Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher

Company: Fivetran

Location: Denver, Colorado, United States / Oakland, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Research & Development / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-09-21T21:03:54

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead user research programs, driving deep customer understanding to inform product strategy and design decisions within Fivetran's Product organization.

• Leverage a blend of rigorous qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to uncover user needs, pain points, and opportunities within the modern data stack ecosystem.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Analytics teams to ensure research initiatives are strategically aligned with business objectives and user-centricity.

• Synthesize complex research findings into compelling narratives and actionable insights that influence product roadmaps and drive innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a rapidly growing Product organization, indicating a significant opportunity for impact and influence. The emphasis on "hitting the ground running" and "leading by example" suggests a need for a proactive and self-sufficient candidate who can independently manage research projects and mentor junior team members. The hybrid model with a specified two days in-office highlights the company's commitment to fostering collaboration and team cohesion while offering flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute comprehensive user research programs across focused product areas, ensuring alignment with product strategy and business goals.

• Lead mixed-method research initiatives, including user interviews, usability testing, surveys, contextual inquiries, and diary studies, to gather rich qualitative and quantitative data.

• Collaborate proactively with cross-functional teams (Design, Product Management, Engineering, Analytics) to define research questions, scope projects, and integrate research insights into the product development lifecycle.

• Guide and mentor product and design teams on research methodology, question framing, best practices for self-run studies, and effective synthesis of findings.

• Identify and articulate emerging customer needs and user pain points to support the discovery and development of new products and features that address market gaps.

• Synthesize learnings from diverse research studies and existing analytics data to construct compelling narratives, facilitate ideation sessions, and present actionable recommendations to senior leadership.

• Champion user-centricity across the organization by effectively communicating research findings and advocating for user needs in product decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a senior-level contribution, requiring the candidate to not only execute research but also to strategically guide methodologies, mentor others, and translate insights into tangible product impact. The mention of "self-run studies" implies a need for the candidate to empower other teams with research best practices, indicating a potential for leadership in knowledge sharing.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior UX Researcher role.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience in User Experience (UX) Research, with a proven track record of conducting and delivering impactful research programs.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in planning, managing, and executing mixed-method research programs.

• Proficiency in conducting a variety of qualitative research methods (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, contextual inquiry, ethnographic studies).

• Experience with quantitative research methods, including survey design, data analysis, and interpretation.

• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of research projects, methodologies, research philosophy, and demonstrable impact on product development.

• Exceptional ability to synthesize complex data from multiple sources (research, analytics) into clear, compelling, and actionable insights.

• Proven experience in crafting engaging presentations and storytelling that effectively influence stakeholders and drive product decisions.

• An entrepreneurial, self-motivated mindset with a bias toward action and the ability to lead projects through ambiguity and fast-paced environments.

• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with design, product, engineering, and analytics teams.

• A genuine curiosity and deep desire to understand users and how the product contributes to their success.

• Experience utilizing AI tools to enhance study planning, feedback synthesis, and overall research efficiency. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within the data industry, with an understanding of data infrastructure, data pipelines, or data analytics tools.

• Familiarity with various survey methodologies and advanced analysis techniques.

• Proficiency with relevant data tools, including SQL for data extraction and analysis.

• Experience with data visualization tools to present research findings effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level suggests a need for a candidate who can operate with a high degree of autonomy, mentor others, and contribute strategically to the research function. The emphasis on "entrepreneurial, self-motivated mindset" and "leading projects through ambiguity" is critical for success in a dynamic, growing company. The inclusion of AI tools as a required skill indicates Fivetran's forward-thinking approach to research operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly articulates your research philosophy and approach to user-centered design.

• Detailed case studies showcasing end-to-end research projects, from initial problem definition and research planning through execution, synthesis, and impact.

• Demonstrations of your ability to apply both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to solve complex product challenges.

• Evidence of how your research insights directly influenced product strategy, design decisions, and measurable business outcomes (e.g., increased user adoption, improved satisfaction, reduced churn).

• Examples of your presentation and storytelling skills, illustrating how you communicate research findings to diverse stakeholder groups. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to research planning, including defining clear research objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies, and outlining recruitment strategies.

• Provide examples of how you document research processes, from study protocols and interview guides to synthesis frameworks and final reports.

• Showcase your ability to analyze and synthesize data from various sources (user interviews, surveys, analytics, etc.) to derive actionable insights and inform product iterations.

