Russell Tobin ยท 6 hours ago
Ethnographer / Design Researcher in San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$70/hr - $80/hrRussell Tobin is seeking a talented Ethnographer / Design Researcher to support its Industrial Design team at a Fortune 5 company. The role focuses on deep in-home customer research and translating real-world behavior into hardware design insights.
ConsultingHuman ResourcesLegalStaffing Agency
Responsibilities
Plan, execute, and analyze ethnographic and contextual research , primarily in-home field studies
Conduct interviews, observations, diary studies, and behavioral analysis to capture deep user insights
Transform raw research into clear product recommendations , insights, and actionable design requirements
Translate behaviors and unmet needs into concepts, hardware specs, and design direction
Collaborate with Industrial Designers, Product Managers, Hardware Engineers, and Research teams
Facilitate concept workshops and contribute to early-stage explorations (V0 product development)
Present findings through strong storytelling, written narratives, and executive-ready reports
Participate in global/remote research planning, when needed
Support rapid prototyping by validating early design hypotheses with real user behaviors
Qualification
Required
Proven experience as an Ethnographer, Design Researcher, Design Strategist, or Insights Researcher
Deep expertise in in-home customer research, contextual inquiry, and observational methods
Experience supporting hardware, industrial design, or physical product development
Strong writing, storytelling, and synthesis skills; ability to create persuasive research reports
Experience translating qualitative data into tangible product/design requirements
Proficiency with Keynote, PowerPoint, and concept-based tools (Figma / Adobe Creative Cloud)
Ability to work onsite and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams
Portfolio with 2-3 detailed ethnographic case studies demonstrating research rigor
Preferred
Background in innovation/design firms such as: IDEO, Frog, NewDealDesign, Ammunition, Huge, Smart Design, Lunar, Continuum, Artefact
Experience working on V0/zero-to-one product explorations
Human Factors, Anthropology, Psychology, or Design Research academic background
Hardware usability, ergonomics, or physical prototyping exposure
Benefits
Comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans)
Supplemental coverage (accident insurance, critical illness insurance and hospital indemnity)
401(k)-retirement savings
Life & disability insurance
An employee assistance program
Legal support
Auto, home insurance
Pet insurance
Employee discounts with preferred vendors
Company
Russell Tobin
Russell Tobin is a staffing and recruiting company that provides recruitment and staffing advisory services.
Founded in 2010
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Russell Tobin has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2021 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
John Woronowich, JD
Vice President - Search, Staffing & Embedded Partnerships
Ashley Steger
Director of Talent Acquisition and People Operations- Embedded Partnerships
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