UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: Caterpillar Inc.

Location: Málaga, Andalusia, Spain

Job Type: Full Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research & Design

Date Posted: July 29, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Conduct user research to inform the design and enhancement of digital products and physical machine experiences, focusing on improving safety, efficiency, and intuitiveness.

• Translate complex user insights into actionable recommendations for product managers, designers, and engineers to drive evidence-based decision-making.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with diverse teams including Engineering, Design, Product, Marketing, Sales, and Data/Analytics to ensure a holistic approach to user experience.

• Develop and maintain key UX research artifacts, such as operator journeys and experience maps, to foster alignment and shared understanding of user needs across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically situated within Caterpillar's Digital, Technology & Distribution Division, highlighting a strategic focus on leveraging digital and technological advancements to create competitive advantages and enhance customer experiences, particularly in the heavy equipment sector. The emphasis on both digital and physical machine interactions signifies a unique and complex research landscape.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a variety of user research methodologies, including surveys, in-depth interviews, contextual inquiries, eye tracking, and concept testing, with guidance from senior researchers.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative user data to generate clear, actionable insights and recommendations that directly influence product and service feature development.

• Clarify operator, customer, and business needs, translating them into evidence-based interaction concepts for safe, efficient, and intuitive heavy equipment operation.

• Create and maintain shareable UX research artifacts, such as operator journeys, task flows, mental models, storyboards, and experience maps, to align cross-functional teams around user needs and context of use.

• Collaborate effectively with Engineering, Design, Product, Marketing, Sales, and Data/Analytics teams to integrate user insights throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Translate research findings from usability testing, field studies, and simulations into prioritized recommendations for Human-Machine Interface (HMI), display, and overall heavy equipment UX decisions.

• Support research operations by managing documentation, taking detailed notes, performing analysis, and contributing to stakeholder presentations.

• Prioritize research opportunities in alignment with product goals and business needs, in collaboration with research leads and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to research, requiring the candidate to not only plan and execute studies but also to actively synthesize findings and create tangible deliverables that influence product strategy. The mention of specific artifacts like "operator journeys" and "experience maps" points to a need for strong visualization and communication skills in conveying complex user contexts.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Human Factors, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Cognitive Science, or Information Science, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Demonstrated experience applying user research methods within product or service teams, with the ability to facilitate common research methods and produce clear, impactful deliverables.

Required Skills:

• Working knowledge of Human Factor Interaction (HFI) and/or Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles.

• Proficiency in a range of UX research methods and their application.

• Ability to analyze research data and translate findings into actionable recommendations.

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

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

• Experience conducting research in an applied setting, contributing to product development. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in mixed-method HMI research.

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

• Experience with physical ergonomics.

• Ability to conduct both physical and digital customer research.

• Excellent working knowledge of principles of experiment design.

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

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

• Good interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.

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

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Desirable Qualifications" list is extensive and points towards a candidate who can bring a broad skill set to the role, including a blend of technical research skills, analytical capabilities, and strong interpersonal and communication abilities. The emphasis on mixed-method research and physical ergonomics suggests the role involves a deep dive into the practical, real-world use of heavy machinery.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of successfully planning and executing user research studies, showcasing the research process from initiation to final recommendations.

• Provide examples of synthesized research insights and their direct impact on product design decisions or feature enhancements, highlighting how user needs were translated into tangible outcomes.

• Showcase experience in creating and utilizing UX artifacts such as operator journeys, task flows, mental models, storyboards, or experience maps to align cross-functional teams and communicate user context.

• Include case studies that illustrate the candidate's ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Engineering, Design, Product) and contribute to evidence-based decision-making. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of documented research plans, methodologies, and synthesis processes used in past projects.

• Examples of how research findings were translated into clear, prioritized recommendations for design and product teams.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how UX research integrates into broader product development lifecycles and agile methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a portfolio is crucial for this role. Candidates should prepare to showcase projects that highlight their ability to conduct research in complex, real-world environments, particularly those involving physical products and sophisticated interfaces. The ability to demonstrate the impact of their research on product outcomes and to effectively communicate user context through artifacts will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a UX Researcher with 2-5 years of experience in Málaga, Spain, and considering Caterpillar's stated base minimum pay of €58,719.00, a competitive salary range is estimated between €58,000 - €75,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work with a Fortune 100 leader in a global capacity.

