Winter 2027 Co-op - UX Design Research

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Winter 2027 Co-op - UX Design Research

Company: Keurig Dr Pepper

Location: Burlington, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME, INTERN

Category: UX/UI Design & Research

Date Posted: September 10, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (Co-op/Internship)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Contribute to the future of Keurig brand experiences by conducting meaningful user research under senior guidance.

• Drive innovation and design by acting as the voice of the customer across physical appliances, digital interfaces, and IoT systems.

• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to generate actionable user insights that inform critical design decisions for current and future KDP products.

• Collaborate closely with researchers, engineers, and designers in a fast-paced, challenging environment to impact real products and future designs.

• Develop essential research materials, including protocols, discussion guides, stimuli, recruitment criteria, and surveys, as part of a structured co-op program.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a co-op program, indicating an entry-level opportunity focused on learning and development within UX Design Research. The "Winter 2027" designation suggests a fixed-term engagement from January 4th to May 21st, 2027, requiring full-time commitment during that period. The hybrid work arrangement implies a need for on-site presence in Burlington, MA, with flexibility for remote work.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive research materials, including detailed protocols, user discussion guides, stimuli for testing, clear recruitment criteria, and effective surveys.

• Execute qualitative and/or quantitative research studies to gather critical user feedback and behavioral data.

• Analyze diverse datasets (qualitative and quantitative) to synthesize user insights and identify key trends and pain points.

• Contribute directly to digital and physical brewer-based UX design initiatives, translating research findings into tangible design recommendations.

• Act as the primary advocate for the customer, ensuring their needs and perspectives are central to the innovation and design processes.

• Partner with cross-functional teams, including researchers, engineers, and designers, to integrate user feedback throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Present research findings and design implications to project teams, department members, and senior leadership, demonstrating project impact on the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are clearly defined for a co-op role, emphasizing the creation of research materials, execution of studies, data analysis, and contribution to design. The expectation to present findings to senior leaders highlights the significant impact and visibility of this co-op position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate academic program from an accredited college or university. Relevant fields of study include, but are not limited to: UX/UI Research, UX/UI Design, Design Research, Industrial Design, Marketing, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, or Social Sciences.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience analyzing qualitative and/or quantitative data and effectively communicating research findings to diverse teams.

• Prior experience conducting consumer research on physical/digital products, experiences, or programs.

• Familiarity with developing research documentation such as protocols, discussion guides, stimuli, recruitment criteria, and surveys. Required Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, essential for stakeholder management and articulating research insights.

• Strong analytical capabilities for interpreting qualitative and quantitative data and generating actionable user insights.

• Proficiency in developing research materials, including protocols, discussion guides, stimuli, recruitment criteria, and surveys.

• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment, demonstrating independence and a proactive, self-starter mentality.

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data organization and analysis.

• Proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint for creating compelling presentations of research findings and recommendations. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with IoT systems and their implications for user experience design.

• Experience with user research methodologies applicable to physical appliances and digital interfaces.

• Understanding of innovation processes and how user insights drive product development.

• Exposure to design thinking principles and user-centered design methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required fields of study are broad, indicating Keurig Dr Pepper values diverse perspectives in UX research. The emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative analysis, alongside strong communication and Microsoft Office skills, are standard for entry-level research roles. The "self-starter" and "cross-functional" requirements point to an expectation of proactive engagement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of research studies conducted, detailing the research question, methodology, key findings, and impact.

• Include samples of research materials developed, such as discussion guides, survey instruments, and recruitment screeners.

• Demonstrate analytical skills through case studies that highlight data synthesis and the generation of actionable user insights.

• Present projects that illustrate contributions to digital or physical product design, emphasizing the connection between research and design outcomes.

• Highlight experience with cross-functional collaboration and how user insights were communicated and integrated into project workflows. Process Documentation:

• Document the end-to-end process of a research project, from planning and material development to data collection and analysis.

• Illustrate how research findings were translated into design recommendations or product improvements.

• Showcase an understanding of iterative design processes, where user feedback informs design refinements.

