Principal UX Researcher

Principal UX Researcher

Full-Time 90000 - 95000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Ocean Infinity

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead UX research strategy and uncover user needs for innovative maritime technology.
  • Company: Join Ocean Infinity, a pioneering tech company transforming ocean exploration.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Fast-paced, innovative culture with a focus on sustainability and user-centred design.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on user experience in cutting-edge robotics and autonomous systems.
  • Qualifications: Significant experience in UX research and strong collaboration skills required.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 95000 £ per year.

At Ocean Infinity, we're on a bold mission to subsea data using innovative technology.

Using cutting-edge robotics, autonomous technology and world-class software, we're transforming how complex operations are carried out at sea.

Our uncrewed systems are making ocean exploration and operations safer, smarter and more sustainable, helping unlock the vast potential of our oceans while reducing environmental impact.

This isn't a vision for the future.

It's happening right now.

As we continue to push the boundaries of innovation and redefine what's possible in the maritime industry, we're looking for exceptional talent to join our fast-growing team.

Ocean Infinity is seeking a Principal UX Researcher to lead and evolve user research strategy across our products, platforms and operational systems.

Partnering closely with Product, Engineering, AI, Hardware and Operations teams, you'll uncover user needs, analyse complex workflows and identify the problems worth solving before solutions take shape.

Your insights will directly influence product strategy, engineering decisions and the development of intuitive, scalable experiences across marine robotics, autonomous systems, remote operations and data-driven platforms.

As the organisation's UX research expert, you'll champion user-centred thinking at every stage of the product lifecycle, helping shape technologies that perform in complex real-world environments.

This is a highly visible, cross-functional role requiring strategic vision, strong stakeholder influence and the ability to thrive in fast-paced, technically challenging settings.

Requirements

What you will do!

  • Lead UX research strategy across Ocean Infinity’s products, platforms and operational systems.
  • Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to uncover user needs, behaviours and workflow challenges.
  • Partner with Product, Engineering, AI, Operations and Design teams to shape user-centred products and experiences.
  • Translate complex technical and operational processes into actionable insights and product recommendations
  • Drive research across autonomy platforms, robotics interfaces, mission systems and data products.
  • Build trusted relationships with users, operational teams, engineers and customers to understand real-world challenges.
  • Lead end-to-end research projects and embed evidence-based decision making across teams.
  • Establish scalable research frameworks, best practices and repositories to mature research capabilities.
  • Advocate for user-centred design and support teams in turning insights into meaningful product improvements.
  • Influence product strategy, roadmap planning and prioritisation while identifying usability risks and adoption challenges early.
  • Mentor colleagues and champion research excellence across the organisation.

What we look for!

  • Significant experience in a Senior, Lead, Staff or Principal UX Research role, with a track record of defining research strategy in complex technology environments.
  • Expert in qualitative and quantitative research methods, with experience across enterprise software, operational platforms or highly technical products.
  • Naturally curious, analytical and collaborative, with the ability to uncover user needs and turn complex findings into clear, actionable insights.
  • Skilled at influencing stakeholders and partnering closely with Product Managers, Engineers and Designers.
  • Comfortable operating in ambiguity, balancing user needs, technical constraints and business priorities.
  • Experienced in facilitating workshops, driving cross-functional collaboration and shaping product direction.
  • Equally effective thinking strategically and delivering hands-on research execution.
  • Excellent communication, presentation and problem-solving skills, with fluent written and spoken English.

Nice to have!

  • Experience within robotics, autonomy, AI, marine technology, aerospace, defence or industrial technology environments.
  • Experience researching operational or mission-critical workflows.
  • Familiarity with data-heavy platforms, geospatial systems or remote operations.
  • Experience with Research Ops and scaling research functions.
  • Experience working within fast-scaling or transformation-focused organisations.
  • Understanding of accessibility and inclusive design principles.
  • Experience conducting field research within operational environments.

Benefits

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Principal UX Researcher employer: Ocean Infinity

Ocean Infinity is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for QA Engineers to thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside a competitive salary package. Located in a dynamic environment, our team enjoys a supportive atmosphere that values quality and excellence in every project.

Ocean Infinity

Contact Details:

Ocean Infinity Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal UX Researcher

Show Off Your Portfolio

In the world of UX/UI design, your portfolio speaks volumes! Make sure it's packed with your best work and showcases your process, not just the final product. We want to see how you tackle design challenges, so consider adding case studies that reflect your thought process and user-centric approach.

Get Involved in Design Communities

Jump into local or online design meetups and workshops! Places like UXPA or local design events can be goldmines for networking and learning. Plus, mingling with fellow designers can introduce you to potential job openings that might not be listed elsewhere.

Tailor Your Applications

When you find a role that excites you, like the one at Ocean Infinity for a Principal UX Researcher, make your application count! Highlight specific projects and skills that directly relate to the job description. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who fit into their specific team, so show them you’re the one!

Leverage Social Media

Don't underestimate the power of social media in finding a UX/UI design job! Follow design leaders on platforms like Twitter or Instagram, share your work, and engage in conversations. It’s a great way to get noticed by recruiters and even catch wind of openings at companies like Ocean Infinity before they go live!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal UX Researcher

UX Research Strategy
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
User-Centred Design
Stakeholder Influence
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Design Process:When you're applying for a UX/UI Design role like Principal UX Researcher at Ocean Infinity, make sure to include examples that clearly highlight your design process. We want to see not just the final product but also the journey that led you there—wireframes, user personas, and iterations demonstrate your thought process and user-centric approach!

Tailor Your Portfolio:A tailor-made portfolio is crucial for a full-time design role! Curate your best projects that align with the kind of work Ocean Infinity does. We suggest including 3-5 case studies that showcase a variety of skills such as wireframing, prototyping, and user testing to really make your application pop.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just be a summary of your CV. Use it to express why you’re excited about UX/UI Design and what draws you specifically to Ocean Infinity. Mention any relevant experience, tools you’re proficient in (like Sketch or Figma), and how you can contribute to their projects.

Highlight Collaboration Skills:In the world of UX/UI Design, teamwork is crucial. Make sure to highlight any past experiences where you worked in cross-functional teams. Illustrate how you communicated design decisions and listened to feedback, as this will resonate well with the culture at Ocean Infinity.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ocean Infinity

Show Off Your Portfolio

When you're gunning for a full-time UX/UI design role, your portfolio is your best friend! Make sure you've got a solid selection of your work, showcasing not just the final designs, but the process behind them—think wireframes, user flows, and any user research you've conducted. During the interview with Ocean Infinity, be prepared to discuss your design decisions and how they solve specific user problems.

Prepare for Design Challenges

Expect to face some practical design tasks during your interview. Ocean Infinity might ask you to tackle a quick design challenge or critique an existing interface. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and try to articulate your thought process as you work through these scenarios. Showing how you approach a design problem is just as important as the final output!

Know the Tools of the Trade

Familiarise yourself with the tools commonly used in the industry—figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch should be second nature to you. Be ready to discuss your preferred tools during the interview and how they've shaped your design process at previous positions. This knowledge could give you an edge at Ocean Infinity!

Show Passion for User Experience

In a full-time UX/UI design role, having a genuine passion for improving user interactions can set you apart. Be prepared to share instances when you went above and beyond to ensure a great user experience in your previous projects. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a designer, but a user advocate, which is exactly what Ocean Infinity is looking for.