• Illustrate how you contribute to the continuous improvement of research processes, tools, and best practices within a team or organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase the breadth of their research skills but also the depth of their strategic thinking and their ability to drive tangible business impact. Emphasis should be placed on quantifying the impact of their research where possible, demonstrating ROI.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The provided salary range for this role is $174,391 - $217,989 USD per year. This range is competitive for a Senior UX Researcher position in high-cost-of-living areas like Denver and Oakland, reflecting the experience level and strategic importance of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is based on Fivetran's stated compensation transparency and is typical for senior-level UX Research roles in major US tech hubs. The company notes that the final compensation will be determined by factors such as specific location within the specified range, candidate experience, skills, education, business needs, and market demands.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance: 100% employer-paid for medical insurance, with potential variations by country/worker type.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Includes PTO, paid sick time, inclusive parental leave, company holidays (including a year-end Global Week of Rest), and volunteer days off.

• Equity: RSU stock grants are offered as part of the compensation package.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for professional development and training to enhance skills and career growth.

• Team & Social: Company virtual happy hours, free food, and fun team-building activities to foster camaraderie.

• Technology Stipend: Monthly cell phone stipend to support communication needs.

• Mental Health Support: Access to an innovative mental health support platform offering personalized care, therapy, coaching, and self-guided mindfulness exercises for employees and dependents.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position. While specific daily hours are not detailed, a standard 40-hour work week is assumed, with a hybrid arrangement requiring two days per week in the office. The company culture appears to support flexibility within this framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, emphasizing employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance, which are attractive to experienced professionals. The inclusion of RSU stock grants indicates an opportunity for long-term financial upside.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fivetran operates in the Data Infrastructure and SaaS industry, specifically focusing on automated data movement and the modern data stack. They are currently integrating with dbt Labs, further solidifying their position as a leader in data transformation and analytics engineering.

Company Size: Fivetran is a significant player in the tech landscape, with a size that allows for both large-scale impact and agile operations. The integration with dbt Labs will further expand its global footprint.

Founded: Fivetran was founded with a clear mission to simplify data access, positioning itself as a critical enabler for data-driven organizations. The company's history is marked by rapid growth and innovation in the data space.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team is part of the larger Product organization, indicating close alignment with product development and strategy. The role reports to the Director of UX Research.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, with strong partnerships expected between UX Researchers, Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers.

• The company culture emphasizes a "Get Stuck In," "Do the Right Thing," and "One Team, One Dream" ethos, promoting a proactive, ethical, and unified approach to work. Methodology:

• Fivetran emphasizes a data-driven approach, leveraging research and analytics to inform product decisions.

• Workflow optimization and efficiency are core to their product offering and likely reflected in their internal operations.

• The company's mission of making data access simple and reliable suggests a focus on user-centric design and robust system performance.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The integration with dbt Labs is a significant factor, suggesting a period of dynamic change and opportunity for employees to contribute to shaping a combined entity. Understanding the combined company's vision and how Fivetran and dbt Labs complement each other will be key for candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Researcher position. It signifies a mid-to-senior level role requiring independent project leadership, strategic input, and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced researchers and cross-functional partners. The role is expected to drive significant research programs and influence product direction.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher will report directly to the Director of UX Research. This provides a clear line of management and mentorship within the UX Research discipline.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's impact is crucial for Fivetran's success. By deeply understanding customer needs and translating them into actionable product insights, this role directly influences the development of user-friendly, effective data solutions. This, in turn, drives customer adoption, satisfaction, and retention, ultimately contributing to revenue growth and market leadership in the modern data stack.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Research: Opportunities to lead larger, more complex research initiatives, potentially shaping the future of the UX Research practice at Fivetran.

• Mentorship and Skill Development: The chance to mentor junior researchers and collaborate closely with product and design teams, fostering a culture of user-centricity and continuous learning.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Deepening understanding of the data infrastructure and SaaS industries through close collaboration with product, engineering, and analytics.

• Career Advancement: Potential to progress into Lead UX Researcher, Principal UX Researcher, or management roles within the UX Research or Product teams as the company and department grow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title combined with reporting to a Director suggests a path toward Principal or Lead roles, especially within a growing company. The emphasis on influencing product strategy indicates that this role is more than just executing studies; it's about being a strategic partner in product development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fivetran offers a hybrid work model. This means a blend of remote flexibility and in-person collaboration. Employees are expected to be in the office for two days per week.

