UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: CivilGrid

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Development / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days/week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead qualitative user research initiatives to deeply understand customer workflows in civil design projects.

• Translate complex user needs and behaviors into actionable product insights that drive roadmap decisions.

• Establish and maintain a robust, repeatable research practice to foster a customer-centric product development culture.

• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Design, and Engineering teams to integrate user feedback throughout the product lifecycle.

• Support quantitative research efforts, including surveys and usage data analysis, to complement qualitative findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled UX Researcher, the emphasis on understanding "what's underground" and the target users (civil engineers, GIS teams, field crews) suggests a specialized UX researcher role focused on complex technical domains. The requirement to "talk to a civil engineer or field technician about their workflow and ask good follow-up questions, even without prior industry background" highlights the need for strong investigative and empathetic research skills applicable to niche B2B software.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive qualitative research studies, including user interviews, contextual inquiries, and usability testing sessions, to uncover user pain points and opportunities within civil design workflows.

• Partner with Product Managers and Designers from the initial stages of product development to define research questions and ensure research efforts are aligned with strategic product goals.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and compelling narratives that effectively communicate user insights and influence product strategy and roadmap prioritization.

• Conduct iterative usability testing on prototypes and in-progress designs to identify design flaws and provide timely feedback for rapid iteration and improvement.

• Develop and implement a lightweight, scalable research framework, including templates for study plans, a centralized research repository, and a regular cadence for customer engagement across the product team.

• Design and analyze user surveys and leverage product usage data to provide quantitative support for qualitative research insights, offering a holistic view of user behavior.

• Champion the voice of the customer within the product organization, advocating for user needs and ensuring a deep understanding of user workflows across all product development functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "build a lightweight, repeatable research practice, including templates, a shared research repository, and a regular cadence of customer conversations" indicates a need for someone who can not only conduct research but also operationalize it within an early-stage startup environment. This implies a proactive approach to establishing research processes and fostering a research-informed culture.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, or a related field is preferred, demonstrating a strong foundation in research methodologies.

Experience: 3–5 years of dedicated experience in UX research, with a significant portion focused on B2B or technically complex product environments.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in planning and executing a full range of qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews, contextual inquiry, and usability testing.

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage research projects from recruitment to synthesis with minimal oversight.

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills to transform raw qualitative data into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings to non-researchers (Product Managers, Engineers, Designers) without jargon.

• Adaptability and willingness to quickly learn about new domains, specifically civil engineering and utility data management, to effectively engage with technical users.

• A bias for action and a preference for lean, focused research approaches that yield timely insights for rapid product iteration. Preferred Skills:

• Experience researching for technical, spatial, mapping, or GIS-based products.

• Prior industry experience within Utilities, Construction, or Civil Engineering sectors.

• Proven ability to establish and scale a research practice or repository from scratch, particularly in an early-stage company.

• Familiarity with survey design tools and quantitative data analysis techniques to complement qualitative findings.

• Experience with prototype testing and iterating on designs based on user feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Bonus Points" section strongly suggests that experience with technical domains (spatial, GIS, mapping) and industry knowledge in Utilities, Construction, or Civil Engineering are highly valued. For candidates without direct industry experience, the emphasis on quickly learning about these workflows and asking insightful follow-up questions is critical. The ability to "set up a research practice from scratch" is a key differentiator for this early-stage company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of end-to-end qualitative research studies, showcasing the entire research process from problem definition to actionable insights.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the research problem, methodology, user recruitment strategy, moderation approach, and synthesis process.

• Examples of how research findings directly influenced product decisions, roadmap prioritization, or design iterations, with clear evidence of impact.

• Showcase of your ability to translate complex user workflows and technical requirements into accessible insights for cross-functional teams.

• Evidence of establishing or contributing to research infrastructure, such as research repositories, templates, or standardized processes. Process Documentation:

• Examples of well-structured discussion guides and interview protocols tailored to specific research objectives.

• Documentation of your synthesis process, including affinity mapping, thematic analysis, or other methods used to derive insights from qualitative data.

• Artifacts illustrating how you communicate research findings, such as presentation decks, reports, or user journey maps that highlight key takeaways and recommendations.

• Demonstrated experience in setting up and managing a research repository to store and share research assets and insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's responsibility to "build a lightweight, repeatable research practice," a portfolio that includes examples of process documentation, templates for research studies, and evidence of organizing research findings will be highly advantageous. The ability to showcase not just research execution but also process creation and knowledge management is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $119,000 - $160,984 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Company-funded medical, dental, and vision insurance (including medical plans at no cost to the employee).

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses.

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) with a culture that encourages its actual use.

• 401(k) plan for retirement savings.

• Meaningful early-stage equity in a growing startup.

• Flexible, remote-friendly work environment.

