UX Researcher Associate

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher Associate

Company: AAA (Auto Club Enterprises)

Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design & Research

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: Early Career (1-3 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on translating user needs and business objectives into intuitive digital product designs through wireframing and prototyping.

• Key responsibilities include conducting user research, usability testing, and defining information architecture for ACE digital products.

• The associate will collaborate with cross-functional product development teams to ensure a unified and best-in-class user experience across web and mobile platforms.

• This position requires strong communication and presentation skills to effectively convey user insights and design solutions to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Researcher Associate," the description heavily emphasizes design and prototyping responsibilities alongside research. This suggests a hybrid UX Designer/Researcher role, common for early-career positions where individuals are expected to contribute across the UX spectrum. The company's focus on a "unified aesthetic and user experience" across "all ACE Enterprise digital products" highlights the importance of consistency and brand adherence in their design operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, and test information architectures to ensure a consistent and unified aesthetic and user experience across all Auto Club Enterprises (ACE) digital products.

• Translate abstract ideas and user concepts into tangible low to high-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes.

• Develop, update, and maintain the ACE Enterprise style guide and design library to ensure design consistency and efficiency.

• Create production-ready graphic assets for various digital product initiatives.

• Conduct user research and usability testing to identify problem areas and translate member solution requirements into detailed User Interface (UI) specifications.

• Facilitate collaborative design workshops with key stakeholders to gather input and align on design strategies.

• Provide design feedback and consultation to product and development teams, ensuring alignment with user needs and business objectives.

• Assist in the definition, design, deployment, and implementation of new features across multiple digital products and platforms.

• Make day-to-day decisions and apply problem-solving skills to address design challenges and optimize user flows.

• Inform the development and implementation of new processes related to user experience design and research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a hands-on role requiring a blend of design execution (wireframing, prototyping, asset creation) and research activities (user research, usability testing, IA definition). The emphasis on maintaining a style guide and design library indicates a need for process-oriented thinking and a commitment to scalable design systems, which are crucial for efficient operations in a large organization like AAA.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is preferred.

Experience: 1-3 years of experience in user experience (UX) design and research is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Strong analytical skills for understanding user behavior and identifying design opportunities.

• Excellent communication skills for articulating design rationale and user insights.

• Proficient presentation skills for conveying design solutions and research findings to diverse audiences.

• Experience with wireframing and prototyping tools.

• Foundational understanding of HTML/CSS for front-end development principles. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

• Hands-on experience with design and prototyping tools such as Sketch, Zeplin, and Adobe XD.

• Familiarity with CSS pre-processors like SASS or LESS.

• Experience with Origami is a plus.

• Ability to design, update, and publish style guides and design libraries.

• Experience conducting usability testing and user research.

• Knowledge of information architecture and interaction design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred Skills" section lists specific software tools critical for UX design and research operations. Candidates should highlight their experience with these tools, especially Adobe Creative Cloud, Sketch, and Adobe XD, as they are central to the design workflow. The mention of HTML/CSS and pre-processors suggests that a basic understanding of front-end development is valuable for effective collaboration with engineering teams, a common requirement in operations-focused design roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of translating user needs and business requirements into intuitive digital interfaces through wireframes and prototypes.

• Case studies showcasing a structured approach to user research, usability testing, and information architecture definition.

• Evidence of maintaining or contributing to a design system, style guide, or component library, highlighting consistency and scalability.

• Projects illustrating the creation of production-ready graphic assets for digital products.

• Examples of problem-solving through design, detailing the challenges, your process, and the resulting solutions. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented user flows, interaction designs, and UI specifications.

• Demonstrations of your ability to conduct and report on usability testing, including key findings and recommendations.

• Evidence of facilitating or participating in design workshops and collaborative design processes.

• Showcase your approach to creating and maintaining design assets and style guides for consistent product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Researcher Associate role that blends research and design, a portfolio is paramount. It should clearly articulate the candidate's process from research to design, emphasizing their ability to translate insights into actionable design solutions. The company's emphasis on a "unified aesthetic" and "design library" means candidates should highlight projects where they contributed to consistency and scalability through well-documented design systems or style guides.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $74,500.00 - $99,500.00 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement Savings: 401(K) saving plans with a company match, plus a Pension plan.

• Professional Development: Tuition assistance for continued learning and skill enhancement.

• Time Off: Floating holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) specifically allocated for community volunteer programs.

• Family Support: Paid parental leave.

• Wellness Initiatives: Access to wellness programs to support employee well-being.

• Employee Perks: Discounts on memberships, insurance, travel, entertainment, and other services.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, estimated at 40 hours per week, with an on-site work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for an Associate-level UX role in a major metropolitan area like Los Angeles, especially considering the comprehensive benefits package offered by AAA. The inclusion of both a 401(K) with match and a Pension plan is a significant benefit, reflecting a commitment to long-term employee financial security, which is often a key factor for candidates evaluating stability and compensation. The specific PTO for volunteer programs and paid parental leave are also notable benefits that contribute to a positive work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Insurance, Automotive Services, Travel, and Member Services. Auto Club Enterprises (ACE) is the largest club within the national AAA federation, serving over 18 million members across 24 states.

