UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: Caterpillar Inc.

Location: Santa Rosalia-Maqueda (Malaga), Malaga, Spain

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience Research / Product Development

Date Posted: May 14, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Mid-Level)

Remote Status: On-site (5 days/week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute user research studies to translate user insights into actionable recommendations for product and service improvement.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Expert Operators, Designers, Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure user needs are central to decision-making.

• Plan and conduct various user research methodologies, including surveys, in-depth interviews, field studies, and concept testing.

• Synthesize user behavior and feedback into clear, actionable insights to enhance product features and develop new ones.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Caterpillar's Digital, Technology & Distribution Division, emphasizing the strategic importance of data analytics, innovation, and digital channels to drive revenue growth and competitive advantages through enhanced customer experiences. The UX Researcher will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between user needs and the development of industry-leading digital solutions for customers and dealers.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute user research studies, from planning to analysis, to address specific business needs and product development goals.

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research, including surveys, in-depth interviews, usability testing, field studies, and concept testing, to gather comprehensive user feedback.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights and recommendations, effectively communicating them to design, product, marketing, sales, and data/analytics teams.

• Support research operations by meticulously documenting studies, taking detailed notes, performing thorough analysis, and contributing to stakeholder presentations.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Design, Product Management, Marketing, Sales, and Data/Analytics, to integrate user insights into the product lifecycle.

• Prioritize research opportunities in alignment with product objectives and business needs, working closely with management.

• Contribute to the understanding of user behavior and feedback to inform improvements in existing product and service features, as well as the development of new offerings.

• Communicate research results and opportunities in a clear, compelling manner to diverse audiences, including senior leadership and technical teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a hands-on role focused on executing research with some guidance, rather than independent end-to-end ownership of large-scale research programs. The emphasis on supporting research operations and communicating findings suggests a need for strong analytical and presentation skills, alongside methodological proficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Market Research, Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Cognitive Science, Information Science) or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Experience applying user research in product/service teams; ability to facilitate common methods and produce clear deliverables. Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in UX research or a closely related field is inferred for a mid-level role.

Required Skills:

• Working knowledge of Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles and a variety of UX research methods.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and present actionable recommendations derived from research.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings clearly.

• Familiarity with Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and UI design basics.

• Experience conducting both physical and digital customer research.

Preferred Skills:

• A balanced understanding of strategy, research, and interaction design.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, team-oriented, cross-functional environment.

• Experience conducting customer research in an applied industrial or B2B setting.

• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods, behavioral analysis, and statistics.

• Experience using standard market research tools.

• Excellent working knowledge of principles of experiment design.

• Good interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.

• Ability to create compelling presentations and convey insights and design solutions through storytelling across all levels.

• Flexibility and adaptability to change direction based on team and stakeholder consensus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Desirable Qualifications" highlight a strong preference for candidates who can integrate strategically into the team, possess a broad understanding of the design and product lifecycle, and have experience in industrial or B2B contexts, which is highly relevant for a company like Caterpillar. The emphasis on storytelling and conveying insights across all levels is critical for impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of UX research projects, demonstrating proficiency in various methodologies (qualitative and quantitative).

• Include case studies that clearly articulate the research problem, your approach, the insights generated, and the impact on product/service improvements.

• Highlight experience in synthesizing data and translating findings into actionable recommendations for design and product teams.

• Demonstrate an understanding of Human-Centered Design principles and their application in real-world product development scenarios.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of planning and executing research studies, including research plans, participant recruitment strategies, and data collection protocols.

• Examples of how research findings were documented and presented to stakeholders, including reports, presentations, and dashboards.

• Demonstrations of how research insights informed product decisions, leading to measurable improvements in user experience or business outcomes.

