UX Qualitative Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Qualitative Researcher

Company: Hach

Location: Loveland, CO, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience / Research Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-21

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in-office, 1 day remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive impactful user experience improvements through the application of agile qualitative research methodologies.

• Conduct end-to-end research projects, from planning and execution to synthesis and actionable recommendation delivery for product teams.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with UX Designers, Engineers, Data Scientists, and Market Research teams to inform product strategy and development.

• Focus on identifying core user issues and translating insights into tangible product enhancements, particularly for hardware products.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a "User Experience team" and emphasizes a fast-paced, iterative culture. The focus on "20% of core issues causing 80% of user problems" and the need for a "drive to execute them without waiting for instruction" suggests a strong emphasis on efficiency, impact, and proactive problem-solving, typical of operations-minded roles within product development. The "hardware product research" requirement is a significant specialization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and execute comprehensive qualitative research studies, including customer interviews, field research, on-site visits, and iterative user testing.

• Select appropriate research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative) tailored to specific project goals and constraints.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights and recommendations for product development teams.

• Partner closely with UX Designers throughout the entire product lifecycle to validate concepts, refine designs, and enhance the end-to-end user experience.

• Document and effectively communicate research findings and their implications to stakeholders across various disciplines, including engineering, data science, and market research.

• Manage research agendas and schedules, defining and tracking user experience goals and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Drive the execution of research projects and potentially guide the work of additional resources as needed.

• Travel up to 20% of the time to conduct customer-facing research and field studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a full-cycle research process, emphasizing not just data collection but also synthesis, communication, and driving action. The "end-to-end product" experience and "driving execution" points suggest a need for project management and ownership skills, aligning with operations principles of process completion and outcome delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of research role.

Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of direct experience in applied qualitative research within an industry setting, with a strong emphasis on hardware product research. Additional 3+ years of experience managing end-to-end product research initiatives is required.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in conducting qualitative research activities: customer interviews, field research, on-site visits, and iterative user testing.

• Proficiency in selecting and applying a broad range of research methodologies, balancing both qualitative and quantitative techniques.

• Hands-on experience with user testing platforms, field research protocols, survey design, online user research tools, and experimentation platforms.

• Proven ability to analyze and interpret usage data to inform research insights.

• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with UX Designers, engineers, data scientists, and market researchers.

• Excellent documentation and presentation skills, capable of translating complex research findings into actionable recommendations.

• Experience in creating research agendas, defining UX goals, and tracking metrics.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with hardware product development cycles.

• Familiarity with data science principles and their application in user research.

• Experience in market research and competitive analysis.

• Knowledge of agile development methodologies and their integration with UX research.

• Ability to mentor or guide junior researchers or project team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "3+ years' experience in industry conducting applied research on consumer products with a depth in hardware product research" and "3+ years’ experience as a researcher on an end-to-end product" points to a need for practical, applied experience rather than purely academic knowledge. The "right balance between the two" for methodologies suggests a pragmatic approach to research.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase case studies demonstrating end-to-end qualitative research projects, from problem definition to actionable insights and impact.

• Highlight experience with hardware product research, detailing specific challenges and methodologies employed.

• Present examples of how research findings directly influenced product design decisions and led to measurable improvements in user experience or product performance.

• Include evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams (design, engineering, product management).

Process Documentation:

• Detail your systematic approach to defining research objectives and selecting appropriate methodologies for diverse project needs.

• Illustrate your process for synthesizing qualitative data, identifying key themes, and deriving actionable insights.

• Provide examples of how you communicate research findings and recommendations to stakeholders, including different presentation formats and strategies.

• Showcase your experience in integrating research findings into product development workflows and tracking the impact of implemented changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Researcher, a portfolio is critical. The emphasis on "end-to-end research," "actionable recommendations," and "impact" implies a need for case studies that demonstrate not just the research process but also its tangible business and user outcomes. The "hardware product research" specialization should be a prominent theme.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $105,000 - $120,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health benefits package (Medical, Dental, Vision insurance)

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Bonus Pay eligibility

Working Hours: The job description mentions "Flexible working hours" and a hybrid arrangement, suggesting a standard 40-hour work week with some flexibility. The primary focus is on delivering results and completing research cycles, rather than strict adherence to fixed hours, which is common for operations and research roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided. The mention of "Flexible working hours" and "hybrid work arrangement" indicates a modern approach to work-life balance. The "4 days in-office and 1 day remote" hybrid model is a specific detail to note.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Water Quality Technology / Environmental Monitoring. Hach is a part of Veralto, a global leader focused on ensuring access to clean water, safe food, and medicine.

