User Experience Design Researcher

Exol
Full-timeโ€ข$96k-132k/year (USD)โ€ขWilmington, United States

๐Ÿ“ Job Overview

Job Title: User Experience Design Researcher

Company: Exol

Location: Wilmington, MA - HQ

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-18

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

๐Ÿš€ Role Summary

  • Design and iteratively evolve user interfaces for AI-powered robotic and supply chain software solutions, focusing on intuitive user experiences.

  • Develop wireframes, high-fidelity designs, and interactive prototypes to translate user needs and business goals into tangible design concepts.

  • Collaborate closely with UX researchers, product managers, and engineers to ensure designs are user-centered, technically feasible, and aligned with product strategy.

  • Contribute to and maintain a cohesive design system, ensuring consistency and scalability across all product interfaces.

  • Support usability testing initiatives by partnering with researchers to gather feedback and refine designs for optimal user interaction.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a technology company focused on supply chain automation, implying a need for UX professionals who can translate complex technical processes into user-friendly interfaces. The emphasis on "robotic systems and software interfaces" suggests a blend of hardware interaction and digital application design.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Create innovative design concepts for robotics interfaces and related software applications, aligning with user needs and business objectives.

  • Produce detailed wireframes to map out user flows, screen layouts, and interaction patterns for robotic systems and software applications.

  • Evolve wireframes into high-fidelity designs, incorporating iterative feedback to enhance usability, accessibility, and visual appeal.

  • Actively participate in cross-functional team meetings with UX researchers, product managers, and engineers to integrate user insights and technical constraints into design solutions.

  • Build interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools to effectively test and validate design concepts with stakeholders and end-users.

  • Partner with UX researchers to support usability testing sessions, translating findings into actionable design improvements.

  • Contribute to the development and maintenance of a comprehensive design system to ensure consistent user experiences across the product ecosystem.

  • Stay abreast of emerging UX design trends, tools, and technologies, with a specific focus on applications within robotics and supply chain automation.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with a strong emphasis on the iterative design process, from concept to high-fidelity. The need to "support usability testing" and "maintain design systems" indicates a structured approach to design within the organization, requiring attention to detail and collaborative execution.

เฎ•เฎฒเฏ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelorโ€™s degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in UX design, with a preference for candidates who have worked with complex technical systems, robotics, or in the supply chain industry.

Required Skills:

  • Demonstrated proficiency in design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar platforms for creating wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity designs.

  • Experience in developing interactive prototypes using tools like InVision, Figma, or Adobe XD to effectively communicate design intent and test user flows.

  • Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies, applied to create intuitive and effective user interfaces.

  • Excellent visual design skills with a keen eye for detail, aesthetics, and user interface consistency.

  • Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate and defend design decisions to diverse stakeholder groups.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience designing user interfaces for hardware-software integrated systems, particularly in the context of robotics.

  • Familiarity with supply chain operations or the specific challenges and workflows within warehouse automation.

  • Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and experience in applying them to ensure inclusive and universally usable designs.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for 2+ years of experience suggests this is not an entry-level role, but rather one where candidates can hit the ground running with foundational UX skills. The preference for experience in complex technical systems or robotics indicates the company values domain-specific understanding, which can significantly impact design effectiveness in this niche.

๐Ÿ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct UX design projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of the end-to-end design process, from research and ideation to final execution.

  • Include detailed case studies for each project, highlighting the specific user problems addressed, your role and contributions, the design solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes.

  • Present wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups for selected projects, demonstrating proficiency with design tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.

  • For projects involving complex systems or hardware interaction, clearly articulate system workflows and how the UX design facilitates seamless integration and operation.

Process Documentation:

  • Demonstrate your ability to document design processes, including user research methodologies, ideation techniques, and iterative feedback loops.

  • Provide examples of how you have contributed to or maintained design systems, illustrating your understanding of component-based design and style guides.

  • Showcase how you have collaborated with engineering and product management teams, detailing the handoff process and your approach to ensuring design fidelity during implementation.

  • Include evidence of how you have incorporated usability testing feedback to refine designs, detailing the process from test planning to design iteration.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: For UX roles, a strong portfolio is paramount. This section emphasizes the need for detailed case studies that illustrate not just visual design skills but also the candidate's problem-solving process, understanding of user needs in a technical context, and ability to collaborate effectively.

๐Ÿ’ต Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $96,000 - $132,000 per year (USD)

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

  • Disability insurance coverage.

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company match.

  • Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and personal days.

  • Potential for other benefits as determined by the company.