• Documentation of collaboration with cross-functional teams (Design, Product, Engineering) throughout the research and development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio is crucial for a UX Researcher. Candidates should prepare to showcase their research process, the rigor of their methods, and the tangible impact of their work on product outcomes. Given Caterpillar's industrial focus, examples of research involving complex machinery, B2B users, or operational environments would be particularly valuable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The base minimum pay is listed as €58,719.00 per year. Based on industry benchmarks for a UX Researcher with 2-5 years of experience in Malaga, Spain, a competitive salary range would typically fall between €55,000 to €70,000 per year. This estimate considers the cost of living in Malaga, the specific experience level, and the demands of working for a large, multinational corporation like Caterpillar.

Benefits:

• Professional Growth Opportunities: Access to development programs and learning resources.

• Leadership Programs: Opportunities to develop leadership skills and advance within the organization.

• Inclusive Environment: A workplace culture that values diversity and fosters a sense of belonging.

• Global Career Opportunities: Potential to work on international projects and advance within a Fortune 100 company.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: While not detailed, Caterpillar typically offers robust benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, which are standard for full-time roles at this level.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. This is a full on-site position requiring 5 days per week in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided base minimum salary of €58,719.00 serves as a strong anchor. The estimated range of €55,000-€70,000 reflects typical compensation for mid-level UX Researchers in Spain, factoring in the company's scale and the specific location. Potential candidates should be prepared to discuss their salary expectations within this broader range, considering the full compensation package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Heavy Equipment), Technology, Digital Solutions. Caterpillar is a Fortune 100 leader in construction and mining equipment, industrial engines, and gas turbines. The Digital, Technology & Distribution Division is focused on leveraging data, analytics, and advanced technologies to drive innovation and customer value.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Caterpillar is a global Fortune 100 company with tens of thousands of employees worldwide). This size implies structured processes, significant resources, and opportunities for diverse career paths.

Founded: Caterpillar was founded in 1925, with nearly 100 years of history in building strong, sustainable communities. This long-standing presence signifies stability, deep industry expertise, and a commitment to long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will be part of the Digital, Technology & Distribution Division, specifically working within teams focused on digital solutions.

• The role involves close collaboration with Expert Operators, Designers, Product Managers, Engineers, Marketing, Sales, and Data/Analytics teams, indicating a highly cross-functional and matrixed team environment.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles and user research methodologies.

• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing insights from user research and operational data.

• Agile development methodologies are likely employed, requiring adaptability and iterative feedback loops.

• Focus on innovation and the utilization of advanced technologies like data analytics, AI, and telematics.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large, established industrial company like Caterpillar offers unique opportunities. The UX Researcher will contribute to shaping digital experiences for critical machinery and complex industrial processes, requiring an understanding of B2B user needs and operational contexts. The "Digital, Technology & Distribution Division" highlights a strategic push towards modernization and digital transformation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience inferred). This role is for an individual contributor who executes research studies under guidance, contributing to strategic insights that influence product development. It's a foundational role for developing expertise in applied UX research within a large enterprise.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will report to a manager or senior team member within the Digital, Technology & Distribution Division. They will work closely with various cross-functional teams, but their direct reporting line will likely be within the UX/Design or Product Management function.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's work directly impacts the usability, desirability, and effectiveness of Caterpillar's digital products and services. By ensuring user needs are met, they contribute to customer satisfaction, dealer adoption, operational efficiency, and potentially the generation of new revenue streams through enhanced digital offerings. Their insights inform product strategy and design decisions, ultimately affecting customer loyalty and competitive advantage.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., ethnography, advanced quantitative analysis, generative AI research).

• Leadership Development: Progress to Senior UX Researcher roles, leading research initiatives, mentoring junior researchers, and influencing research strategy.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Transition into Product Management, UX Design, or roles within data analytics or strategy, leveraging their deep understanding of user needs.

• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in the heavy equipment manufacturing sector, understanding complex B2B user journeys and operational challenges.

• Global Exposure: Participate in international research projects and collaborate with teams across different regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid platform for career growth within a global leader. The emphasis on digital transformation at Caterpillar means that UX research is increasingly critical, providing ample opportunities for impact and advancement. The ability to bridge the gap between complex industrial operations and user-friendly digital interfaces will be a key differentiator for growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "full on-site," requiring 5 days per week in the office. This suggests a traditional office setting within Caterpillar's facilities in Malaga.

