency in complex maritime environments.

• Automation and efficiency practices are inherent to the company's technological focus, and research will support the development of systems that are not only user-friendly but also highly efficient and reliable.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and industry are highly specialized, suggesting that candidates with experience in complex, mission-critical, or hardware-integrated technology will be well-suited. The culture is likely to be innovative, fast-paced, and deeply technical.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is firmly at the "Principal" or "Staff" level within the UX Research discipline. This signifies a senior individual contributor with significant strategic influence, often acting as a thought leader within their domain. Responsibilities extend beyond individual research execution to include defining research strategy, mentoring others, and shaping organizational research practices. The scope involves influencing product direction across multiple product lines and potentially the entire technology organization.

Reporting Structure: The Principal UX Researcher will likely report to a senior leader within Product or Engineering (e.g., Head of Product, VP of Product, Director of Engineering). They will collaborate extensively with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, AI Scientists, Hardware Engineers, and Operations Specialists, acting as a key strategic partner across these functions.

Operations Impact: The insights generated by this role will have a direct and substantial impact on Ocean Infinity's operational efficiency, product success, and overall mission to transform subsea data acquisition. By ensuring products are intuitive, efficient, and meet the complex needs of users in maritime and operational environments, the Principal UX Researcher will contribute significantly to the company's competitive advantage, safety standards, and sustainability goals. This role bridges user needs with the technical realities of autonomous systems and data platforms, directly influencing the effectiveness and adoption of Ocean Infinity's innovative solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Opportunity to grow into a leadership role managing a UX research team, defining the long-term research vision for the company, or expanding research influence into new product areas.

• Domain Expertise: Deepen expertise in highly specialized fields such as robotics, autonomy, marine technology, and AI, becoming a recognized authority in user experience within these domains.

• ResearchOps Maturity: Lead the development and scaling of ResearchOps practices, building robust frameworks, tools, and processes that elevate the entire organization's research capabilities.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Expand influence across business units, potentially contributing to broader Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies by ensuring user needs are integrated from conception through to deployment and ongoing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal level implies a trajectory towards leadership, either through managing a team or becoming a deeply influential individual expert. The unique domain of Ocean Infinity offers significant opportunities for specialization and impact in cutting-edge technology.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is designated as "Hybrid." Ocean Infinity likely maintains modern office spaces designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and focused work. Given the technical nature of the company, these environments may include specialized labs or areas for hardware interaction, alongside traditional collaborative workspaces.

Office Location(s): The primary location mentioned is London, England, United Kingdom. Ocean Infinity may have other operational bases or offices globally, but the role is anchored to the London hub for its hybrid component. This location offers access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, supporting focused research and analysis while enabling in-person team synergy.

• Access to advanced technology and tools is expected, supporting sophisticated research activities and interaction with complex systems.

• Opportunities for interaction with diverse teams (Engineering, Product, AI, Operations) will be frequent, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-rich environment. The role's focus on operational systems may also involve occasional site visits or field research, depending on project needs.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility inherent in the hybrid arrangement. This allows researchers to manage their time effectively for deep work, collaborative sessions, and personal commitments, aligning with the demands of complex project timelines and stakeholder availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect, requiring individuals who can self-manage and collaborate effectively across different work settings. The London location provides access to a major tech hub.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial conversation to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your career trajectory and high-level experience in UX research strategy.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, particularly your approach to research strategy, stakeholder management, and handling complex technical domains. Expect questions about your leadership style and experience mentoring.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: This is a critical stage. You will likely present a selection of your most impactful projects, focusing on 1-2 deep dives that showcase your strategic thinking, research methodology, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work. Prepare to articulate the "why" behind your decisions and the outcomes.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, or AI Scientists. These will assess your ability to collaborate, translate research into actionable insights for technical teams, and understand technical constraints.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive (e.g., VP of Product/Engineering) to discuss strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall fit with Ocean Infinity's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Focus: Highlight projects where you defined research strategy, influenced product roadmaps, or solved complex problems with significant business impact.

• Process & Methodology: Clearly articulate your research process, justifying the methods chosen for each project. For a Principal role, demonstrate your expertise in a wide range of methods.

• Impact & Outcomes: Quantify results whenever possible. Use metrics, case studies, and testimonials to demonstrate the tangible value your research brought to products and users.

• Complexity & Scale: Showcase experience with complex technical systems, operational workflows, or large-scale research initiatives.

• Storytelling: Structure your presentations as compelling narratives, clearly outlining the problem, your approach, the insights gained, the solutions developed, and the outcomes achieved.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential case study exercises or hypothetical scenarios related to designing research for novel technologies (e.g., autonomous marine vehicles, remote operations interfaces).

• Practice articulating your thought process for tackling ambiguous problems and translating abstract user needs into concrete research plans.

• Focus on demonstrating how you would integrate user feedback into iterative product development cycles within an agile, fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for a Principal UX Researcher. Emphasis should be placed on strategic impact, leadership, and the ability to navigate complex technical and operational domains, rather than just a collection of user tests.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Tools for survey creation, usability testing, participant recruitment, and data analysis (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Optimal Workshop, Maze).

• Collaboration Tools: Platforms for team communication, project management, and documentation (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Asana, Slack, Microsoft Teams).