Working Hours: Standard full-time workweek, estimated at 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a UX Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the Massachusetts area, reflecting the specialized nature of UX for robotics and AI. The inclusion of a hybrid work arrangement indicates a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

๐ŸŽฏ Team & Company Context

๐Ÿข Company Culture

Industry: Automation Technology / Supply Chain & Logistics / Robotics / Software

Company Size: Exol (Symbotic) is a significant player in the automation technology sector, with a workforce that indicates a medium to large enterprise structure, enabling robust project teams and cross-functional collaboration. This size allows for both structured processes and opportunities for individual impact.

Founded: Symbotic was founded with a vision to revolutionize supply chain logistics through advanced automation. This history suggests a culture driven by innovation, technological advancement, and a forward-thinking approach to solving complex industry challenges.

Team Structure:

  • The UX Design team likely operates within a larger Product Development or Engineering department.

  • It is structured to foster collaboration between UX Designers, UX Researchers, Product Managers, and Software Engineers.

Methodology:

  • Employs a user-centered design methodology, integrating UX research and design thinking into the product development lifecycle.

  • Focuses on iterative design and development, using feedback loops to refine product interfaces and functionalities.

  • Leverages agile development practices to ensure flexibility and rapid response to market and user needs.

Company Website: www.symbotic.com

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: Understanding Exol's (Symbotic's) industry focus is critical. Their mission to revolutionize supply chains with AI-powered robotics means the UX team is at the forefront of designing interfaces for cutting-edge industrial technology. This requires a unique blend of technical understanding and user empathy.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level User Experience Designer, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of professional experience. It involves contributing to design strategy and execution, with opportunities to take ownership of specific features or product areas.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a UX Manager, Lead Designer, or Director of Product Design. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads on project teams.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work directly influences the efficiency, usability, and adoption of Symbotic's AI-powered robotic systems and software. Effective UX design can lead to reduced training times, fewer operational errors, increased throughput, and higher overall customer satisfaction, directly impacting the company's value proposition and competitive edge in the supply chain automation market.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for robotics, AI interfaces, or industrial automation. Opportunities to become a subject matter expert in specific product areas.

  • Leadership Track: Progress to a Senior UX Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing more significantly to design strategy.

  • Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into Product Management or specialized UX research roles, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and product development.

  • Continuous Learning: Access to industry conferences, training, and internal workshops focused on the latest UX trends and technologies relevant to automation and AI.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: For a mid-level UX Designer, growth often involves both deepening technical expertise and expanding leadership capabilities. Symbotic's innovative field offers unique opportunities for specialization in a high-demand niche.

๐ŸŒ Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Wilmington, MA, at the company's HQ. It is described as a hybrid role, indicating a balance between working from the office and remotely.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Wilmington, MA. This location serves as the company's headquarters, suggesting it's a hub for innovation and key decision-making.

Workspace Context:

  • The office environment likely supports collaboration, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated design labs or areas for brainstorming.

  • Access to necessary design tools, software, and hardware for prototyping and testing will be provided.

  • Opportunities for direct interaction with engineering and product teams will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and integrated work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour workweek is expected, with the hybrid arrangement allowing for flexibility in scheduling days in the office versus working remotely. This structure supports ongoing project work and team collaboration.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid model suggests a modern work environment that values flexibility while recognizing the importance of in-person collaboration for design-centric roles. The HQ location implies exposure to core company operations and strategic discussions.

๐Ÿ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, assessing basic qualifications and experience.

  • Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, detailing your process, challenges, and outcomes. Focus on projects that showcase your ability to design for complex systems or technical applications.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, design philosophy, problem-solving skills, and how you approach collaboration. Questions may include behavioral and situational scenarios.

  • Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with other UX designers, researchers, product managers, or engineers to assess cultural fit, technical skills, and collaborative potential.

  • Design Challenge (Potential): You may be asked to complete a take-home design exercise or a live design critique to evaluate your practical design skills and problem-solving approach in a simulated scenario.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select projects that best align with the requirements of this role โ€“ specifically, those involving complex interfaces, technical systems, or industrial applications.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your process, your specific contributions, the rationale behind your design decisions, and the impact/results. Use visuals effectively.

  • Highlight Process: Emphasize your iterative design approach, how you incorporated user feedback, and your collaboration with cross-functional teams.

  • Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or measurable outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved usability scores, increased efficiency, reduced errors).

  • Be Prepared to Defend: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs you made, and how you handled challenges or disagreements.

Challenge Preparation:

  • If a design challenge is given, thoroughly understand the prompt and constraints. Prioritize core user needs and functional requirements.