Office Location(s): Santa Rosalia-Maqueda (Malaga), Malaga, Spain. This location offers access to a skilled workforce and positions Caterpillar within a significant industrial and technological hub in Andalusia.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires constant interaction with designers, product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders, fostering a team-oriented and collaborative atmosphere.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard UX research tools, software for data analysis, and potentially specialized equipment for physical product interaction testing.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily engagement with colleagues, fostering knowledge sharing and a cohesive team dynamic. The on-site nature facilitates spontaneous collaboration and team building.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (40 hours/week), Monday to Friday, with an on-site requirement. This structure provides a predictable work rhythm, allowing for focused research execution and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory 5-day on-site presence indicates a preference for in-person collaboration, which can be highly beneficial for UX research, allowing for spontaneous brainstorming, direct observation of team dynamics, and easier facilitation of in-person research activities if applicable. Candidates should be prepared for a structured, office-based work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter will review applications, focusing on qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess technical skills, research methodology knowledge, and cultural fit. This may include behavioral questions and a review of your resume.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio. This is a critical step to demonstrate your research process, insights, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your contributions, the challenges you faced, and how your research influenced outcomes.

• Cross-functional Team Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders (e.g., Product Manager, Lead Designer, Engineer) to evaluate collaboration skills, communication style, and understanding of product development cycles.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in the Digital/Technology division to discuss strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best represent your UX research skills, aligned with Caterpillar's likely needs (e.g., B2B, complex product research, digital solutions).

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role and responsibilities, the research methods used, key findings, actionable insights, and the impact/outcomes. Use visuals where appropriate.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "research led to a 15% increase in task completion rate," "identified critical usability issues that informed redesign, reducing support tickets by X%").

• Showcase Process: Detail your thought process, how you adapted methods, and how you collaborated with teams. Emphasize your ability to translate raw data into strategic recommendations.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your methodologies, decision-making process, handling conflicting feedback, and how you measure research success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Case Study: You might be given a hypothetical product or problem and asked to outline a research plan or present initial findings based on assumptions.

• Methodology Discussion: Be ready to discuss the pros and cons of different research methods in various contexts.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach researching a specific user problem or feature for Caterpillar's products.

• Communication Skills: Practice articulating your research findings and recommendations clearly and concisely, tailoring your message to different audiences (technical vs. non-technical).

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates should prepare to articulate the "why" behind their methodological choices and demonstrate how their research directly contributed to business objectives or product improvements. For Caterpillar, demonstrating an understanding of industrial use cases or B2B customer needs will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Tools for conducting surveys, interviews, and usability testing (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Hotjar).

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

• Design & Prototyping Tools (Familiarity): Exposure to tools used by designers such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD, to better understand design artifacts and collaboration workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Tools for qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and potentially quantitative analysis (e.g., SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis, Excel).

• Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Google Data Studio to present research findings effectively, though direct use might be less frequent than for dedicated analysts.

CRM & Automation (Awareness):

• While not a direct user, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms are used by Sales and Marketing teams can provide context for customer journey research.

• Familiarity with how customer feedback might be logged or tracked within broader customer data platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes core UX research tools. While advanced analytics and CRM experience are not primary requirements, familiarity with how these systems are used in a business context is beneficial, especially for cross-functional collaboration. The ability to use data analysis tools for qualitative and quantitative synthesis is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and meeting customer needs, driving product and service innovation based on user insights.

• Innovation & Technology: Commitment to leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies, data analytics, and AI to create competitive advantages and better customer experiences.

• Collaboration: A highly collaborative environment where cross-functional teams work together to achieve shared goals, valuing diverse perspectives.

• Efficiency & Improvement: A drive to continuously improve processes, products, and services, making operations more efficient and customer outcomes more successful.

