UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: Roku

Location: San Jose, California

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: 2026-01-16

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead impactful UX research initiatives for Roku's comprehensive TV portfolio, ensuring a cohesive and intuitive user experience across all device tiers and partner brands.
• Deeply understand user interactions with Roku devices, operating at the critical intersection of physical hardware and the Roku Operating System (OS).
• Translate user needs and pain points into actionable insights that directly influence the evolution of TV experiences, from setup to picture quality optimization.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Design, and Engineering teams to align research with technical roadmaps and business priorities, driving data-informed product decisions.
• Contribute to a user-centric product development process that prioritizes simplicity and delight for millions of TV streamers worldwide.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on Roku TV (RTV) products, requiring a deep understanding of hardware-OS integration and the entire user journey within the TV ecosystem. The "mid-level" designation implies a need for independent execution with guidance, rather than full autonomy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and execute comprehensive research initiatives in close collaboration with UX Research managers, other UX researchers, product managers, business leaders, and UX/visual designers.
• Utilize a broad methodological toolkit, including generative and evaluative techniques such as interviews, usability testing, surveys, field studies, and diary studies, to uncover user needs and validate design solutions.
• Analyze user behavior and collect data to inform product strategy, aiming to maximize engagement and customer retention through optimized user experiences.
• Effectively communicate research findings and recommendations to diverse stakeholder audiences through compelling written reports and presentations, ensuring insights are understood and acted upon.
• Partner closely with multiple key stakeholders to clearly identify user pain points and business goals that the research will address, ensuring alignment and impact.
• Serve as a deeply embedded member of product teams, fostering strong collaborative relationships while also contributing actively to the broader UX research community within Roku.
• Translate research insights into tangible product improvements and feature definitions that enhance the overall Roku experience for users.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of Roku's TV offerings by providing user-centric perspectives that balance user needs with business objectives and technical feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to research execution and a strong focus on influencing product strategy and design decisions. The role requires both independent work within product teams and collaborative contributions to the UX Research sub-team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for UX Researcher roles.

Experience: 2 to 3 years of dedicated experience as a UX Researcher in industry settings is required. Academic research experience alone is not sufficient.

Required Skills

• Proven proficiency with a broad methodological toolkit, including:
• User Interviews
• Usability Testing (moderated and unmoderated)
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Field Studies and Ethnographic Research
• Diary Studies
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• Strong ability to select the most appropriate research methods for a given problem or question, demonstrating strategic thinking in research design.
• Experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, including business leaders, product managers, designers, and engineers, throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Demonstrated experience in gathering and understanding business strategy, and effectively balancing user needs with business objectives.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation, interpersonal, and analytical skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings clearly.
• Experience with mixed methods research, integrating qualitative and quantitative data for a comprehensive understanding.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to define, plan, execute, and lead research projects independently.
• An ability to operate with appropriate guidance, contributing to and leading parts of the research approach for whole products, including multi-phase planning.
• Comfort and proficiency in building relationships with stakeholders and involving them in the research process.
• Proactively suggesting research needs and methods in partnership with managers and cross-functional teammates.
• Willingness to accept guidance from UX Research managers or senior-level researchers to optimize research approaches.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in the entertainment industry, particularly with TV/Movies production or related hardware/software.
• Experience researching complex systems involving hardware and software integration.
• Familiarity with A/B testing and experimental design principles within a product context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is specific (2-3 years in industry), emphasizing practical application over academic knowledge. The emphasis on selecting appropriate methods and collaborating with diverse stakeholders points to a need for strategic thinking and strong interpersonal skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials

• Showcase a range of research projects demonstrating your ability to tackle diverse user problems and product challenges.
• Highlight projects where you independently planned, executed, and delivered research insights that directly influenced product decisions or strategy.
• Include case studies that clearly articulate the research problem, your chosen methodology, the process you followed, key findings, and the resulting impact on the product or business.
• For each project, clearly define your role and contributions, especially in collaborative settings.
• Demonstrate your ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable recommendations for design and product teams.

Process Documentation

• For each portfolio project, be prepared to discuss your research process in detail, from initial stakeholder interviews and problem definition to research planning, data collection, analysis, and synthesis.
• Explain your rationale for selecting specific research methodologies and how they addressed the project's goals.
• Be ready to describe how you managed research timelines, resources, and potential challenges.
• Showcase how you translated research findings into design or product recommendations and how you tracked their implementation and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" isn't explicitly requested as a submission requirement, the emphasis on presenting research insights and influencing decisions strongly implies that candidates will be expected to present their work during the interview process. The portfolio should showcase the entire research lifecycle and its impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $140,000 - $150,000 annually (for California-based roles).

