UX Researcher

Horizontal Talent; Foster City (CA); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizontal Talent in Foster City is seeking an experienced UX researcher for a hybrid contract role focused on internal tools and AI-enabled product work. You will lead discovery, apply methods, and translate findings into actionable insights that shape product direction and workflows.

Collaborate with product, design, and engineering to improve operational efficiency, advocate for user needs, and present recommendations to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of UX research experience.
• Experience researching for enterprise/internal users.
• Ability to select and apply qualitative methods based on the problem.
• Strong communication and ability to synthesize insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead discovery and kickoff sessions with cross-functional partners to clarify goals and define the core problem.
• Apply qualitative methods such as interviews, observations, diary studies, and workflow mapping to uncover user needs.
• Partner with product, design, and engineering to improve internal workflows and operational efficiency.
• Translate research findings into actionable insights that inform immediate improvements and roadmap decisions.
• Present recommendations to help teams make informed decisions focused on user needs.

Skills

UX research

Interviews

Observations

Diary studies

Workflow mapping

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Communication

Research for enterprise

Questioning assumptions

Experience with technical users

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Bring your research expertise to a dynamic internal tools and AI-focused product environment, where you’ll help shape solutions that improve how teams work across the organization. This hybrid contract role in Foster City offers the opportunity to lead impactful research, influence product direction, and advocate for user needs in a collaborative, forward-thinking setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead discovery and kickoff sessions with cross-functional partners to clarify goals, align stakeholders, and define the core problem to solve.
• Select and apply the most effective research methods, such as interviews, observations, diary studies, and workflow mapping, to uncover user needs and pain points.
• Partner with product, design, and engineering teams to identify opportunities that improve internal workflows and support operational efficiency.
• Translate research findings into clear, actionable insights that inform immediate improvements, long-term strategy, and roadmap decisions.
• Present recommendations in a compelling way that helps teams make informed decisions and maintain a strong focus on user needs.
• Help create an inclusive, psychologically safe research process that welcomes diverse perspectives and supports thoughtful collaboration.
• Manage expectations across a variety of stakeholders while keeping the research approach human-centered and practical.

Skills

• 5+ years of relevant experience in UX research or a closely related field.
• Experience conducting research for enterprise or internal users.
• Strong ability to choose and apply qualitative research methods based on the problem at hand.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to synthesize insights and present recommendations clearly.
• Comfort working with technical users, tools, and cross-functional product teams.
• Ability to ask thoughtful questions, challenge assumptions, and advocate for user needs.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline.

Preferred Skills

• Master’s degree or PhD in a related field.
• Experience designing or researching end-to-end AI-enabled solutions.
• Background working on interconnected product suites or tools that support shared workflows.
• Experience with tools used in field operations or similar operational environments.
• Experience supporting research or design for a wide range of users and abilities.
• Familiarity with autonomous vehicle systems or related technology.

Horizontal is committed to building a welcoming, inclusive environment where different perspectives are valued and every candidate has the opportunity to bring their best ideas forward. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to apply, and we are dedicated to supporting equity and belonging throughout the hiring process.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.

For those that join the team, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement.

The pay range for this role is $29 - $60 per hour based on qualifications and experience.