• Access to development opportunities focused on emerging technologies.

• An inclusive environment designed for exploration of passions and making an impact.

• Contribution to building a better, more sustainable world through innovative products and services.

• Comprehensive compensation and benefit package (details typically provided during the interview process).

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with an on-site requirement of 5 days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided base minimum salary of €58,719.00 serves as a strong anchor. The estimated range of €58,000 - €75,000 reflects typical compensation for mid-level UX Researchers in Spain, factoring in the specific location and the prestige of working for a company like Caterpillar. The note about the salary being only one component suggests additional benefits and compensation structures are available.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy Equipment Manufacturing, Technology, Digital Solutions, Data Analytics. Caterpillar Inc. is a world-leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, engines, and industrial products, with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Fortune 100 company), with a significant global presence. This implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for impact within specialized divisions.

Founded: Caterpillar Inc. was founded nearly 100 years ago, signifying a long history of industrial leadership and adaptation.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Digital, Technology & Distribution Division, specifically focusing on UX research for digital and physical machine experiences.

• The UX Researcher will work under the guidance of a Lead and/or Senior team members, indicating a mentorship structure.

• Close collaboration is expected with Expert Operators, Designers, Product Managers, Engineers, and stakeholders across various departments (Engineering, Design, Product, Marketing, Sales, Data/Analytics). Methodology:

• Emphasis on data analytics, innovation, digital channels, and technologies to drive profit and efficiency.

• Focus on Human-Centered Design (HCD) and Human-Centered Interaction (HCI) principles to ensure user needs are central to product development.

• Application of mixed-method research, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to understand complex user behaviors and needs.

• Utilizing data to provide evidence-based recommendations for product and service improvements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Caterpillar's established industrial legacy combined with its forward-looking digital division creates a unique work environment. The company culture likely balances a strong operational backbone with a drive for innovation, particularly in areas like IoT, telematics, and AI for heavy machinery. The focus on sustainability and building a "better, more sustainable world" is a core value that likely permeates the company's operations and product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Researcher role is positioned at a mid-level (2-5 years of experience). It offers hands-on research experience and contribution to significant product development within a large, complex organization. The role involves translating insights into actionable recommendations, indicating a step towards influencing product strategy.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher reports to a Lead and/or Senior team member, suggesting a clear reporting line within the UX research function. This structure provides mentorship and guidance, crucial for developing expertise in specialized areas like HMI for heavy equipment.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's work directly impacts the usability, efficiency, and safety of Caterpillar's physical and digital products. By ensuring user needs are central to design decisions, this role contributes to customer satisfaction, operational efficiency for users, and ultimately, the competitive advantage and revenue growth of Caterpillar's offerings. Insights gathered can lead to the development of new revenue streams and more durable competitive advantages.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in Human-Machine Interface (HMI) research, physical ergonomics, and mixed-method studies within the context of heavy machinery.

• Leadership: Progress to Senior UX Researcher or Lead UX Researcher roles, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior researchers, and influencing research strategy.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into roles within Product Management, Interaction Design, or Digital Strategy, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and product development.

• Continuous Learning: Access to development opportunities with emerging technologies, industry conferences, and potentially certifications in UX research or related fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a strong foundation for a career in UX research, especially for those interested in complex industrial applications. The "Digital, Technology & Distribution" division is a growth area for Caterpillar, suggesting that roles within it will likely see continued investment and offer significant opportunities for career advancement and skill development. The emphasis on physical and digital integration is a unique selling point for career growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a full on-site position, requiring 5 days per week in the office. The work environment will likely be a professional office setting within Caterpillar's facilities in Málaga.

Office Location(s): Santa Rosalia-Maqueda (Malaga), Malaga, Spain. This location suggests a specific operational hub for Caterpillar's digital and technology initiatives in Spain.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment will likely foster collaboration, with opportunities to interact with cross-functional teams on a daily basis.

• Access to necessary tools and technology for UX research, including potentially specialized equipment for physical product testing or simulations, alongside standard digital research platforms.

