UX Researcher, Vehicle Experience at zoox

<div> <p>We are looking for a mixed-method Vehicle Experience Researcher, which will be the glue between the digital interface and the physical cabin experience for Zoox. This role requires a high-velocity researcher who is just as comfortable designing a complex quantitative benchmark study as they are running extensive in-vehicle testing. You will navigate the unique intersection of software and hardware, ensuring that everything of the vehicle works as a single, cohesive system.</p> </div> In this role you will: • Design and execute both qualitative and quantitative research that uncovers core user needs, behaviors, and experience patterns • Synthesize insights into clear frameworks that inform product direction • Contribute to defining principles that guide the evolution of in-vehicle experience • Move beyond individual features to map the entire end-to-end vehicle rider experience journey. • Conduct foundational research in ambiguous, early-stage product areas where the problem space is not well defined. • Design and run robust quant studies to establish experience benchmarks. You will define what "good" looks like and track our progress against those metrics as the vehicle platform and in-cabin experience evolves. • Lead a high volume of testing sessions within the vehicle to validate features. • Investigate how digital touchpoints sync with physical movements and cabin environments. • Partner closely with Product, Design, and Vehicle Engineering • Translate research findings into clear implications for product decisions • Proactively identify opportunities where research can drive impact Qualifications • 7+ years of experience in UX Research, HCI, Human Factors, or a related field • Strong experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Proven experience designing and running quantitative benchmarking studies and analyzing complex datasets. • A portfolio that demonstrates research on products with both hardware and software touchpoints. • Ability to manage a high volume of tactical testing while maintaining a strategic, system-level perspective. • Ability to travel 5–10% within the US to support testing and research initiatives Bonus Qualifications • Experience in automotive, robotics, aerospace, or specialized consumer hardware (e.g., VR/AR, smart home). • Ability to "speak engineer"—understanding the constraints of vehicle platforms, thermal systems, and motion profiles. • Experience working in large, complex organizations where building cross-functional alliances is key to getting things done.