Benefits

• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Equity Awards
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Parental Leave
• Wellness Benefits
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Personal Time)
• Global access to mental health and financial wellness support and resources.
• Statutory and voluntary benefits tailored to local regions (e.g., 401(k)/pension options).

Working Hours: While not explicitly stated, a standard full-time work week of approximately 40 hours is assumed for this role. The hybrid model involves 4 days in the office and 1 flexible remote day per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is specific to California. Benefits are comprehensive and globally accessible, with local variations. The hybrid work model is clearly defined.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically Streaming Media and Consumer Electronics. Roku is a leader in the TV streaming platform market, connecting consumers, content publishers, and advertisers.

Company Size: Roku is a public company, indicating a large organization with established processes and a significant market presence. The specific number of employees is not provided but is implied to be substantial given its public status and market leadership.

Founded: 2002. This history suggests a company with a proven track record and experience in navigating the evolving technology landscape.

Team Structure

• The User Experience (UX) team is a horizontal resource comprising UX designers, researchers, and writers.
• The UX Research sub-team is tightly knit and works collaboratively across the larger UX team.
• Researchers are expected to be deeply embedded members of product teams (Product Management, Design, Engineering) while also functioning as a cohesive research unit.
• This structure emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and a balance between specialized research focus and integrated product development.

Methodology

• Roku emphasizes a user-centric approach, driven by research insights to inform product decisions.
• The company values a pragmatic approach to innovation, focusing on delivering real solutions to customers.
• Collaboration and trust are key cultural pillars, fostering an environment where talented individuals can achieve significant results.
• The company culture is described as fast-paced, with a focus on collective success and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.

Company Website: https://www.weareroku.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Roku's culture is characterized by a pragmatic, action-oriented approach to innovation, driven by talented individuals who collaborate effectively. The emphasis on user-centricity and cross-functional teamwork is paramount for this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Researcher role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring 2-3 years of industry experience. It involves leading research initiatives with guidance, influencing product decisions, and being embedded within product teams.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher reports to UX Research managers and works closely with Product Management, Design, and Engineering teams. They are part of a UX Research sub-team that functions as a horizontal resource.

Operations Impact: The insights generated by this role directly impact Roku's TV products and features, influencing their performance, ease of use, and overall user satisfaction. This has a tangible effect on customer retention, engagement, and Roku's market position in the streaming platform industry.

Growth Opportunities

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in a wide range of research methodologies and apply them to complex hardware-OS integrated products.
• Leadership Potential: Develop skills in leading research projects, influencing product strategy, and mentoring junior researchers over time.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with diverse teams across product, design, and engineering, broadening understanding of the product development lifecycle.
• Industry Specialization: Become a subject matter expert in the rapidly evolving TV streaming and consumer electronics industry.
• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior UX Researcher roles, lead larger research initiatives, or specialize in specific product areas within Roku.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential within the UX Research field, particularly for those interested in consumer electronics and streaming technology. The emphasis on influencing product strategy provides a clear path for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Roku operates with a hybrid work model, requiring employees to be in the office Monday through Thursday. Fridays are flexible for remote work, unless the role necessitates a five-day in-office presence.

Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is San Jose, California.

Workspace Context

• The San Jose office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration among product, design, and engineering teams.
• Expect a dynamic and fast-paced setting where cross-functional teams work closely together on product development.
• Access to typical office amenities and technology infrastructure supporting research activities.
• Opportunities for informal and formal collaboration with colleagues within the office and across different departments.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is expected to be approximately 40 hours per week, with a hybrid arrangement balancing in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect of the work environment, emphasizing in-office collaboration for core team functions while allowing for remote flexibility on Fridays.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review applications and conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the hiring manager to discuss experience, research approach, and alignment with team needs.
• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: Candidates will be expected to present their research work, showcasing key projects, methodologies, insights, and impact. This is a critical stage for evaluating research skills and communication abilities.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Product Management, Design, and Engineering to assess collaboration skills and understanding of product development processes.
• Final Interview: Potentially an interview with senior leadership or a panel to make a final decision.

Portfolio Review Tips

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 impactful projects that best showcase your end-to-end research process, problem-solving skills, and ability to drive product decisions.
• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business or user impact of your research. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "Research led to a 15% increase in feature adoption").
• Tell a Story: Structure your presentations to tell a compelling narrative: the problem, your approach, the challenges, the insights, and the outcome.
• Demonstrate Methodology: Explain why you chose specific methods and how they were appropriate for the research question.
• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with cross-functional teams and managed stakeholder expectations.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methods, analysis, and decision-making process.