Office Location(s): The role is based out of either Fivetran's Oakland, California or Denver, Colorado office. This offers candidates flexibility in choosing their preferred location within these regions.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model is designed to foster collaboration, team building, and spontaneous idea exchange, which are crucial for innovation in product development.

• Expect access to modern office facilities designed to support collaborative work, team meetings, and focused individual work.

• The close proximity to Product, Design, and Engineering teams within the office environment facilitates direct interaction and rapid feedback loops.

• The company's focus on data and technology suggests an environment that is likely to be well-equipped with the necessary tools and infrastructure to support research and development activities.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, with a standard 40-hour work week expected. The hybrid schedule allows for flexibility in managing work-life balance, with the requirement of two in-office days per week for collaborative activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key differentiator. Candidates should consider their comfort level with this structure, balancing remote work flexibility with the benefits of in-person collaboration, especially for activities like ideation and team building.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your career path and motivations for applying.

• Hiring Manager Interview: You will likely meet with the Director of UX Research to discuss your experience in detail, your research philosophy, and how you approach complex problems.

• Portfolio Presentation: This is a critical step. You will be asked to present a detailed walkthrough of 1-2 key research projects from your portfolio. Focus on demonstrating your process, the challenges you faced, your decision-making, and the impact of your work. Be prepared for deep dives into your methodology and findings.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Expect to interview with Product Managers, Designers, and potentially Engineers. These interviews will assess your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively with different disciplines, and understand their perspectives.

• Final Round/Executive Interview: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader to assess strategic thinking and overall fit with Fivetran's culture and vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best represent your senior-level capabilities, showcasing a range of methodologies and significant impact. Tailor your selection to Fivetran's domain (data, SaaS, B2B).

• Tell a Story: Structure each case study as a narrative: the problem, your approach, the execution, the insights, and the outcome/impact. Clearly articulate the "why" behind your decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your research. This could include metrics related to user adoption, task completion rates, satisfaction scores, or business outcomes.

• Showcase Process: Clearly outline your research process, including how you defined research questions, selected methodologies, recruited participants, and synthesized findings. Highlight any innovative approaches or problem-solving tactics.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, your rationale for specific choices, and how you handled challenges or unexpected findings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology & Strategy: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research challenge related to Fivetran's products or target users. This might involve designing a study or outlining a research plan for a hypothetical scenario.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would manage conflicting stakeholder needs or present research findings that challenge existing assumptions.

• Data Synthesis: Be ready to discuss how you integrate qualitative insights with quantitative data and analytics to form a holistic understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio presentation and cross-functional collaboration. Candidates should prepare thoroughly for these stages, ensuring their portfolio is polished and their communication skills are sharp. Understanding Fivetran's product and customer base will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for participant recruitment, scheduling, and remote usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze).

• Survey Tools: Platforms for designing, distributing, and analyzing surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Qualtrics).

• Collaboration & Documentation: Tools for team collaboration, note-taking, and knowledge sharing (e.g., Confluence, Notion, Google Workspace).

• Presentation Software: Tools for creating compelling visual presentations (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote).

• AI Tools: As mentioned, experience using AI to aid in study planning, synthesis, and efficiency is a requirement. Specific tools may vary, but familiarity with AI-powered research assistants is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in analyzing qualitative data (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail) and quantitative data (e.g., Excel, R, Python for statistical analysis).

• SQL: Preferred skill for data extraction and analysis, enabling deeper insights by combining research data with product usage or customer data.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarity with BI platforms (e.g., Tableau, Looker) for understanding product usage metrics and performance dashboards.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a UX Researcher tool, an understanding of CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can provide context on customer journeys and data management practices relevant to Fivetran's user base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of SQL and BI tool familiarity as preferred skills highlights the company's desire for researchers who can go beyond traditional qualitative methods and leverage data for deeper, more integrated insights. The explicit mention of AI tools signals a modern and efficient research operation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Get Stuck In: A proactive, hands-on approach to tackling challenges and contributing to team success. This translates to taking ownership of research projects and actively seeking solutions.

• Do the Right Thing: An ethical commitment to user privacy, data integrity, and making decisions that are fair and beneficial for both users and the company. This includes rigorous methodology and honest reporting.

