Product Researcher; Field Testing

At REI Co-op, we believe great gear starts with listening. Our Product Research team connects the products we design and make with real people who love being outside. We call it Cooperative Design and it is central to everything we do. As a Product Researcher, you’ll help us uncover insights that guide product decisions and keep the voice of the customer at the heart of everything we make.

Here’s what we focus on:

• Exploratory Research
  :
  We uncover insights about our member and customer needs (and wants!) for particular product attributes to guide product ideas from concept to production.
• Experience & Field Testing
  :
  We evaluate product performance by getting prototypes in the hands of carefully selected testers who put them through their paces in real-world outdoor settings.
• Data-Driven Recommendations
  :
  We turn research into clear, actionable guidance that helps our teams build gear that delivers great experiences.

If you’re curious, collaborative, and passionate about shaping products that help people get outside, and have demonstrated product research experience, you'll feel right at home with us.

• Build and execute research plans that inform product design and development.
• Recruit and manage panels of outdoor enthusiasts to participate in field testing and other studies.
• Lead and support research activities—from interviews and ethnographies to usability testing and in-field trips.
• Develop and maintain research tools and methodologies that make insights easy to share and act on.
• Synthesize findings into clear, actionable recommendations for product teams.

• 3+ years of experience in product research, field testing, or design research.
• Ability to plan and execute research in real-world outdoor conditions.
• Strong communication skills for turning data into stories that inspire action.
• Comfort managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• A collaborative mindset and flexibility to adapt as product needs evolve.
• Wilderness First Responder certification may be required - we will support training if you don't already have it.

This role is based in the Seattle region and must be onsite while managing prototypes and products and specific team and business needs. This role also includes occasional travel and hands‑on testing in outdoor environments that can range from a few hours to multi‑day overnight events. This is because we believe the best research happens with people doing what they do, where they do it.

Flexibility is key.