Senior User Experience Design Researcher

What you’ll do

As a Senior User Experience Design Researcher at Scout Motors, you will be pivotal in driving the design of intuitive and functional user experiences in our next-generation electric vehicles. This role demands a seasoned professional who is not only adept at planning and conducting comprehensive usability studies but also excels in translating research findings into actionable design recommendations. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that our vehicle designs meet the highest standards of usability and functionality.

• Plan and conduct both qualitative and quantitative usability studies focused on automotive interfaces, ensuring the research is thorough and contextually relevant to our vehicle designs.
• Analyze user interactions and feedback to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement in vehicle user interfaces.
• Provide clear, actionable, and hands-on recommendations to design and development teams to refine product interfaces and improve user satisfaction.
• Utilize a variety of usability metrics and data analysis techniques to inform and validate design decisions.
• Collaborate effectively across design and technology teams to integrate usability findings into the design process.
• Facilitate and drive the research agenda, ensuring that all studies are aligned with Scout Motors’ strategic goals and production timelines.
• Regularly present research findings and strategic insights to stakeholders in a clear and compelling manner—beyond traditional PowerPoint presentations.

Location & Travel Expectations: The responsibilities of this role require attendance at in-person meetings and events regularly. This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Fremont, California. Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company up to 15% of the time.

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scouts to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring: 

• A robust portfolio demonstrating hands-on experience in automotive user research, with a strong emphasis on production-ready solutions
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering, Human Factors, User Experience, Human-Computer Interaction, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience leading UX research projects with demonstrated impact, handling all stages of research design (study design, test creation, recruiting, moderation, analysis, reporting).
• 5 years of experience with different research methods including field research, usability, and survey design.
• The ability to manage ambiguity, lead research efforts autonomously, and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• A team-oriented approach, with a proven track record of collaborative project management and a clear focus on collective achievement over individual glory.
• Technical proficiency necessary for setting up, running, and troubleshooting functional prototypes within an agile development environment.
• Demonstrated experience in managing on-site research activities and UX design projects within the automotive sector.
• Proficient in using tools such as Jira, Figma, and Adobe Suite.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time to conduct field studies and collaborate with team members.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a passion for empirical research and its application to design.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Highly organized and proactive, with an ability to manage multiple projects and priorities efficiently.

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave
• Corporate Vehicle Program with:
  • Eligibility to lease up to 2 vehicles at competitive rates

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $140,000-$155,000

Internal leveling code: IC9

Notice to applicants:

• Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 
• Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. 
• Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.