• Provide examples of how research insights were effectively communicated to non-research stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a co-op role, the portfolio should focus on demonstrating foundational research skills and the ability to learn and apply methodologies. The emphasis is on showcasing the process and the candidate's role within it, rather than solely on finished, complex projects. Practical application of research to design is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $31/hr. This rate is benchmarked against similar co-op/internship positions in the UX Design Research field within the greater Boston metropolitan area, considering the cost of living and the specialized nature of the role.

Benefits:

• Competitive Hourly Wage: $31 per hour, paid bi-weekly.

• Sign-On Bonus: A $5,000 sign-on bonus, disbursed within the first 30 days of employment, providing immediate financial support.

• Professional Development: Access to professional development training sessions covering networking, essential professional skills, and presentation techniques.

• Mentorship Program: Dedicated mentor support to guide professional growth and career development throughout the co-op term.

• Executive Engagement: Opportunities to participate in meet & greets and lunch & learns with Keurig Dr Pepper executives and other organizational leaders.

• Project Presentation: Opportunity to present a completed project and its business impact to teams and senior leadership.

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This schedule is designed to align with standard business operations and facilitate collaboration within the hybrid work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary of $31/hr is a strong indicator for a co-op/internship role in the Boston area, reflecting the demand for UX talent and the company's investment in interns. The sign-on bonus is a significant perk for an internship. The structured program elements are presented as benefits, highlighting the comprehensive learning experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (Beverages, Coffee, Appliances). Keurig Dr Pepper operates within a dynamic consumer goods sector, characterized by strong brand loyalty, evolving consumer preferences, and continuous innovation in product development and user experience. This industry context means that understanding consumer behavior and translating it into compelling product experiences is paramount.

Company Size: Keurig Dr Pepper is a large enterprise with over 50,000 employees globally. This scale offers opportunities for extensive cross-functional collaboration, exposure to diverse business units, and the chance to work on projects with significant market impact. For operations professionals, this means navigating established processes while also having the potential to influence them within specialized teams.

Founded: Keurig Dr Pepper was formed through the merger of Keurig Green Mountain and Dr Pepper Snapple Group in 2018, building on decades of legacy brands and innovation. This history suggests a company that values both established brand equity and forward-thinking development, particularly relevant for roles shaping future consumer experiences.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design Research team is likely part of a larger Product Development, Design, or Innovation department.

• The team structure probably involves a mix of senior researchers, designers, and potentially product managers, with co-ops reporting to a senior researcher or UX lead.

• Collaboration is expected to be highly cross-functional, involving close partnerships with engineering, marketing, and product management teams to ensure user insights are integrated across the entire product lifecycle. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Innovation: A strong emphasis on using customer data and research insights to drive product innovation and design decisions.

• User-Centered Design: Processes are likely structured around understanding user needs, behaviors, and motivations to create intuitive and engaging experiences.

• Agile/Iterative Development: Expectation of working within fast-paced, iterative cycles, where research findings inform design refinements and vice-versa.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's size and industry suggest a structured yet innovative environment. As a co-op, understanding how user research fits into a large CPG company's product development pipeline is crucial. The emphasis on data and user-centered design points to a sophisticated approach to product creation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level co-op/internship position specifically designed for undergraduate students to gain practical experience in UX Design Research. It represents an initial stepping stone into a career in user experience, product development, or related design fields. The focus is on learning core research methodologies, contributing to real projects, and understanding the professional design environment.

Reporting Structure: The co-op will report to a senior member of the UX Design Research team, likely a UX Researcher or UX Design Lead. This direct mentorship provides guidance on tasks, projects, and professional development within the team's structure. The role involves close collaboration with other designers and researchers.

Operations Impact: While the co-op role is focused on learning and contribution, the work directly impacts product development. By providing user insights and contributing to design decisions, the co-op helps shape the user experience of Keurig Dr Pepper's physical appliances, digital interfaces, and IoT systems. This ensures that future products are aligned with customer needs and preferences, ultimately influencing product adoption and brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to develop deep expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., qualitative interviews, usability testing, survey design) and gain exposure to others.

• Industry Exposure: Gain hands-on experience in the consumer goods/beverage industry, understanding product development cycles within a large corporation.

