UX Researcher (Remote)

XCEL Engineering, Inc. is an award-winning small business that provides trusted information technology, engineering, consulting and project management solutions and services to federal agencies and organizations. Originally founded in 1971 by professional engineers at the University of Tennessee, XCEL was acquired in 2003 by U.S. Army and Navy veterans and in 2023 became a MartinFed company.

XCEL Engineering is a part of IT Lab Partners (ITLP) which was created to support a leading research facility in the East Tennessee region in recruiting the best and the brightest technical talent. Considering joining our impressive team today!

Please Note: This position can be worked on-site in Oak Ridge, TN or remotely.

JOB OVERVIEW

Xcel Engineering is in search of a highly motivated and skilled UX Researcher to join our team. In this role, you'll utilize both qualitative and quantitative research methods to help teams understand user needs, behaviors, and motivations. Your insights will be invaluable in driving decisions to enhance the user experience and satisfaction across our suite of applications and services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and execute all stages of user research studies to uncover insights about user needs, preferences, and behaviors.
• Conduct usability testing, interviews, surveys, and other research methods to collect data from users.
• Analyze research findings and synthesize them into actionable insights for the design and product teams.
• Collaborate closely with UX designers, developers, and other stakeholders to translate research findings into design recommendations and improvements.
• Advocate for the user throughout the product development process, ensuring that user needs are prioritized and addressed.
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in UX research.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• US Citizen with eligibility to obtain a security clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field and three (3) or more years of relevant experience OR Master's degree in a related field and one (1) or more years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting user research to inform UX decisions within the realm of software or application development.
• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including usability testing, interviews, surveys, and data analysis.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to translate research findings into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively communicate research findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams.
• Experience working in an agile development environment is a plus.
• Familiarity with UX design principles and Figma is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Inside office environment.
• Working on a computer for long periods of time.
• May involve long period of sitting at a desk.
• The work environment is fast-paced and sometimes involves extreme deadline pressures.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Xcel Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, religious creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, protected Veteran Status, genetics or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Xcel Engineering's current openings as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling 855.212.1810. Thank you for your interest in Xcel Engineering.

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