Forward Deployed UX Researcher

Role overview Embed with customers to understand their work, needs, and obstacles, then turn what you learn into product direction for AI-enabled solutions. You will lead research from framing questions through sharing actionable findings, working closely with engineering, data science, design, and product partners in a fast-moving, customer-facing environment.

Responsibilities - Plan and conduct interviews, contextual inquiry, usability sessions, and concept tests using working prototypes. - Partner with technical teammates to shape research questions, test hypotheses, and inform early-stage product initiatives. - Identify and prioritize usability or workflow gaps in solutions under development. - Synthesize and share findings quickly so teams can adapt and validate their next steps. - Work with research, design, and product colleagues to distinguish customer-specific needs from broader platform opportunities.

Requirements - U.S. citizenship. - Degree in human-computer interaction, psychology, design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. - Professional experience planning and carrying out applied UX or product research independently. - Strong qualitative research skills, including interviews, contextual inquiry, and usability testing; comfort with mixed methods. - Experience in a startup or entrepreneurial setting. - Ability to work independently in ambiguous, fast-paced situations and communicate findings clearly to influence cross-functional partners. - Experience using AIND to create and validate prototypes.

Nice to have - Current U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one through sponsorship. - Research experience with complex enterprise software or in defense, government, or other regulated settings. - Familiarity with federally accredited software environments or customer-facing, consulting, or embedded work.

Benefits and work setup Full-time role based in Arlington, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, or elsewhere in the United States. Travel may reach 75%.