Senior UX Researcher, Fauna

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher, Fauna

Company: Amazon

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: 2026-08-15

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive foundational user research initiatives to define and validate the user experience for a new category of robotics products.

• Establish and lead a comprehensive UX research practice, including study design, participant recruitment, data collection, and insightful reporting.

• Translate complex user needs and behaviors into actionable product insights that directly inform strategic product roadmap decisions.

• Develop and track key user experience metrics that measure the success and adoption of robotics products from initial release through long-term use.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, product management, and engineering teams to ensure user-centered design principles are integrated throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Foster a culture of continuous learning and data-driven decision-making by mentoring and coaching stakeholders across the organization on research best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a foundational UX Research lead within Fauna Robotics, an Amazon company, focusing on a novel product category. The emphasis on "0 to 1 product" and "establishing a research practice" indicates a high degree of autonomy and strategic influence, requiring a candidate who can build processes from the ground up and connect research directly to business outcomes, particularly in the nascent field of consumer robotics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Proactively identify the riskiest product assumptions and design research plans to address them, aligning with the Fauna Robotics product roadmap.

• Design, recruit for, and execute end-to-end research studies, encompassing lab sessions, in-field ethnography (homes, offices), concept evaluations, and longitudinal use studies.

• Define, implement, and monitor key user experience metrics, such as task success rates, first-run experience quality, user satisfaction, and retention signals, for iterative product improvement.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative research findings into clear, compelling narratives and actionable recommendations, delivered in a timely manner to facilitate cost-effective product iterations.

• Partner closely with Design, Product Management, and Engineering teams to ensure research insights are understood, integrated, and lead to the realization of exceptional user experiences.

• Champion a proactive approach to measurement and reflection by coaching and educating cross-functional team members on the value and application of user research methodologies.

• Contribute to the development of human-robot interaction (HRI) best practices and establish foundational user experience patterns for this emerging product category.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic research planning, hands-on execution across diverse methodologies, and a strong emphasis on driving product impact. The role requires not only research expertise but also the ability to build a research function and influence product strategy in a new domain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction Design (HCDE), Human Factors, Cognitive Psychology, or a closely related field.

• Master's degree in Human Factors, HCDE, Cognitive Psychology, or an equivalent advanced degree is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of proven success in leading User Research projects with demonstrated impact on product development and user experience.

• Extensive hands-on experience across a broad spectrum of research methodologies, including:

  • Field research and ethnography.
  • Lab-based user testing.
  • Remote testing protocols.
  • Paper prototype testing.
  • Iterative prototype testing.
  • Concept testing.
  • Survey design and deployment.

• Comprehensive experience managing all facets of the research process, from study design and participant recruitment to moderation, data analysis, and comprehensive reporting.

• Proficiency in behavioral data collection, quantitative data analysis, and statistical interpretation to derive meaningful insights. Required Skills:

• Expertise in user research methodologies, with a strong emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

• Demonstrated ability to connect research findings to concrete product outcomes and strategic business objectives.

• Proficiency in designing and executing research studies for "0 to 1" products or in entirely new product categories.

• Strong analytical skills for interpreting complex behavioral and quantitative data sets.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate research findings and recommendations to diverse stakeholders.

• Experience in establishing and scaling research practices within an organization.

• Familiarity with human-computer interaction (HCI) principles and their application. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with human-robot interaction (HRI), conversational AI, agentic systems, or other embodied user experiences.

• Experience conducting longitudinal or in-home research with physical products.

• Experience utilizing AI-assisted tools to enhance research workflows and data analysis.

• Ability to define and track user experience metrics for physical products.

• Experience working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments common in emerging technology sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a senior-level researcher capable of building and leading a research practice from scratch in a novel domain. The blend of foundational research skills, strategic thinking, and specific domain interest (HRI, physical products) is critical. The "0 to 1" product experience is a key differentiator, suggesting a need for someone comfortable with ambiguity and pioneering new approaches.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing past work experience and key deliverables is mandatory for application.

• Portfolio should clearly demonstrate a track record of leading user research projects from inception to impact, with specific examples of how research influenced product decisions.

• Include examples of study plans, detailed research reports, user personas, journey maps, and any other relevant research artifacts.

• Showcase experience in defining and measuring user experience metrics, demonstrating how these metrics were used to drive product improvements.

• Highlight instances where research was conducted in ambiguous or novel product spaces, demonstrating adaptability and strategic thinking. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of designing and documenting research processes, including participant recruitment strategies, consent protocols, and data management procedures.

• Examples of creating and refining research methodologies for different stages of product development, from discovery to validation.

• Documentation illustrating the systematic analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data to extract actionable insights.

• Case studies demonstrating the translation of research findings into concrete design recommendations and product specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as tangible proof of the candidate's ability to execute research and drive impact. The emphasis should be on demonstrating end-to-end ownership, strategic thinking in ambiguous environments, and the ability to connect research to measurable product outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The base salary range for this position in New York, New York, United States is $167,400 - $226,500 USD annually. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance package, including:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
  • Prescription drug coverage.
  • Basic Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
  • Option for Supplemental life insurance plans.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Mental Health Support services.