Working Hours: The role is advertised as FULL_TIME, and while specific hours are not detailed, the company culture emphasizes flexibility. Standard U.S. working hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, with the understanding that flexibility is provided.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a strong indicator of the company's compensation philosophy for this role. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a notable emphasis on employee well-being (company-funded insurance, unlimited PTO) and long-term financial security (equity, 401k). The mention of "remote-friendly flexibility" within a hybrid model suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and individual work autonomy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software / Technology, specifically focused on Infrastructure, Utilities, Construction, and Civil Engineering. CivilGrid operates within the $4.7T US infrastructure market, aiming to modernize its software landscape.

Company Size: Series A startup, indicating a relatively small but rapidly growing team with a dynamic and agile environment. This size offers significant opportunities for impact and ownership.

Founded: Founded by industry insiders with over 10 years of experience in utilities and civil engineering, suggesting a deep understanding of the target market and a mission-driven approach.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher reports directly to the Head of Product, indicating a close alignment with product strategy and decision-making.

• Collaboration is expected across Product Management, Design, and Engineering teams, emphasizing a cross-functional approach to product development.

• The team values direct feedback, real ownership, and proximity to customers, fostering a culture of accountability and impact. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Product Development: A strong emphasis on understanding customer workflows and translating them into product direction, supported by both qualitative and quantitative research.

• Agile & Iterative: The company moves fast and ships work that matters, suggesting an agile development process with a focus on rapid iteration based on customer feedback.

• Customer-Centricity: A core value is building close relationships with customers and field teams, ensuring the product directly addresses their needs and challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as fast-paced, high-trust, and customer-focused, with a strong emphasis on impact and ownership. The founders' industry background suggests a deep domain expertise that informs their product development strategy. This environment is ideal for individuals who thrive in dynamic startup settings and are driven by solving complex, real-world problems.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level UX Researcher (3-5 years of experience). It offers the opportunity to be the primary voice of the customer within the product organization and to establish foundational research practices.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher reports directly to the Head of Product. This close reporting line provides significant visibility into product strategy and decision-making processes.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher will have a direct and significant impact on product direction by uncovering user needs and translating them into actionable insights. This role is critical in ensuring CivilGrid builds a product that effectively serves the high-stakes needs of civil engineers, GIS teams, and field crews, thereby influencing the company's ability to modernize infrastructure renewal and growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Research Practice Development: Opportunity to build and scale the UX research function from the ground up, establishing methodologies, tools, and processes.

• Domain Expertise: Deepen knowledge in the complex domains of civil engineering, utilities, and infrastructure management, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Product Strategy Influence: Gain hands-on experience in shaping product roadmaps and strategy at a rapidly growing Series A startup.

• Leadership Potential: As the research function matures, there is potential for growth into a lead research role or to expand responsibilities within the product organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a unique opportunity for a UX Researcher to significantly shape the research function within an early-stage company. The potential to establish processes, build a repository, and directly influence product strategy provides substantial career growth opportunities beyond just conducting research. The proximity to founders and leadership also offers mentorship and accelerated learning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model. The role requires 2 days per week in the office, blending in-person collaboration with remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Boston, MA, and San Francisco, CA. Candidates will be expected to work from one of these offices at least 2 days per week.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-person collaboration for key discussions and team building, while remote flexibility supports focused work.

• Tools & Technology: While not explicitly listed, a UX Researcher in a tech startup would typically have access to modern collaboration tools (Slack, Zoom, etc.), design and prototyping software, and research platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for close collaboration with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, fostering a tight-knit product development team.

Work Schedule: The company emphasizes flexibility within a standard full-time work week. The hybrid model allows for a balance between structured in-office time and remote work, accommodating focused research tasks and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement with a specific in-office requirement (2 days/week) is a key aspect of the work environment. This suggests a company that values both in-person interaction for team cohesion and strategic alignment, and remote flexibility for individual productivity and work-life balance. The mention of "remote-friendly flexibility otherwise" indicates a modern approach to work arrangements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into your experience, research methodologies, and approach to problem-solving with the Head of Product.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study Presentation: A dedicated session where you present your past work, focusing on specific case studies that demonstrate your research process, synthesis skills, and impact. Expect to discuss how you've handled challenging research scenarios and translated findings into product direction.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and how you integrate with the product team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a co-founder or senior leader, focusing on strategic thinking, cultural alignment, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: Prioritize case studies where your research directly led to measurable product improvements or strategic shifts. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "reduced research time by X%", "improved task completion rates by Y%").

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your research process for each case study, from defining the problem to synthesizing findings and presenting recommendations. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Tailor to CivilGrid: Emphasize any experience with technical products, B2B software, or domains similar to civil engineering, utilities, or infrastructure. If you lack direct experience, focus on your ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technical domains.

• Demonstrate Synthesis: Show how you turn raw, messy qualitative data into clear, actionable insights.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your research choices, challenges encountered, and how you collaborated with stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Research Scenario: You might be asked to outline a research plan for a specific problem CivilGrid is trying to solve, demonstrating your strategic thinking and methodological choices.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare to discuss how you manage competing stakeholder needs and advocate for user insights.