• Expect opportunities for direct engagement with product development teams, designers, and engineers, facilitating a close-knit, project-focused work dynamic.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours, approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, the nature of UX research may involve some flexibility for fieldwork or specific project needs, though the 5-day-a-week office presence is a firm requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory 5-day on-site requirement is a key detail for candidates. This indicates a preference for in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and potentially hands-on work with physical prototypes or equipment, which is critical for understanding the user experience of heavy machinery.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an HR or Recruiter screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on technical skills, research methodologies, and understanding of UX principles. Expect questions about past projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where candidates will present their work. This will likely involve showcasing 1-2 key projects that demonstrate their research process, insights, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your role, methodology, challenges, and outcomes in detail.

• Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues from Design, Engineering, Product, or Data teams to assess collaboration style and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or a final discussion on strategic fit and long-term contribution.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your range of skills, research methodologies, and impact, ideally relevant to complex product design or industrial applications.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: the problem, your role, the research questions, methodologies used, key findings, actionable recommendations, and the impact/outcomes of your work.

• Emphasize Process: Detail your research process, from planning and recruitment to synthesis and reporting. Highlight how you adapted methods to suit the project's needs and constraints.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value of your research (e.g., "improved task completion rates by X%", "reduced error rates by Y%", "informed design decisions leading to Z improvement").

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as compelling narratives that highlight your problem-solving abilities and contribution to user-centered solutions.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making, how you handled conflicting feedback, and how you collaborate with diverse teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology Deep Dive: Be ready to discuss the pros and cons of various research methods and when to apply them.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for hypothetical scenarios where you might need to design a research approach for a specific product challenge.

• HMI/Industrial Context: If possible, familiarize yourself with UX challenges specific to heavy machinery, industrial equipment, or complex interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates should treat it as a practical demonstration of their ability to apply research methodologies to real-world problems and communicate their findings effectively. Given the role's focus on heavy equipment, showcasing research that involves physical interaction or complex operational environments will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Tools for survey creation, participant recruitment, and data collection (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, UserTesting.com, Lookback).

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

• Prototyping & Design Tools: Familiarity with tools that designers use (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) may be beneficial for understanding design outputs and collaborating on interactive prototypes.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with general analytics concepts and potentially tools used for tracking user engagement with digital interfaces.

• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to present research findings effectively. CRM & Automation:

• While not core to UX research, understanding how user data is managed within CRM systems and how automation impacts user journeys might be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a broad application of research methods, suggesting that proficiency in standard UX research tools is expected. Given Caterpillar's digital and technology focus, familiarity with analytical tools and potentially data visualization for reporting research findings will be highly valued. Specific mention of "eye tracking" suggests potential access to or need for such advanced research equipment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Progress: A drive to explore new technologies and digital solutions to improve products and customer experiences.

• Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of operators, customers, and dealers through user-centered design.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively across diverse, cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency & Effectiveness: A focus on creating solutions that are safe, efficient, and intuitive to use, enhancing operational productivity.

• Sustainability: A strong commitment to building a better, more sustainable world, likely influencing product development and operational practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring close partnerships with Design, Engineering, Product Management, Marketing, Sales, and Data/Analytics teams.

• Expect a dynamic environment where insights are shared openly, and feedback is exchanged to refine research plans and recommendations.

• Openness to working with "Expert Operators" to gain deep insights into real-world usage and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Caterpillar's culture likely blends a strong industrial work ethic with a modern approach to digital transformation. The emphasis on "unexpectedly great experiences" for customers suggests a culture that values innovation and exceeding expectations through user-centricity. The fusion of digital and physical product research points to a need for individuals who can bridge these domains.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of User Context: Researching the use of heavy equipment in demanding, real-world environments presents unique challenges in terms of accessibility, safety, and data collection.

• Bridging Digital and Physical: Integrating insights from digital interfaces with the physical operation and ergonomics of heavy machinery requires a holistic research approach.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring that diverse stakeholder groups (from engineering to sales) understand and act upon UX research findings can be challenging.

• Pace of Innovation: Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements in areas like AI, telematics, and IoT, and understanding their user implications.

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

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Research: Gaining expertise in HMI research for complex industrial equipment, physical ergonomics, and mixed-method studies.

• Industry Exposure: Deepening understanding of the heavy equipment industry, its operational challenges, and customer needs.

• Advanced Technologies: Opportunity to work with cutting