  • For live design critiques, be ready to articulate your thought process clearly and concisely, and be open to constructive feedback.

  • Practice presenting your work and ideas under time constraints, focusing on clear communication and logical reasoning.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process for UX roles heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates should meticulously prepare their portfolio to showcase problem-solving abilities and design process, especially for a niche area like robotics UX.

๐Ÿ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Design & Wireframing: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (Proficiency required in at least one).

  • Prototyping: InVision, Figma, Adobe XD (Experience with interactive mockups is essential).

  • Collaboration: Tools for team communication and project management (e.g., Slack, Jira, Confluence).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • Understanding of how user data and feedback are managed within CRM systems or automation platforms can provide context for the user journey.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard UX design tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is a baseline requirement. Experience with prototyping tools is crucial for demonstrating interactive design capabilities.

๐Ÿ‘ฅ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Innovation: A commitment to pushing technological boundaries and developing novel solutions for supply chain automation.

  • User-Centricity: A core belief in designing products that meet the needs of users and solve their real-world problems effectively.

  • Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals and deliver integrated solutions.

  • Excellence: Striving for high quality in design, engineering, and product delivery, with a focus on impactful results.

  • Efficiency: A continuous drive to optimize processes, workflows, and systems, both internally and for customers.

Collaboration Style:

  • Highly collaborative, with designers working closely within product teams comprising researchers, product managers, and engineers.

  • Open to feedback and iterative design processes, encouraging constructive critique to refine solutions.

  • Emphasis on clear communication and knowledge sharing to ensure alignment across disciplines.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The company's focus on AI and robotics suggests a culture that embraces cutting-edge technology and problem-solving. UX professionals who thrive in innovative, collaborative environments will be a good fit.

โšก Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Designing for Complexity: Translating intricate robotic operations and AI logic into interfaces that are intuitive and easy to use for operators and stakeholders.

  • Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Integrating user requirements with the specific capabilities and limitations of robotic hardware and software systems.

  • Adapting to Rapid Technological Advancements: Staying current with evolving AI, robotics, and automation technologies to ensure designs remain relevant and future-proof.

  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and execution of design vision across diverse teams with different priorities and technical backgrounds.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or courses focused on UX for industrial automation, AI interfaces, or robotics.

  • Industry Exposure: Engaging with cutting-edge technology and problem-solving in the dynamic supply chain and logistics sector.

  • Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced designers, researchers, and engineers within the organization.

  • Project Variety: Working on diverse projects that offer exposure to different aspects of the Symbotic platform and its applications.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be bridging the gap between complex industrial technology and user-friendly design. Growth opportunities will stem from mastering this niche and contributing to the company's innovative solutions.

๐Ÿ’ก Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to design an interface for a complex system with significant technical constraints. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and ability to balance factors.)

  • "How do you ensure your designs are user-centered when working with engineers who may prioritize technical feasibility? Provide an example." (Highlight your collaboration, communication, and advocacy for the user.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about designing for robotics and supply chain automation specifically?" (Demonstrate genuine interest and research into Symbotic's mission.)

  • "How do you approach maintaining consistency within a design system, especially when working on different product modules?" (Assess your understanding of design system principles and scalability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role, the research conducted, design process (wireframes, prototypes), key decisions, challenges faced, and final outcomes/impact.

  • Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively โ€“ show your wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, user flows, and any prototypes. Explain why you made certain design choices.

  • Quantify Impact: If possible, present data or metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs.

  • Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design decisions, trade-offs, and how you handled feedback or criticism.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a strong understanding of the UX design process, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate effectively, especially within a technical context. Demonstrating an understanding of Symbotic's specific industry will be a significant advantage.

๐Ÿ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this User Experience Design Researcher position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Exol/Symbotic careers portal.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in UX design, specifically mentioning proficiency in tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD, and any experience with complex technical systems, robotics, or supply chain environments. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio showcases 2-3 strong case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end UX process, problem-solving skills, and ability to design for technical applications. Focus on projects that align with the role's requirements.

  • Prepare for Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your case studies, clearly explaining your role, process, design decisions, and outcomes. Be ready to discuss your collaborative experiences.

  • Research Exol/Symbotic: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, technology, and the industry they operate in. Understand their AI-powered robotic platform and how UX contributes to its success.

โš ๏ธ 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.


Application Requirements

Requires a minimum of 2 years of professional UX design experience and a Bachelor's degree in Design, HCI, or a related field. Proficiency in tools like Figma or Adobe XD and experience with complex technical systems is required.