UX Researcher IV - (E4)

About this Role

A Senior UX Researcher within Applied SmartFactory's Automation Products Group studies users to improve digital products and services for our next generation of AI-powered software. They use research techniques founded on design thinking to understand user needs, behaviors, and preferences. Their goal is to empower our generative AI powered products to be measurably more intuitive and enjoyable for users.

Summary

• Full-time position in the UX Design department of a Fortune 100 technology company within the semiconductor industry.
• Responsible for leading design thinking initiatives on the introduction of conversational, visual, and generative AI capabilities into our Applied SmartFactory software products.
• Collaborate closely with software development teams to create best-in-class conversational user experiences.
• Work alongside UX Designers and UI Developers to ensure cohesive design solutions.

Experience

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Psychology, Design, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in UX Research, with a focus on conversational user experiences and generative AI interfaces.
• Proven track record of delivering successful UX research initiatives in the enterprise software industry, preferably in a semiconductor, technology manufacturing or related field.
• Extensive, demonstrable expertise in conducting user research, usability testing, and user interviews to inform design decisions.
• Deep understanding of conversational AI technologies, natural language processing, and machine learning algorithms.
• Proficient in utilizing industry-standard UX research tools and methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills to translate data and insights into actionable design recommendations.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively communicate research findings and design concepts to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Extensive experience with modern design research platforms such as Miro AI Assist, FigJam, UserTesting.com and documentation platforms like Confluence, Supernova and Microsoft Copilot 365 Office Suite.
• Experience in leading organizational change to AI-driven design thinking is a plus.

Primary Roles

• Lead UX research initiatives for the introduction of conversational, visual, and generative AI capabilities into our Applied SmartFactory software products.
• Conduct user research activities to gather insights and identify user needs, pain points, and preferences related to conversational user experiences.
• Collaborate with UX Designers and UI Developers to create user-centered design solutions that leverage conversational AI technologies.
• Plan and execute usability testing sessions to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of conversational user experiences.
• Analyze research findings and provide actionable recommendations to enhance the usability and user satisfaction of our software products.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and advancements in conversational AI to drive innovation in our design solutions.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product management and engineering, to ensure the successful implementation of conversational user experiences.

UX Management Reporting and Accountability

• Collaborate with the Director of UX Design to align research initiatives with overall department goals and strategies. The UX Researcher reports to Project Managers for scheduling, agile management resource allocation and project planning of UX resources.
• Provide regular progress updates, research findings, and design recommendations to the Director of UX Design and other stakeholders.
• Report to Global Product Managers and Product Owners for software feature usability, and excellence in delivering top-tier user experience solutions.
• Report to Product Owners as they are assigned to work on specific product feature research and documentation. Most of their daily interaction with leadership will be at the Product Owner level.
• Will collaborate with and take software functionality guidance from Product Owners and UI Development Leads in translating requirements into user stories and use cases.
• Must possess the ability to work effectively in a team setting including synthesizing abstract ideas into concrete design visualizations.
• Must be open to receiving feedback and constructive criticism and must embrace change.

When conducting UX research, our UX researchers study the motivations, behaviors and needs of users by analyzing how they perform certain tasks in high technology manufacturing settings. UX researchers also manage user testing by working directly with users, remotely observing users using digital tools, or conducting surveys to collect user feedback.

The UX Researcher works under the direction of a Product Owner as they receive product-specific direction. They then work alongside UX Designers and UI Developers who process their research into UX designs and front-end code.

This role requires expertise in a number of different approaches to testing, data aggregation and garnering information. This involves both quantitative and qualitative methods. The UX researcher tests proposed hypotheses about users' behaviors and attitudes based on a system of numerical and statistical evidence.

UX Researchers are expected to be self-directed, but also collaborative. They must possess high levels of communication, time management and process-management skills. Creative writing, technical document editing, generative AI document authoring, data science experience, technology passion, and attention to detail are also keys to success in this role.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Skills:

Certifications:

Languages:

Years of Experience:

7 - 10 Years

Work Experience:

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

No

U.S. Salary Range:

$152,000.00 - $209,000.00

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.