• Access to a Medical Advice Line.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.

• Reimbursement coverage for Adoption and Surrogacy expenses.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.

• Parental leave benefits.

• Additional compensation components:

  • Sign-on payments.

  • Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to New York City and reflects a senior-level position within a major tech company like Amazon. The comprehensive benefits package, including sign-on bonuses and RSUs, is typical for such roles and offers significant total compensation beyond the base salary. The mention of sign-on payments and RSUs indicates a competitive total rewards strategy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Consumer Electronics, E-commerce Technology.

Company Size: Amazon is a large, multinational technology company with a vast workforce, operating in a highly competitive and innovative market. Fauna Robotics, as a specific division, likely maintains a dynamic and fast-paced startup-like environment within the larger Amazon ecosystem.

Founded: Amazon was founded in 1994. Fauna Robotics is a newer initiative, likely established to spearhead advancements in robotics for everyday life.

Team Structure:

• The Fauna Robotics team is likely composed of specialized groups focusing on hardware engineering, software development (including AI/ML), control systems, mechanical design, and user experience.

• The UX Research function will report into a product or design leadership structure, with close ties to product management and engineering.

• Cross-functional collaboration is critical, with UX Researchers working daily with designers, product managers, and engineers to integrate user insights into product development. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core tenet at Amazon, and this extends to user research. Insights derived from research are expected to be quantitative and qualitative, rigorously analyzed to inform strategy.

• Workflow planning and optimization are continuous processes, with a focus on agility and iterative development, especially in a new product category.

• Automation and efficiency are key drivers, with an emphasis on building scalable systems and processes that can support rapid innovation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's culture is known for its high standards, customer obsession, and data-driven approach. For Fauna Robotics, this likely translates to a fast-paced, innovative environment where user experience is paramount, especially in a new domain. The team structure emphasizes deep specialization and cross-functional collaboration to tackle complex, integrated hardware-software challenges.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior UX Researcher, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It signifies a need for demonstrated leadership in research execution and strategy, with the ability to operate with significant autonomy. The role is foundational for the Fauna Robotics UX practice, suggesting potential for growth into lead or management positions as the team expands.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager of UX Research or Product, with a dotted line into the Fauna Robotics product leadership. They will work closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineering Leads.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Researcher will have a direct and significant impact on the success of Fauna Robotics by ensuring that the robots developed are not only functional but also safe, intuitive, and genuinely desired by consumers for everyday life. Their research will shape product strategy, mitigate risks, and define the core user experience of a potentially transformative product category.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in human-robot interaction (HRI), embodied AI, and the unique research challenges of physical products.

• Leadership: Potential to grow into a UX Research Lead or Manager role, building and mentoring a team as Fauna Robotics scales.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the entire user experience strategy for a new product category, influencing product roadmaps and long-term vision.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain experience working across diverse engineering disciplines (hardware, software, AI) within a large tech organization.

• Amazon Internal Mobility: Access to broader career development opportunities within Amazon's extensive network of businesses and teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential due to its foundational nature and the exciting, nascent field of consumer robotics. The candidate can expect to build a practice, influence product direction, and potentially lead teams, leveraging Amazon's vast resources for professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role, implying a dedicated office space within Amazon's New York City facilities. This environment is designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): New York, New York, United States. This location offers access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and diverse user populations for research.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a collaborative environment designed to facilitate interaction between UX researchers, designers, product managers, and engineers.

• Access to necessary research tools, software, and potentially lab facilities for prototype testing will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the Fauna Robotics product development teams will be frequent, enabling close alignment and rapid iteration cycles. Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, with an expected 40-hour work week. While on-site, the environment at Amazon often balances structured work with flexibility to accommodate deep work sessions and collaborative sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in New York City suggests a collaborative, in-person work environment essential for the rapid iteration and close teamwork needed in developing cutting-edge hardware and software products.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will review applications, with a strong emphasis on the candidate's resume and portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to discuss the candidate's portfolio, focusing on research methodology, impact, and strategic thinking. Be prepared to walk through specific case studies.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about the candidate's experience, leadership potential, and fit with the Fauna Robotics mission.

• Team Interviews: Interviews with cross-functional partners (Design, Product, Engineering) to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and technical understanding relevant to robotics.

• Bar Raiser/Leadership Interview: A final interview, often with a senior leader not directly involved in the hiring team, to ensure the candidate meets Amazon's high bar for talent.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the research methods used, key findings, and the impact on the product.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the tangible outcomes of your research (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "increased user satisfaction by Y%", "identified Z critical usability issues that were subsequently resolved").

• Showcase "0 to 1" Experience: Highlight projects where you established research practices, defined new metrics, or navigated significant ambiguity.

• Demonstrate Methodological Breadth: Include examples of diverse research techniques, from ethnography to lab testing and survey design.

• Tailor to Robotics: If possible, include examples that touch upon physical products, hardware interactions, or complex systems, even if not directly robotics.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach research challenges specific to human-robot interaction, such as user trust, safety concerns, and the nuances of embodied experiences.

• Practice articulating how you would define and measure user experience metrics for a physical product that interacts with its environment and users.