• Prototyping & Design Tools (for review/understanding): Familiarity with tools used by design teams to understand and test interactive prototypes (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Tools for analyzing user behavior on digital platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel).

• Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in statistical software or libraries for quantitative analysis (e.g., R, Python with libraries like Pandas/NumPy, SPSS).

• Visualization Tools: Tools for creating clear and compelling data visualizations and dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, familiarity with how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) might inform user segmentation or how operational data is managed is beneficial.

• Understanding of workflow automation concepts and tools that might be used to streamline research processes or integrate research findings into broader operational workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools will vary, but proficiency in a range of qualitative and quantitative research platforms is essential. Given the company's domain, familiarity with data analysis tools and potentially scientific computing environments (like Python/R) would be advantageous for deeper analysis.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Pioneering Spirit: A strong drive to push boundaries, explore new technologies, and redefine what's possible in the maritime industry. This means embracing experimentation and novel approaches.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A commitment to using data and evidence to inform strategy, product development, and operational improvements. Research insights must be grounded in robust analysis.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: A core value reflected in the mission to make ocean operations safer and more environmentally friendly. This ethical consideration should permeate design and operational decisions.

• Excellence & Rigor: A dedication to high standards in technology, engineering, and research, particularly crucial for mission-critical systems operating in challenging environments.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: An understanding that complex challenges require diverse expertise and close collaboration across teams to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely and collaboratively with diverse teams, requiring strong communication and partnership skills to bridge gaps between user needs, technical capabilities, and operational realities.

• Open Feedback Culture: A culture that encourages constructive feedback, open discussion, and continuous improvement, vital for iterating on complex products and research methodologies.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote sharing insights, learnings, and best practices across teams and departments, fostering a collective understanding and accelerating development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize innovation, technical rigor, and a mission-driven approach. Candidates should demonstrate how their research practices align with these principles, particularly in driving innovation and ensuring operational effectiveness.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Technical Complexity: Understanding and researching highly technical domains (robotics, AI, autonomous systems) requires significant learning and an ability to grasp complex concepts quickly.

• Researching Mission-Critical Workflows: Designing and conducting research for systems where failure has significant consequences demands a high degree of rigor, ethical consideration, and an understanding of operational pressures.

• Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively synthesizing and prioritizing input from various stakeholders (engineers, product managers, operations teams, end-users) can be challenging.

• Scaling Research in a Fast-Growing Environment: Establishing robust, scalable research processes and infrastructure within a rapidly evolving company requires adaptability and strategic foresight.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Domain Specialization: Opportunity to become an expert in cutting-edge fields like autonomous marine operations, subsea robotics, and AI applications in maritime contexts.

• ResearchOps Leadership: Take a leading role in building and maturing ResearchOps, developing frameworks, tools, and best practices that elevate the entire organization's research maturity.

• Strategic Influence: Grow influence within the organization by shaping product strategy, contributing to long-term roadmaps, and mentoring other researchers and product teams.

• Industry Exposure: Engage with industry conferences, professional networks, and potentially fieldwork to stay abreast of the latest advancements in UX research and maritime technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are tied to the unique, high-stakes environment of Ocean Infinity. Growth opportunities are significant, focusing on leadership, specialization, and process improvement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach defining the UX research strategy for a new autonomous marine vehicle system, considering its operational environment and diverse user groups?" (Prepare to discuss your framework for strategy development, stakeholder alignment, and key research questions.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence product direction based on user research findings, especially when there was resistance or conflicting priorities. How did you navigate that situation?" (Focus on your communication, persuasion, and stakeholder management skills.)

• "How do you balance user needs with technical constraints and business goals when conducting research for complex, mission-critical systems?" (Demonstrate your pragmatic approach and understanding of trade-offs.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Ocean Infinity's mission and its application of technology in the maritime sector?" (Research the company's values, recent projects, and its overall impact.)

• "How do you see your role as a Principal UX Researcher contributing to our culture of innovation and data-driven decision-making?" (Connect your skills and experience to the company's stated values.)

• "How would you foster collaboration between UX research and our engineering/AI teams, given the technical complexity of our products?" (Discuss your experience working with technical teams and your approach to building strong partnerships.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your career and research philosophy. For each selected case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the methodology, key findings, your recommendations, and the ultimate impact/outcome.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your research translated into tangible product improvements, business value, or user experience enhancements. Use data and metrics wherever possible.

• Strategic Insight: Highlight instances where you drove strategy, identified significant opportunities, or proactively addressed user needs that shaped the product roadmap.

• Tailoring: Briefly explain why you chose these specific projects to present to Ocean Infinity, linking them to the company's domain or challenges.

• Engagement: Be prepared for in-depth questions about your process, decisions, and alternative approaches you might have considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to apply UX research principles within a complex, technical, and mission-critical domain. The portfolio presentation is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor your Resume/CV: Highlight your experience in leading research strategy, working with complex technology, and influencing product decisions. Quantify your achievements and impact wherever possible, using keywords relevant to UX research, product strategy, and technical domains.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your strategic capabilities, research rigor, and ability to drive product outcomes in technical or operational environments. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your role, process, insights, and impact.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on storytelling, strategic insights, and quantifiable results. Be ready to articulate your research philosophy and how it aligns with Ocean Infinity's mission.

• Research Ocean Infinity: Thoroughly understand the company's mission, technologies, target markets, and recent developments. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your engagement and strategic interest.

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