Challenge Preparation

• While not explicitly mentioned, be prepared for potential take-home assignments or live case studies that simulate real-world research challenges.
• Practice articulating your research process and findings concisely and persuasively.
• Research Roku's products and the current streaming landscape to demonstrate your understanding of the industry and potential user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily relies on evaluating a candidate's past research work and their ability to communicate its impact. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools

• Research Methodologies: A broad toolkit including interviews, usability testing, surveys, field studies, diary studies, and quantitative analysis.
• Collaboration Tools: Likely includes tools for remote collaboration, project management, and communication (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Jira, Confluence).
• Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in tools for analyzing qualitative and quantitative data (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R, Python for quantitative; specialized qualitative analysis tools).

Analytics & Reporting

• Familiarity with product analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to understand user behavior and complement research findings.
• Experience creating reports and presentations using tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or similar visualization software.

CRM & Automation

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user feedback and research insights integrate with CRM data or customer feedback platforms would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on a broad methodological toolkit rather than specific software. However, proficiency in data analysis and presentation tools is essential. Familiarity with product analytics platforms would be a strong asset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user, ensuring their needs are at the forefront of product development.
• Pragmatism & Action: A bias for action, focusing on delivering real solutions and tangible results rather than theoretical exercises.
• Collaboration & Trust: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual trust across all levels and departments.
• Impact & Ownership: Taking ownership of research initiatives and driving for measurable impact on product success and business goals.
• Continuous Improvement: A culture of learning and adaptation, constantly seeking to refine research methodologies and product experiences.

Collaboration Style

• Embedded within Product Teams: Researchers work closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, acting as integral members of these teams.
• Horizontal Resource: The UX Research sub-team functions as a shared resource, fostering knowledge sharing and consistency across different product areas.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: A culture that values data and insights to inform decisions, encouraging open discussion and debate based on evidence.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Effective communication and facilitation skills are essential for bridging gaps between different disciplines and ensuring alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture strongly supports a collaborative, user-focused, and results-oriented environment, which is critical for a UX Researcher influencing product direction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges

• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Navigating the complexities of aligning user desires with business objectives, technical constraints, and strategic roadmaps.
• Operating in a Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting research plans and insights delivery to meet the rapid iteration cycles of a technology company.
• Researching Across Diverse Product Tiers: Ensuring research covers the spectrum of Roku's TV offerings, from entry-level devices to premium models and partner integrations.
• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating research insights to diverse audiences and gaining buy-in for recommended changes.
• Integrating Hardware and OS Research: Understanding and researching the unique challenges and opportunities at the intersection of physical devices and software.

Learning & Development Opportunities

• Methodological Expansion: Opportunity to refine and expand expertise in a wide array of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Product Strategy Influence: Develop skills in translating research into strategic product recommendations and influencing roadmaps.
• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge within the dynamic streaming media and consumer electronics sectors.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Enhance skills in working effectively with product, design, engineering, and business teams.
• Mentorship: Potential for guidance from senior researchers and UX leaders, fostering career growth towards senior or lead researcher roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex challenges at the forefront of the TV streaming industry, with significant potential for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs or user needs with business requirements. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your problem-solving process, ethical considerations, and communication.)
• "How do you decide which research method is best for a particular problem? Walk us through your thought process." (Highlight your understanding of methodological trade-offs and strategic selection.)
• "Tell us about a research project where your insights significantly influenced a product decision. What was the impact?" (Prepare a strong case study showcasing your ability to drive change.)
• "How do you ensure your research addresses the right business questions and technical constraints?" (Demonstrate your ability to align research with product strategy and roadmaps.)

Company & Culture Questions

• "What interests you about Roku and our mission to change how the world watches TV?" (Research Roku's products, market position, and recent news.)
• "How do you approach collaborating with product managers, designers, and engineers?" (Emphasize your teamwork and communication skills, and how you integrate with product teams.)
• "How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in UX research and the streaming industry?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.)
• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or remote environment." (Align your response with Roku's hybrid work model.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction to Roku & Role -> Project Overview (Problem, Goals) -> Your Role & Methodology -> Key Findings & Insights -> Recommendations & Impact -> Q&A.
• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals. Avoid dense text. Focus on showcasing artifacts like user journey maps, personas, or key research data points.
• Storytelling: Frame each project as a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Highlight your critical thinking and problem-solving narrative.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data to demonstrate the impact of your research on product metrics or user satisfaction.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time limits. Practice your presentation to ensure it flows smoothly and covers essential points efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your research process in depth, demonstrate your ability to influence product decisions, and articulate how your skills align with Roku's user-centric and collaborative culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position

• Submit your application through the Roku careers portal via the provided link.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 2-3 years of industry UX research experience, specific methodologies used, and quantifiable achievements in influencing product decisions.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate 2-3 strong research case studies that showcase your end-to-end process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Be ready to present these visually and discuss them in detail.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Roku's products, mission, and recent developments in the streaming industry to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.
• Interview Practice: Practice answering common UX research interview questions, focusing on your methodology, collaboration, and impact-driven approach. Prepare specific examples from your experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.