Company Size: AAA has nearly 17,000 employees, indicating a large, established organization with significant resources and a wide reach.

Founded: AAA was founded in 1900, signifying a long-standing reputation and deep history in serving its members.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher Associate will likely be part of a larger digital product or design team, potentially within a Product Development or Technology department.

• Collaboration is expected with product managers, UX/UI designers, front-end developers, and other stakeholders across ACE.

• The role implies a matrixed reporting structure where the associate supports various project teams while potentially having a direct reporting manager within the UX or design function. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a member-centric approach, aiming to deliver "legendary service and beneficial products." This translates to a focus on user needs in their digital product development.

• A commitment to a "unified aesthetic and user experience" suggests a structured approach to design, likely involving design systems and best practice adherence.

• The mention of "data-driven" decision-making is implied by the need for research and testing to inform design solutions.

Company Website: https://www.aaa.com/ (Note: The provided URL was for a job portal; this is the general company site.)

📝 Enhancement Note: AAA's long history and large scale suggest a need for robust operational processes in design and research to ensure consistency and efficiency. The company culture values employee diversity and legendary service, implying that UX professionals will be expected to contribute to creating user-friendly experiences that support these core values. Understanding AAA's member base and its diverse needs will be crucial for success in this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an "Associate" level position, typically an entry-level to early-career role (1-3 years of experience). It signifies a foundational position focused on executing tasks under guidance and learning core UX processes.

Reporting Structure: The associate will likely report to a UX Lead, Design Manager, or Product Manager who oversees design and research operations for digital products. They will collaborate extensively with product development teams.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher Associate directly impacts the usability and effectiveness of AAA's digital products, influencing member satisfaction, engagement, and the efficiency of service delivery. By improving user interfaces and experiences, they contribute to operational efficiency and member retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in either UX research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative/quantitative research, survey design) or UX design (e.g., advanced prototyping, interaction design, UI design systems).

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, the associate can take on more ownership of research and design for specific features or smaller projects, potentially leading to a UX Designer or UX Researcher role.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience working with various product teams and stakeholders can lead to a broader understanding of business operations and potential transitions into product management or specialized design roles.

• Mentorship: Access to senior UX professionals within ACE can provide guidance on career development and best practices in UX operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: An Associate role is a stepping stone. The emphasis on translating concepts into prototypes and supporting projects indicates that growth will involve taking on more complex design challenges and independently managing research initiatives. The company's size offers potential for internal mobility and specialization within the broader digital product organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at the Los Angeles Figueroa location. This suggests a traditional office environment designed for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, CA, United States. This location offers access to a large talent pool and a vibrant tech and design community.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely set up to foster collaboration among product development teams, with shared workspaces and meeting rooms for design workshops.

• Access to standard office technology and potentially specialized UX/UI software and hardware will be available to support design and research activities.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with product managers, developers, and other designers will be frequent, facilitating real-time feedback and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely adhering to standard business hours (e.g., 8 AM - 5 PM PST) with an on-site requirement. While flexibility might exist, the on-site nature suggests a structured work schedule aligned with team presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a major hub like Los Angeles indicates a preference for in-person collaboration, which can be beneficial for early-career professionals learning through observation and direct interaction. Candidates should be prepared for a structured work environment and understand that the collaborative dynamic will be a significant part of the daily workflow.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and salary expectations.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into experience, responsibilities, and understanding of UX principles.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing case studies of UX research and design projects. This will likely involve discussing their process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of their work. Expect questions on their proficiency with design tools and research methodologies.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with other UX designers, researchers, product managers, or developers to assess collaboration skills and fit within the broader product team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to confirm overall fit and alignment with company objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your thought process for each project – how you identified the problem, conducted research, iterated on designs, and arrived at the final solution.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "improved task completion time by X%", "reduced user errors by Y%"). Even for Associate roles, demonstrating an understanding of impact is key.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate your ability in both research (e.g., user interviews, usability tests) and design (e.g., wireframes, prototypes, UI elements).

• Tailor to AAA: If possible, reference how your skills and projects align with AAA's mission and member services. Consider how your work could improve the experience for AAA members.

• Prepare for Tools: Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, Sketch, Zeplin, Adobe XD, and any other relevant tools mentioned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design or research exercise, either take-home or live. This might involve analyzing a given problem, creating a quick wireframe, or outlining a research plan.

• Practice explaining complex UX concepts simply and clearly, as you'll need to communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Understand AAA's digital presence (website, app) and be ready to offer constructive critique or ideas based on your UX knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is central to this application. Candidates should prepare 2-3 strong case studies that best represent their skills in both research and design. For an Associate role, demonstrating a solid understanding of the UX process, good communication, and a willingness to learn and collaborate will be as important as the polish of the final designs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator), Sketch, Zeplin, Adobe XD. These are essential for creating wireframes, prototypes, and final UI assets.