Company Size: Veralto, the parent company, has 16,000 associates globally. Hach's specific size isn't detailed but operates within this large conglomerate. This implies a stable, well-resourced organization with established processes, but potentially with a dynamic, fast-paced product development environment.

Founded: Hach was founded in 1947. Veralto was formed in 2023. This history suggests a company with deep expertise and a long-standing commitment to its mission.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the "User Experience team."

• This team collaborates extensively with UX Designers, Engineering, Data Science, Market Research, Planning, and other project teams.

• The culture is described as "fast-paced," "iterative," and requiring professionals who "move quickly and provide insights which inspire."

Methodology:

• A blend of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies is expected.

• The approach is described as "agile," focusing on identifying core issues quickly and delivering actionable insights.

• Emphasis on "end-to-end" research and "iterative user testing."

Company Website: www.hach.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission around water quality and environmental impact is a significant cultural driver. The "agile" and "fast-paced" culture, combined with the "20% of core issues causing 80% of user problems" mentality, suggests a results-oriented environment where efficiency and impact are highly valued, aligning with operational excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role aligns with a mid-to-senior level UX Researcher position. It requires significant independent work, project ownership, and the ability to guide research strategy, suggesting a level beyond entry-level or junior roles. The expectation to "drive execution" and potentially guide others indicates a growing influence.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a UX team and works closely with UX Designers. The specific reporting manager is not detailed, but the structure implies collaboration within a product development or design function.

Operations Impact: The UX Qualitative Researcher directly impacts product strategy by uncovering user needs and pain points. Their insights inform design decisions, feature prioritization, and ultimately, the success of Hach's water quality solutions in the market. This role is crucial for ensuring products are user-centric, effective, and meet customer expectations, thereby contributing to customer satisfaction and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in hardware product research, specific user segments, or advanced qualitative/mixed-methods research techniques.

• Leadership: Potential to lead research initiatives, mentor junior researchers, or contribute to the strategic direction of the UX team's research practice.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Opportunity to move into Product Management, UX Design leadership, or related roles by leveraging deep user understanding.

• Learning & Development: Access to professional onboarding, training options, and career coaching provided by Hach/Veralto.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's emphasis on "owning your ambition," "fueling your career growth," and "career coaching and development opportunities" suggests a company that invests in employee development. The progression from researcher to influencing strategy and potentially leadership is a common career path in operations and product development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in Loveland, CO, and operates under a hybrid model, requiring 4 days in the office and 1 day remote. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed for team interaction, brainstorming, and in-person work.

Office Location(s): Loveland, CO, United States.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely set up to facilitate collaboration between UX designers, researchers, engineers, and other product development teams.

• Access to necessary tools and technology for research, data analysis, and communication is expected.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with colleagues will be present during the 4 office days.

Work Schedule: While flexible working hours are mentioned, the hybrid nature implies a structured schedule with dedicated in-office days for collaborative activities. The core expectation is the successful completion of research projects and delivery of insights within project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature (4 days in-office) is a key detail. This suggests a need for strong in-person collaboration skills alongside the ability to work autonomously remotely. The "powerful team looking forward to working with you" implies a supportive and collaborative team atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into experience, research methodologies, and understanding of the role's impact.

3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will likely present 1-2 key case studies from their portfolio, showcasing their research process, findings, and impact. This is a critical stage for UX Researchers.

4. Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with UX Designers, engineers, or other stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and technical understanding.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to confirm fit and discuss long-term career goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select case studies that clearly demonstrate how your research solved a significant user problem and led to positive product outcomes. Prioritize hardware product examples.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your research approach/methodology, your role, key findings, insights, recommendations, and the impact of those recommendations.

• Quantify Where Possible: While qualitative, try to include any metrics that show the impact of your work (e.g., reduction in support tickets, improvement in task completion rates, user satisfaction scores).

• Highlight Collaboration: Show how you worked with designers, engineers, and product managers.

• Be Prepared for "How": Articulate your decision-making process for choosing methodologies, recruiting participants, and synthesizing data. Be ready to discuss trade-offs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical research problem related to Hach's products or industry.

• Practice articulating your research process concisely and clearly.