• Think about how you would foster a "culture of proactive measurement and reflection" within a team of engineers and designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at Amazon is rigorous, and the portfolio review is a critical component. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that demonstrate their ability to conduct impactful research in novel domains and influence product strategy.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for remote usability testing, survey creation, and participant management (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).

• Collaboration & Documentation: Tools like Confluence, Jira, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), and potentially specialized diagramming tools (e.g., Miro, Lucidchart).

• Data Analysis Software: Statistical packages or libraries for quantitative analysis (e.g., R, Python with libraries like Pandas/SciPy, SPSS, Excel).

• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to understand and test prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or similar for creating dashboards and reports to communicate research findings and metrics.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation and analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user feedback and insights integrate into product development workflows managed by Product Management and Engineering (potentially using tools like Jira, Asana) is beneficial.

• Familiarity with systems that track user feedback and bug reports is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role implies proficiency in standard UX research software, data analysis tools, and collaboration platforms. Knowledge of tools used in hardware/software development and product management, such as Jira, is also beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: Deeply understanding and advocating for the needs and experiences of the end-user, ensuring robots are "welcome in human spaces."

• Bias for Action: Driving research initiatives forward efficiently, delivering insights quickly to inform product decisions.

• Invent and Simplify: Developing innovative research methodologies and simplifying complex user needs into clear, actionable insights.

• Ownership: Taking full responsibility for the UX research practice, from planning to execution and impact.

• Deliver Results: Focusing on research outcomes that directly contribute to the success and adoption of Fauna Robotics products.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working hand-in-hand with design, product management, and engineering teams to integrate user insights throughout the product lifecycle.

• Proactive in sharing findings and fostering a shared understanding of user needs across the organization.

• Open to feedback and iterative refinement of research processes and findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core Amazon leadership principles (Customer Obsession, Ownership, Invent and Simplify, Bias for Action, Deliver Results) are likely deeply embedded in the Fauna Robotics team culture, driving a high-performance, user-centric approach to innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining a New Category: Researching and defining user needs and expectations for a product category that doesn't yet exist, requiring significant foundational work and exploration.

• Human-Robot Interaction Nuances: Navigating the complexities of human comfort, trust, safety, and interaction with autonomous physical agents in domestic and professional settings.

• Bridging Hardware & Software: Integrating user insights across both physical hardware design and sophisticated software/AI functionalities.

• Balancing Innovation with Rigor: Establishing a robust research practice while operating in a fast-paced, "0 to 1" product development environment.

• Data Interpretation: Synthesizing diverse data streams (qualitative observations, quantitative metrics, behavioral data) into coherent and actionable insights.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized HRI Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge in human-robot interaction principles, safety protocols, and ethical considerations.

• Product Strategy Leadership: Developing skills in influencing product roadmaps and strategic direction for a novel technology.

• Building a Practice: Gaining invaluable experience in establishing and scaling a UX research function from the ground up.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Deepening understanding of robotics engineering, AI, and software development through close collaboration.

• Amazon Mentorship & Resources: Access to Amazon's extensive internal training, mentorship programs, and professional development resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are significant but present unique opportunities for growth. Success in this role will require adaptability, a pioneering spirit, and a strong desire to push the boundaries of user experience in robotics.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach researching user needs for a robot designed for everyday home use, where there are no established user patterns?"

• "Describe a time you had to define new user experience metrics for a novel product or feature. What were those metrics, and how did you track them?"

• "Imagine you've identified a significant risk in the product roadmap based on early research. How would you communicate this to senior stakeholders and influence the direction?"

• "How would you balance the need for rigorous research with the fast-paced demands of a '0 to 1' product development cycle?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working on robotics for everyday life, and specifically with Fauna Robotics at Amazon?"

• "How do you see your research approach aligning with Amazon's customer obsession and 'Invent and Simplify' principles?"

• "Describe your experience working in cross-functional teams. How do you ensure your research findings are effectively integrated by design and engineering?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, the user problem, your research process, key insights, and the tangible impact your work had on the product or business.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, reports, personas) to illustrate your process and findings.

• Address Ambiguity: Highlight projects where you navigated uncertainty, defined new research approaches, or worked with nascent concepts.

• Quantify: Use numbers and data to support your claims about impact and effectiveness.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, data analysis, and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, the ability to build and execute research in ambiguous environments, and a clear understanding of how research drives product success, especially in a complex domain like robotics.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Amazon Jobs portal at https://www.amazon.jobs/en/jobs/10503151.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful UX research projects that best showcase your experience with novel products, end-to-end research ownership, and ability to drive product outcomes. Ensure each project clearly articulates the problem, your role, methodology, findings, and demonstrated impact.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly from the job description, such as "field research," "ethnography," "0 to 1 product," "human-robot interaction," and "defining experience metrics." Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Prepare for Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your chosen portfolio projects concisely, focusing on storytelling, methodology rationale, and quantifiable impact. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your process and decisions.

• Research Fauna Robotics & Amazon: Understand the company's mission, the challenges of building consumer robotics, and Amazon's leadership principles to articulate your alignment and enthusiasm.

⚠️ 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.