• Process Building: Given the emphasis on building a research practice, be ready to discuss your ideas on how to establish a research repository, create templates, and foster a research culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "building a lightweight, repeatable research practice" means that interviewers will likely probe your experience with establishing processes, creating templates, and fostering a research-informed culture. Be prepared to discuss your proactive approach to knowledge management and team enablement in research.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualitative Research Platforms: Tools for conducting interviews, usability testing, and managing participant recruitment (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Dovetail, Maze).

• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), or similar for communication and documentation.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to understand and test prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Survey Tools: For designing and distributing surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms).

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in analyzing quantitative data from surveys or usage logs, potentially involving tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or even basic SQL/BI tools if applicable.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM systems, understanding how user feedback integrates with CRM data or product analytics platforms (e.g., Mixpanel, Amplitude) can be beneficial.

• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) used by product and engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies a need for proficiency in standard UX research software for qualitative studies, participant management, and data synthesis. Familiarity with tools used by product and design teams (like Figma) and an understanding of how to leverage quantitative data from surveys or product analytics will be advantageous. The ability to organize and manage research findings in a repository is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Deeply understanding and advocating for the needs of civil engineers, GIS teams, and field crews.

• Impact-Driven: Shipping work that matters and directly contributes to customer success and company growth.

• Collaboration: Working closely with Product, Design, and Engineering to build cohesive and effective solutions.

• Agility & Speed: Moving fast, iterating quickly, and adapting to new information and challenges in a startup environment.

• Ownership: Taking responsibility for research initiatives and their outcomes from start to finish.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly working with PMs and Designers to define research questions early in the product development cycle.

• Transparent Communication: Sharing research findings clearly and effectively with all stakeholders to ensure alignment and informed decision-making.

• Feedback Loops: Actively seeking and providing feedback on designs and product direction based on user insights.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a shared understanding of users and their needs across the entire product team, potentially through a centralized research repository.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "shipping work that matters" and "proximity to customers" highlights a culture that values practical application and direct user engagement. The team likely operates with a high degree of autonomy and expects individuals to be proactive in identifying opportunities and driving solutions within their domain.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Domain Complexity: Learning and mastering the intricacies of civil engineering, utility data, and infrastructure management to effectively research with specialized users.

• Establishing Research Practice: Building out a formal UX research function, including processes, tools, and cultural adoption, in an early-stage startup environment.

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: Delivering timely insights for rapid iteration while maintaining research quality and depth.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating research findings and advocating for user needs in a fast-paced environment with potentially competing priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Specialization: Becoming an expert in the civil infrastructure software market.

• Research Methodology Expansion: Opportunity to refine and expand qualitative research skills, and potentially gain experience in quantitative research methods.

• Product Strategy Contribution: Directly influencing the product roadmap and strategy of a Series A company.

• Building Research Infrastructure: Gaining experience in setting up and managing research operations within a growing organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the steep learning curve associated with the niche industry. However, this also presents a significant growth opportunity for a researcher to become a highly specialized and valuable asset to the company and the industry. The chance to build out a research practice offers a unique career development path.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach understanding the core workflows of civil engineers using our platform for the first time?" (Focus on your process, research methods, and how you'd handle potential lack of domain knowledge.)

• "Describe a time your research findings challenged a team's initial product assumptions. How did you present your findings and influence the direction?" (Highlight your synthesis, communication, and stakeholder management skills.)

• "If you were to establish a research repository here, what would be the key components and how would you encourage adoption?" (Demonstrate your understanding of research operations and knowledge management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about CivilGrid's mission and the infrastructure market?" (Show genuine interest and research into the company's domain.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a fast-paced startup culture that values direct feedback and ownership?" (Align your work style with the company's values.)

• "How do you balance the need for fast, focused research with the desire for in-depth understanding?" (Address the company's emphasis on speed and efficiency.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives with a clear beginning (problem), middle (your research process and findings), and end (impact and recommendations).

• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your methodological choices. Why did you choose interviews over surveys? Why this participant group?

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, quotes, and artifacts from your research to illustrate your findings and process.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, demonstrate the tangible results of your research on the product or business.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology, synthesis process, and how you handled challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to articulate your process for quickly acquiring domain knowledge in new technical fields. The interviewers will want to see how you bridge the gap between your research skills and the specific needs of CivilGrid's users. Highlight your ability to establish research processes and foster a research-informed culture, as this is a key aspect of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Ashby application link provided.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful UX research case studies. Prioritize those demonstrating end-to-end research, strong synthesis, and clear impact on product decisions, especially if they involve technical B2B products or complex workflows.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience relevant to B2B research, technical product environments, and any experience with establishing research practices. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on your process, insights, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss how you'd approach research at CivilGrid.

• Research CivilGrid: Understand their product, target market (civil engineers, utilities), and mission. Prepare thoughtful questions about their current research practices and challenges.

⚠️ 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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