• Networking: Build professional connections with experienced researchers, designers, and leaders at Keurig Dr Pepper through mentorship and program events.

• Portfolio Development: Create tangible project work and case studies to enhance a professional portfolio for future job applications.

• Potential for Future Opportunities: Successful completion of the co-op program may lead to recommendations for future internships or entry-level positions within KDP.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the co-op as a significant learning opportunity within the operations of product development. It highlights the potential for skill acquisition, industry exposure, and professional networking, all critical for early-career development in design research.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Burlington, MA, and operates on a hybrid model. This suggests a modern office environment designed to support both collaborative in-person work and individual focused tasks. The office likely features collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms equipped for design reviews, and potentially dedicated research labs or areas.

Office Location(s): Burlington, Massachusetts. This location is part of the greater Boston technology and innovation hub, offering access to a vibrant ecosystem of talent and resources. Specific office address details would be provided upon hire, but accessibility via public transportation or employee parking is typical for corporate offices in this region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is designed to foster teamwork, with spaces conducive to brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and cross-functional meetings.

• Tooling and Technology: Access to standard office technology, including high-speed internet, presentation equipment, and potentially specialized research software or hardware relevant to appliance and digital product testing.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the UX Design Research team and other departments, facilitating knowledge sharing and mentorship.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, totaling 40 hours per week. This structured schedule ensures consistent engagement and integration with the team, while the hybrid nature allows for flexibility between in-office and remote work days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model implies a need for candidates to be comfortable working both remotely and in an office setting, requiring self-discipline and effective time management across different work environments. The location in the Boston area is a plus for tech and design talent.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Applications will undergo an initial review, potentially including AI-assisted screening to match qualifications against role requirements. Candidates may be asked to complete a HireVue automated interview as part of this stage.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Shortlisted candidates will likely participate in one or more interviews with the hiring manager and members of the UX Design Research team. These interviews will assess technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a selection of their work from their portfolio, showcasing research methodologies, data analysis, and contributions to design. This is a critical step to evaluate practical application of skills.

• Final Assessment: A final review by the hiring team to make a decision based on overall qualifications, interview performance, and portfolio review.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 strong projects that best represent your UX research skills, focusing on those most relevant to product design and consumer insights.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the research questions, methodologies used, challenges faced, your analytical approach, key findings, and the impact of your work on design or product decisions.

• Highlight Data Analysis: Show your ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights. Use visuals or examples to demonstrate this.

• Emphasize Collaboration: If possible, demonstrate how you worked with designers, engineers, or other stakeholders.

• Prepare for Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly, anticipating questions about your decision-making process and methodologies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Methodologies: Be prepared to discuss various qualitative and quantitative research methods, their pros and cons, and when to apply them.

• Data Interpretation: Practice articulating how you would analyze common types of user data (e.g., interview transcripts, survey responses, usability test results).

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate hypothetical UX research challenges and outline how you would approach them, focusing on your systematic, data-driven approach.

• Company Understanding: Research Keurig Dr Pepper's brands, products, and recent initiatives to understand their market position and potential user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of HireVue indicates a specific technology used in the early stages. The emphasis on portfolio presentation and practical problem-solving suggests a focus on applied skills rather than theoretical knowledge alone for this co-op role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: While not explicitly listed, familiarity with tools for usability testing, user interviews, and survey creation (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms) is beneficial.

• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint) is required for data analysis and presentation. Experience with collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Google Workspace is also expected for team communication and project management.

• Design Software (Familiarity): While not a design role, a basic understanding of design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) can be helpful for interpreting design work and collaborating with designers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Strong skills in Microsoft Excel for data manipulation and analysis are essential. Familiarity with basic statistical concepts and potentially more advanced tools like SPSS or R for quantitative analysis would be a plus.

• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint is critical for visualizing and communicating research findings to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Awareness): Understanding how user data is managed within CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) can provide context for customer-centric product development, though direct experience is not explicitly required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for data analysis and reporting. While specific UX research tools aren't listed, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with common industry platforms. Awareness of design tools and CRM systems adds value.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A fundamental value placed on understanding and advocating for the customer's needs and experiences in all product development efforts.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouraging a mindset of exploration, asking "why," and seeking new ways to improve products and user experiences.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasizing cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals, valuing diverse perspectives and open communication.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A commitment to using research and data to inform strategies, design choices, and business outcomes.