• Be ready to discuss how you handle ambiguity, tight deadlines, and conflicting stakeholder needs.

• Research Hach's products and target users to inform your thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for a UX Researcher. The emphasis on "actionable recommendations" and "end-to-end research" means candidates must showcase their ability to deliver tangible value, not just collect data. The "agile" culture suggests a need to demonstrate speed and efficiency in research execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Testing Platforms: Tools for conducting remote or in-person usability tests (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze).

• Survey Tools: Platforms for creating and deploying surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms).

• Collaboration & Communication: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom for team communication and remote sessions.

• Documentation & Synthesis: Tools for organizing notes, synthesizing findings, and creating reports (e.g., Dovetail, Miro, Confluence, Google Workspace).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While primarily qualitative, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand quantitative user behavior context is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly mentioned, but understanding how user feedback integrates into CRM or product management systems (e.g., Jira, Salesforce) could be a plus.

• Familiarity with tools used for participant recruitment and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools are not listed, but the responsibilities imply proficiency in standard UX research software for participant recruitment, session recording, survey deployment, data analysis, and reporting. "Online user research and experimentation tools" and "usage data analysis" are mentioned, pointing towards a need for digital research proficiencies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving customer needs, driving the mission of ensuring water quality.

• Impact-Driven: Emphasis on delivering tangible results and making a measurable difference, aligning with the "20% of core issues causing 80% of user problems" philosophy.

• Agility & Speed: Ability to move quickly, iterate, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: A drive to find new and better solutions for water analysis and quality.

• Ownership & Initiative: Expectation for individuals to take ownership of their work and drive tasks forward without constant direction.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with UX Designers, Engineers, Data Scientists, and Product Management.

• The "agile" culture suggests frequent communication, feedback loops, and iterative development processes.

• Emphasis on providing "actionable recommendations" implies a proactive and consultative approach to collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values revolve around delivering impactful, customer-centric solutions rapidly and collaboratively. The "unwavering commitment to quality and innovation" inherent in Hach's mission is likely reflected in its team's operational approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: Delivering timely insights in a fast-paced environment while maintaining research quality and depth.

• Hardware Research Complexity: Navigating the unique challenges of researching hardware products, which may involve physical interaction, environmental factors, and longer product development cycles.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring research insights are understood, adopted, and acted upon by diverse teams with different priorities.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the direct impact of qualitative research on product success and business outcomes.

• Travel Demands: Managing 20% travel effectively while maintaining ongoing research projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to attend workshops, conferences, or pursue certifications in advanced UX research methodologies, particularly for hardware.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced researchers and UX professionals within Hach and the broader Veralto network.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining a deeper understanding of engineering, data science, and market research processes through close collaboration.

• Career Coaching: Formal or informal coaching to guide career progression within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges emphasize the practical application of research skills in a complex, industry-specific context. The growth opportunities highlight continuous learning and development, crucial for staying relevant in the evolving field of UX research and operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for identifying the 20% of core issues that cause 80% of user problems."

• "How do you balance the need for speed in an agile environment with the rigor required for robust qualitative research?"

• "Walk us through a complex hardware product research project you led from start to finish. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?"

• "How do you ensure your research findings are actionable and effectively communicated to engineering and design teams?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Hach's mission and our role in ensuring water quality?"

• "How do you see your skills contributing to our fast-paced, iterative culture?"

• "How do you approach building partnerships with cross-functional teams like engineering and product management?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your methodology, key insights, specific recommendations, and the measurable impact on the product or business.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (e.g., screenshots, flowcharts, user journey maps) to illustrate your process and findings.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your methodology, participant recruitment, data synthesis, and how you handled any unexpected challenges.

• Tailor to Hach: If possible, subtly connect your past work to the types of products or challenges Hach might face.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just research skills but also an understanding of the "agile," "impact-driven," and "collaborative" aspects of the role. The portfolio presentation is key to showcasing practical application and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Qualitative Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Hach/Veralto careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio highlight your experience with qualitative research, especially in hardware product development, and showcase projects with clear, actionable outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description such as "qualitative research," "user experience," "hardware product research," "end-to-end research," and "actionable recommendations." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, methodology choices, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to collaboration and problem-solving.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Hach's mission, products (particularly their hardware solutions), and the broader Veralto organization. Understand their commitment to water quality and sustainability.

⚠️ 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.

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