• Style Guides & Design Systems: Tools or methodologies used to create, maintain, and distribute design libraries and style guides for consistent product development.

• User Research Tools: Potentially tools for conducting online surveys, interviews, or usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics), though specific tools are not listed.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand user behavior on digital channels would be beneficial for informing research and design decisions.

• Ability to interpret data from user research and usability testing to create reports and present findings. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX role, but understanding how user data from CRM systems might inform UX research or how UX designs impact CRM workflows could be a plus.

• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) for collaborating with development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the listed design and prototyping tools (Adobe Creative Cloud, Sketch, Zeplin, Adobe XD) is non-negotiable and will be heavily scrutinized during the interview process. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills within these applications. The mention of SASS/LESS and HTML/CSS suggests a need for understanding front-end implementation, bridging the gap between design and development operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Member-Centricity: A core value at AAA, emphasizing the importance of understanding and serving member needs in all product development.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across product, design, and development teams to achieve common goals.

• Quality & Consistency: Upholding a high standard for user experience and design aesthetic across all digital platforms.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking ways to improve digital products and member experiences.

• Efficiency: Streamlining processes and utilizing tools effectively to deliver results.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires close collaboration with UX/UI designers, product managers, and engineers, suggesting a team-oriented approach.

• Expectation of participation in design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional meetings to align on project goals and solutions.

• Open communication and a willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback are likely important aspects of the team's working dynamic.

📝 Enhancement Note: AAA's stated values like "legendary service" and "supporting different cultures, backgrounds, personalities, and strengths" suggest a culture that values inclusivity and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. For a UX role, this translates to a deep empathy for users and a drive to create accessible, user-friendly experiences that reflect these core values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Objectives: Effectively advocating for user needs while aligning with AAA's business goals and technical constraints.

• Maintaining Consistency Across Diverse Products: Ensuring a unified user experience across a wide range of digital products and platforms for a large organization.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with UX best practices and emerging design and research tools.

• Translating Complex Insurance/Automotive Concepts: Simplifying intricate services and information into easily understandable and usable digital interfaces.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into UX Research: Opportunities to hone skills in various research methodologies, from qualitative interviews to quantitative surveys and A/B testing.

• Advanced UX Design: Learning to create sophisticated prototypes, design complex user flows, and contribute to scalable design systems.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to how a large, established organization like AAA approaches digital product development and UX operations.

• Mentorship and Training: Potential for formal or informal mentorship from senior UX professionals and access to training resources for skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a UX role in a large, established corporation. The "Associate" title implies that the primary growth opportunity will be learning from experienced professionals and gradually taking on more responsibility. Candidates should demonstrate an eagerness to learn and a proactive approach to overcoming these challenges.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs or stakeholder requirements. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process, negotiation, and decision-making.)

• "Walk us through a project where you translated user research findings into a design solution. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (This is a prime opportunity to showcase your portfolio case study.)

• "How do you approach creating or maintaining a style guide or design system? What are the key elements?" (Demonstrate understanding of consistency and scalability.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities?" (Shows awareness of inclusive design principles.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AAA and its mission? How do you see UX contributing to that mission?" (Research AAA's values and services.)

• "How do you collaborate with developers and product managers? Describe a successful collaboration." (Highlight teamwork and communication skills.)

• "What are your thoughts on the current AAA website or mobile app from a UX perspective?" (Be prepared to offer constructive, professional feedback.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: The Problem, Your Role, The Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing), The Solution, and The Outcome/Impact.

• Quantify When Possible: Even for early-career roles, demonstrating an understanding of metrics and impact is valuable. If you don't have hard data, discuss potential impact or how you would measure success.

• Be Ready to Draw: Some interviews may ask you to whiteboard or sketch a solution to a problem, so be comfortable with quick visual ideation.

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to talk about why you chose certain tools and how you leverage their features effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, expect interviewers to probe deeply into your understanding of the UX process from research to design implementation. They will be looking for not just technical skills but also problem-solving abilities, communication clarity, and a collaborative mindset. Practicing your portfolio walkthrough is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher Associate position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Workday job portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience and skills directly relevant to UX research, wireframing, prototyping, and the specific tools mentioned (Adobe Creative Cloud, Sketch, Adobe XD). Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that showcase your end-to-end UX process, from research to design. Ensure clear documentation of your problem-solving approach and outcomes.

• Prepare for the Portfolio Review: Practice presenting your case studies, focusing on your process, decision-making, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with the required and preferred tools.

• Research AAA: Understand AAA's mission, services, and target audience. Consider how your UX skills can contribute to enhancing the member experience and supporting the company's objectives.

⚠️ 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.