Design Researcher

Design Researcher

Job Description:

INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee Tool we firmly believe that our People and our Culture are the bookends of our success. Our employees work with a passion to never settle and always improve, enabling us to push the status quo and change the lives of our users.      

The Design Research team at Milwaukee Tool sits within a collaborative user-centered design and technology development group focused on the fuzzy front end of product development. We are tasked with informing the entrepreneurial spirit of the company, influencing, and inspiring the direction of the business through strategic and functional findings. In this role you will be leading the research efforts of highly collaborative and diverse teams of Engineers, Industrial Designers, and Product Managers to inspire and influence key decision makers on new solutions for the construction industry. 

Behind our doors you'll be empowered every day to own it, drive it, and do what it takes to design and develop the biggest breakthroughs in the industry. Meanwhile, you'll have the support and resources of the fastest-growing brand in the construction industry to make it happen. 

The TOOLS you’ll need to have: 

• Design and execute multi-faceted research plans to learn about all aspects of the construction trade. These plans typically include qualitative discovery research on jobsites, primary and secondary research exercises to understand the competitive product set, and evaluation of mock-ups and preliminary concept prototypes in field.  
• Build, grow, and maintain a network of users to understand their evolving needs and work context. Establishing strong relationships with our end users is critical to conducting appropriate discovery research, co-creating solutions, and eliciting honest feedback. 
• Analyze and synthesize research findings into key insights that inform opportunities for new feature sets, functionalities, and business approaches. 
• Plan and facilitate hands-on tool evaluations, team workshops, and analysis sessions. These participatory co-creation sessions result in a common ground of familiarity with a tool and its use, while inspiring creativity and collaboration within your team. 
• Present research findings in an engaging and concise manner to key stakeholders across the business. You will need to communicate through well-crafted presentations and events that educate and inspire your team through photos, video, diagrams, storytelling, and demonstrations. 

The TOOLS you’ll bring with you: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Business, or Engineering plus three years’ experience; or master’s degree plus a minimum of one years’ experience (including internships) in the fields above 
• Minimum one year’s experience in product development with an understanding of innovation and design thinking 
• Minimum one year’s experience using qualitative research methods including observation, interviewing, and contextual inquiry 
• 25-40% overnight domestic travel 
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Upon an interview, must be prepared to present on a project and its methodology 

Our Perks and Benefits:  

• Robust health, dental and vision insurance plans 
• Generous 401 (K) savings plan 
• Education assistance 
• On-site wellness, fitness center, food, and coffee service 
• And many more, check out our benefits site HERE 

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.