Design Researcher (Contract, Palo Alto)

Moon is hiring a Design Researcher (Contractor) who is passionate, self-driven, and open to deepening their skills within Design/UX Research as well as expanding their skills in different areas within Design (e.g., Strategic Design, UX/UI, Product Design). This is a part-time contract role based in Palo Alto for an initial term of 3 months, requiring 20-28 hours per week. This role may require travel as and when necessary to perform project tasks. There is a possibility of contract extension based on business needs and performance. Rate is $90–115 an hour.

About the Role

As a contractor, you will work with the Project Manager to define, refine, and execute the scope of research across different stages of new initiative development for the project(s) at Moon, focusing on heavy industry partnerships and collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Project Manager to define and execute research scope across new initiatives stages.
• Assist with and execute various aspects of research planning to address project goals and business/product decisions.
• Plan and execute desktop and market research, including trend analysis, competitive landscape, STEEPLE/PESTLE analysis, etc.
• Plan and run qualitative research with key stakeholders and subject matter experts to surface operational, safety, and commercial unmet needs.
• Synthesize research and findings, identify key insights, and collaborate with the team to define implications for project decisions.
• Plan and run concept testing with key stakeholders, validating emerging concepts against user/stakeholder needs and identifying industry constraints.
• Join brainstorming sessions as needed, acting as a thought partner to expand thinking while contributing your unique perspective.
• Assist in defining innovation opportunities based on research and work with the team to prioritize potential projects.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in Design Research or UX Research with demonstrated qualitative methods.
• A degree with coursework relevant to Design, the Scientific Process/Methodology, or the Human Condition (e.g., Product/Service Design, Psychology, Sociology) OR relevant experience in Design Research, Strategic Design, or UX Research.
• Ability to synthesize complex findings into clear, decision-ready outputs.
• Proactive, self-driven, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
• B2B research experience.
• Proficiency in Google tools, Slack, Notion, and Figma.
• Business-level English.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience in heavy industries (mining, energy, manufacturing, supply chain, or similar).
• Previous experience with Exploratory Research in early-stage product development or new business creation.
• Experience in proof-of-concept prototyping and iteration.
• Experience with Quantitative Research Methodologies or Synthesis.
• Experience experimenting with AI tools to conduct research.
• Experience working in deep-tech or AI.
• Experience working with cross-cultural or international organizations.
• Experience in or understanding of other design areas (e.g., Solution/Product Design, Service Design, Brand Design).
• Business-level Brazilian Portuguese and/or Spanish.

Pay

$90–115 per hour.

Schedule

Part-time contract role requiring 20–28 hours per week for an initial term of 3 months, with the possibility of extension.