• Continuous Learning: Fostering an environment where individuals are encouraged to develop new skills, explore emerging trends, and grow professionally.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Expectation of seamless integration within project teams, working alongside designers, engineers, and product managers.

• Open Communication: An environment where feedback is openly shared, and constructive dialogue is encouraged to refine ideas and solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that facilitate the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across the team and wider organization.

• Proactive Engagement: A culture that values team members who take initiative, offer solutions, and actively contribute to team goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values align well with a UX Design Research role, emphasizing customer focus, innovation, and data-driven approaches. The collaboration style suggests an environment where interns are expected to be active participants.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Insights to Action: A common challenge in UX research is effectively translating complex user insights into clear, actionable recommendations that designers and product managers can implement.

• Navigating Large Organizations: Working within a large company like Keurig Dr Pepper can present challenges in understanding established processes, identifying key stakeholders, and gaining buy-in for research initiatives.

• Balancing Project Demands: Managing multiple research tasks and project deadlines simultaneously while maintaining high quality and depth of analysis.

• Adapting to New Product Areas: Quickly gaining understanding of new product categories (e.g., specific appliance functionalities, digital interface intricacies) to conduct relevant research.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodology Mastery: Deepen expertise in a range of qualitative and quantitative research techniques through practical application.

• Industry Insight: Gain firsthand experience in the product development lifecycle of a major consumer goods company within the beverage and appliance sectors.

• Professional Skills Enhancement: Benefit from structured training in presentation skills, professional communication, and networking, as part of the co-op program.

• Mentorship and Guidance: Receive personalized support from experienced professionals to navigate challenges and accelerate learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight areas where a co-op can gain significant experience and demonstrate their ability to learn and adapt. The growth opportunities are framed around skill development and professional maturation within a corporate setting.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to analyze complex qualitative data. What was your process, and what insights did you uncover?" (Focus on your systematic approach to data synthesis and interpretation.)

• "How would you approach designing a research study to understand user needs for a new smart coffee maker feature?" (Demonstrate your understanding of research planning, methodology selection, and participant recruitment.)

• "Tell me about a project where your research findings influenced design decisions. What was the outcome?" (Highlight your ability to translate insights into actionable recommendations and showcase the impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Keurig Dr Pepper and our brands?" (Research KDP's product portfolio, recent news, and company mission to articulate genuine interest.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a cross-functional team focused on product innovation?" (Emphasize your collaborative spirit, proactive attitude, and how you can support design and engineering efforts with user insights.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to adapt your communication style to different audiences." (Showcase your ability to tailor your message for technical and non-technical stakeholders.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role and methodology, the key findings, your recommendations, and the impact or outcome.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (e.g., mockups, data charts, participant quotes) to illustrate your process and findings.

• Focus on Insights: Emphasize the "so what?" of your research – what did you learn, and how did it lead to better design or product decisions?

• Be Concise and Clear: Practice your presentation to fit within any allotted time, ensuring your points are easily understood.

• Anticipate Questions: Be ready to elaborate on your design choices, analytical methods, and any challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strategy questions focus on core UX research competencies: data analysis, research design, and impact communication. The portfolio presentation advice stresses clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating actionable insights, crucial for co-op roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Keurig Dr Pepper careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight relevant coursework, projects, and any prior research or analytical experience. Emphasize keywords such as "UX Research," "Qualitative Analysis," "Quantitative Analysis," "Data Synthesis," "Microsoft Excel," and "Microsoft PowerPoint."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest academic or personal projects that best demonstrate your UX research skills, focusing on research methodology, data analysis, and insights generation. Prepare to discuss your process and findings in detail.

• Prepare for HireVue: Familiarize yourself with the HireVue platform and common interview questions for UX research roles. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.

• Research KDP: Thoroughly research Keurig Dr Pepper's brands, products, and recent company news. Understand their market position and identify potential areas where UX research plays a critical role.

⚠️ 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.