• One Team, One Dream: Emphasizes collaboration, mutual support, and a shared commitment to Fivetran's mission. Researchers are expected to work seamlessly with cross-functional partners, fostering a unified approach to product development.

• User-Centricity: A deep-seated value of understanding and prioritizing user needs to build products that deliver exceptional value and solve real problems.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Researchers are embedded within product teams and work closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, fostering a collaborative and iterative design process.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encouragement of constructive feedback exchange among team members to continuously improve research quality and product outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values sharing learnings, best practices, and research insights across teams to foster organizational learning and alignment.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: A collective approach that values evidence-based decision-making, where research findings are integrated with data and analytics to guide strategic choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Fivetran's core values are directly applicable to the UX Researcher role, emphasizing not just technical skills but also the behavioral attributes that contribute to a high-performing, collaborative team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: In a fast-growing company and during a period of integration with dbt Labs, researchers may face evolving priorities and less defined project scopes. Developing strategies to manage and thrive in ambiguity is key.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing diverse and sometimes competing needs from Product, Design, Engineering, and Sales teams requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Demonstrating ROI: Clearly articulating the tangible business impact of UX research to stakeholders can be challenging, requiring robust synthesis and compelling storytelling.

• Keeping Pace with Innovation: The data industry and UX research methodologies are constantly evolving. Staying current with new tools, techniques, and AI advancements is an ongoing challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Methodologies: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized research techniques or explore new methods relevant to the data industry.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the data infrastructure, SaaS, and analytics engineering markets through direct engagement with Fivetran and dbt Labs products and customers.

• Leadership Development: Potential to take on research leadership roles, mentor junior team members, and contribute to shaping the UX Research function's strategy.

• Cross-Functional Skill Building: Learning from experts in Product Management, Design, Engineering, and Data Analytics to broaden one's understanding of the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The integration with dbt Labs presents both a challenge and a significant growth opportunity, offering exposure to a broader product suite and customer base. Candidates should be prepared to adapt and contribute to this evolving landscape.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders with research findings that contradicted their initial beliefs. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses stakeholder management, communication, and influence.)

• "How would you approach designing a research study to understand the primary pain points of data engineers using complex data integration tools?" (Tests methodology selection, problem framing, and domain understanding.)

• "Walk me through a research project where you synthesized both qualitative and quantitative data. What were the key insights, and how did they shape the product?" (Evaluates synthesis skills, mixed-method proficiency, and impact articulation.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Fivetran and dbt Labs, what do you see as the biggest UX research opportunities for the combined company?" (Assesses research initiative, company understanding, and strategic thinking.)

• "How do you embody Fivetran's core values (Get Stuck In, Do the Right Thing, One Team, One Dream) in your day-to-day work as a UX Researcher?" (Evaluates cultural fit and behavioral alignment.)

• "How do you ensure your research efforts align with business objectives and contribute to measurable outcomes?" (Tests business acumen and focus on impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Deep Dive into Impact: For each presented project, dedicate significant time to detailing the "so what?" – the specific product changes, strategic shifts, or business outcomes that resulted from your research.

• Methodological Justification: Be prepared to explain why you chose specific research methods, how you adapted them, and how they were the most effective for answering your research questions.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Highlight instances where you effectively collaborated with product managers, designers, or engineers, demonstrating your ability to integrate research into the workflow.

• Handling Challenges: Be open about any challenges encountered (e.g., recruitment difficulties, unexpected findings, stakeholder resistance) and how you navigated them. This demonstrates resilience and problem-solving skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific examples that align with Fivetran's industry (data, SaaS) and their core values. Demonstrating an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the modern data stack will be crucial for showcasing strategic thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Fivetran careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects relevant to B2B SaaS, data infrastructure, or complex technical products. Quantify impact with metrics wherever possible and clearly articulate your research process.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your years of experience, expertise in mixed-method research, and specific achievements in influencing product development. Use keywords from the job description like "user research," "qualitative," "quantitative," "stakeholder management," and "product strategy."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research philosophy, walking through your portfolio case studies, and preparing answers to common UX research and behavioral questions. Be ready to discuss your experience with AI tools.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Fivetran's products, their mission, their core values, and the recent integration with dbt Labs. Understand their target customers and the challenges they face in the data landscape.

⚠️ 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.