UX Researcher III - AI Wearables & Speech Communication

JOB TITLE: UX Researcher III - AI Wearables & Speech Communication

LOCATION:

Primarily onsite in Redmond, WA. Exceptional candidates in Burlingame, CA, may also be considered.
DURATION: 12 Months
PAY RANGE: $75 - $85/hr.

TOP 3 SKILLS:

• Strong expertise in mixed-methods UX research with a quantitative focus, including experimental design, inferential statistics, and lab-based perceptual or behavioral studies in speech communication or human-AI interaction.
• Proficiency in statistical programming and data visualization using tools such as R or Python.
• Applied research experience on consumer products, with at least 2 years in industry conducting quantitative and mixed-methods studies, and the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

Company:
Our client is a Fortune 500 multi-national technology company headquartered in Menlo Park, CA.

Job Description:
Our team is focused on innovation in next-generation AR/VR, AI, and wearable technologies. The Audio team pioneers research and development at the intersection of sound, embedded systems, and human experience—enabling new ways for people to connect, communicate, and collaborate.

As a UX Researcher, you’ll be responsible for uncovering the user insights and feedback that guide our early research and advanced development toward experiences that are useful, usable, and desirable. You will contribute to an ambitious new project focused on AI wearables—advancing the Superhuman Communication & Connection initiative. This role is ideal for UX researchers interested in speech communication, human-AI interaction, and real-world impact.

By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to work on breakthrough technologies that redefine how people connect and communicate, collaborate with world-class researchers and engineers in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, and shape the future of AI wearables and superhuman audio experiences.

Responsibilities:

• Design & conduct research to guide the development of Client AI glasses user experiences, with a focus on speech communication and human-AI interaction, leveraging primarily quantitative UX research approaches and tools such as lab-based experimentation, statistical analysis, and surveys, supplemented by qualitative methods as needed
• Evaluate and iterate on audio and communication features for AI wearables by understanding how users perceive, interact with, and benefit from device-based experiences
• Translate the research insights into interpretable findings, measurable recommendations, and actionable insights for cross-functional partners and stakeholders
• Work closely with partners and stakeholders to influence development and integration of future AI wearables experiences and solutions
• Work closely with other UX researchers to help design research plans and specific studies
• Independently complete research, including data collection, data analysis, reporting, collaborating with teams to act upon research results, and knowledge consolidation

Minimum Qualifications:

• MA/MS in Cognitive Psychology, Linguistics, Human Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Speech and Hearing Sciences, Neuroscience, or a related UX field
• 2+ years experience conducting applied research on consumer products with an emphasis on both lab-based and remote quantitative methods in industry
• Proficiency in descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, surveys, and experimental design
• Experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, diary studies)
• 1+ years of working in cross-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Cognitive Psychology, Linguistics, Human Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Speech and Hearing Sciences, Neuroscience, or a related UX field
• Experience synthesizing qualitative insights to inform product direction
• 2+ years of experience conducting attitudinal or behavioral research with wearable technology (AI glasses, headphones, smart watches, etc.)
• Advanced proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization (e.g., R, Python)
• Strong oral and written communication skills with experience in tailoring messages to various stakeholders

Must-Have Skills:

• Strong foundation in mixed-methods research (leaning…