• Integrity & Sustainability: Upholding Caterpillar's long-standing values of ethical conduct, quality, and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates deep collaboration with Design, Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Sales teams, requiring strong communication and partnership skills.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Research findings are expected to be integrated into decision-making processes, fostering a culture of evidence-based strategy.

• Feedback Exchange: An open culture where feedback is shared constructively among team members to refine research approaches and product designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing insights, best practices, and learnings across teams to foster collective growth and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Caterpillar's culture likely blends a strong industrial heritage with a forward-looking digital transformation agenda. The UX Researcher will need to be comfortable working within a large, structured organization while championing user-centric approaches and bridging gaps between technical teams and end-users.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Industrial Complexity with User Experience: Researching and designing for complex industrial machinery and B2B users requires a deep understanding of operational contexts, which can be a steep learning curve.

• Translating Research into Actionable Insights: Effectively communicating research findings to diverse, often technically-minded, stakeholders and ensuring those insights lead to tangible product improvements.

• Balancing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Navigating the priorities and perspectives of various departments (Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing) to ensure user needs are adequately represented and addressed.

• On-site Requirement: For candidates who prefer remote work, the mandatory 5-day on-site presence is a significant consideration.

• Pace of Digital Transformation: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in digital technologies and user expectations within a large, established organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Industrial UX: Gain specialized knowledge in UX research for heavy equipment, construction, mining, and industrial applications.

• Advanced Research Methodologies: Opportunities to learn and apply more advanced qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to product management, engineering, data science, and business strategy within a Fortune 100 company.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior researchers or leaders within Caterpillar's digital transformation initiatives.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to professional development opportunities, conferences, and certifications relevant to UX research and digital product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the unique nature of UX research in an industrial context. Success will depend on the candidate's ability to understand complex domains and translate those into user-centric digital solutions. The growth opportunities are substantial for those looking to build expertise in a critical and evolving field within a global leader.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to conduct user research with a technically complex product or a B2B audience. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on adaptability, domain understanding, and methodological rigor).

• "How do you prioritize research requests when faced with competing demands from different stakeholders (e.g., Product Management vs. Engineering)?" (Assess prioritization skills, stakeholder management, and alignment with business goals).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about UX research at Caterpillar, specifically within our Digital, Technology & Distribution division?" (Show you've researched the company's digital strategy and understand its relevance).

• "How do you approach collaboration with individuals from different functional backgrounds, such as engineers or sales representatives?" (Highlight your communication style, empathy, and ability to build rapport).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose projects that showcase your end-to-end research process, from problem definition to actionable insights and impact.

• Quantify Your Contributions: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value of your research (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced errors, increased customer satisfaction scores).

• Tell a Compelling Story: Structure your presentation like a narrative, clearly explaining the context, your role, your methodology, the key findings, and the resulting actions or outcomes.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Highlight how you worked with designers, product managers, and engineers to translate research into design decisions.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methods, data analysis, and how you handled specific challenges within your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just research skills, but also business acumen, communication prowess, and the ability to navigate a large corporate structure. For Caterpillar, showcasing an understanding of industrial applications or B2B user needs in your portfolio and responses will be highly advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://cat.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CaterpillarCareers/job/Santa-Rosalia-Maqueda-Malaga-Malaga/UX-Researcher_R0000368450

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to highlight experience with Human-Centered Design, specific UX research methodologies, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, using keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong UX research case studies that best represent your skills and experience, focusing on impact and actionable insights. Prepare to present these in detail.

• Research Caterpillar's Digital Strategy: Understand their focus on data analytics, digital solutions, and customer experience improvements within the industrial sector.

• Practice Your Storytelling: Prepare clear and concise explanations of your research projects, emphasizing challenges, methods, insights, and outcomes, especially for B2B or complex product contexts.

• Prepare for On-Site Work: Confirm your willingness and ability to commit to a full 5-day on-site work schedule in Malaga.

⚠️ 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.