senior UX researcher, Digital UX & Design
About the role
From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company—one that celebrates coffee and its rich tradition while fostering a feeling of connection. As a Senior UX Researcher, you’ll design and lead research studies that uncover insights to shape product strategies, user journeys, and long-term experience roadmaps. You’ll partner closely with design, product, and engineering teams to ensure every solution reflects real human needs. Your work will guide experiences that touch millions daily—from mobile ordering to loyalty engagement—and help activate our “Back to Starbucks” strategy.
Responsibilities
- Act in a consultative and advisory role to design and product teams to identify research topics and plan studies for both generative and evaluative purposes.
- Independently plan, lead, and execute high-impact UX research studies across digital products and platforms, from scoping to delivery.
- Conduct research using a wide range of qualitative methods and a subset of quantitative methods, selecting the right approach for complex problems.
- Translate research findings into clear, actionable product and design insights.
- Partner closely with designers, product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders to shape roadmaps and strategies.
- Present findings to cross-functional teams and senior leaders, influencing decisions and priorities.
- Contribute to research standards, best practices, and team knowledge-sharing while fostering curiosity and collaboration.
- Mentor teammates to improve processes, enhance the team’s skillset, and strengthen team culture.
Requirements
- Minimum of 5 years of hands-on user research experience in digital product environments at a design-driven brand, tech company, or agency.
- Strong expertise in qualitative methods and familiarity with quantitative research methods.
- Proven track record of managing multiple projects independently in fast-paced environments.
- Demonstrated ability to connect insights to business impact and influence design and product strategies.
- Proactive commitment to continuously advancing your skills, practices, and approaches.
- Bachelor’s degree in HCI, Psychology, Anthropology, or a related field—or equivalent work experience.
- Portfolio of case studies showcasing impact across consumer-facing digital products.
- Background in retail, eCommerce, loyalty programs, or mobile ordering research is a plus.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits for you and your family.
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage, paid parental leave, and family expansion reimbursement.
- Paid vacation from date of hire (accrual details vary by state), sick time (1 hour per 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year.
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), and Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock).
- Incentivized emergency savings and financial well-being tools.
- 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program (Starbucks College Achievement Plan).
- Student loan management resources and access to other educational opportunities.
- Backup care and DACA reimbursement.
This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative. For additional details, visit starbucksbenefits.com.
Pay
The actual base pay offered will be based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role.
Schedule
This role is onsite four days a week.