Microsoft

Principal Design & Research Head

Microsoft • $142K — $274K *
Mountain View, CA 94040In-Person
Consumer Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in relevant design field plus extensive experience in product or service design.
  • 3+ years of direct people management experience.
  • Proven ability to drive AI innovations for enhancing user experience across products and services.
  • Strong portfolio showcasing diverse research and design methodologies.
  • Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams to align on design strategies.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team of researchers, designers, and content writers.
  • Promote agile methodologies in research and design practices.
  • Leverage AI to enhance user experience throughout product development.
  • Build strong partnerships with stakeholders in Engineering, Product, and Business to optimize design impact.
  • Collaborate with other Research and Design Leads for project execution and insight delivery.
  • Analyze industry trends to inform competitive research and design strategies.
  • Mentor diverse team members while fostering an inclusive work environment.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
  • Dynamic and inclusive work culture promoting diverse perspectives.
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and tools in design and research.
  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
Full Job Description
Responsibilities
  • Lead a team of researchers, designers and content writers who conduct diverse product research and design activities, spanning generative to evaluative research, and end-to-end design processes.
  • Foster and facilitate agile research and design practices and methodologies.
  • Drive role acceleration with AI for user experience research, design and content across the product development lifecycle.
  • Work closely with key stakeholders across Engineering, Product, and Business Partners to establish trust and alignment for maximum research and design influence.
  • Partner with other Research and Design Leads to enhance the team's ability to plan, execute, analyze, synthesize insights, and deliver high-quality design solutions.
  • Understand the competitive landscape and innovations in both research and design.
  • Provide mentorship and career growth to a diverse set of multi-disciplinary user researchers and designers.
  • Foster a diverse and inclusive team environment that empowers team members to do their best work.


Qualifications
Required/minimum qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Human Computer Interaction, User Experience, Interaction Design, or related field AND 8+ years experience working in product or service design
    • OR Master's Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Human Computer Interaction, User Experience, Interaction Design, or related field AND 6+ years experience working in product or service design
    • OR equivalent experience (e.g., demonstrated experience working in product or service design or using design thinking to solve problems).
  • 3+ years people management experience.

Additional or preferred qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Human Computer Interaction, User Experience, Interaction Design, or related field AND 8+ years experience working in product or service design
    • OR Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Human Computer Interaction, User Experience, Interaction Design, or related field AND 12+ years experience working in product or service design
    • OR equivalent experience (e.g., demonstrated experience working in product or service design or using design thinking to solve problems).
  • Drive role acceleration with AI for user experience research, design and content across the product development lifecycle.
  • Work closely with key stakeholders across Engineering, Product, and Business Partners to establish trust and alignment for maximum research and design influence.
  • 5+ years people management experience.
  • 6+ years experience shipping products, services, or games and/or delivering to customers as a result of an end-to-end design process.
  • Well-established portfolio of research and design techniques, including ethnography, field studies, interviews, usability studies, concept validation, user journey mapping, surveys, scorecards, competitive analysis, wireframing, prototyping, and visual design.
  • Deep knowledge of designing experiences across endpoints ad informing the development of V1 platforms and products.
  • Influential leader who can develop key partnerships with stakeholders and deliver a strategic research and design roadmap across multiple business areas.
  • Proven track record of translating insights into product and design strategy, and the ability to define success outcomes for those experiences which are tracked and measured by research and design metrics.


Product Design M5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

About Microsoft

Microsoft is an American multinational corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells a range of software products and services. Microsoft’s devices and consumer (D&C) licensing segment licenses the Windows operating system and related software, Microsoft Office for consumers, and the Windows Phone operating system. The company’s computing and gaming hardware segment provides Xbox gaming and entertainment consoles and accessories, second-party and third-party video games, and Xbox Live subscriptions; surface devices and accessories; and Microsoft PC accessories. Its phone hardware segment offers Lumia smartphones and other non-Lumia phones. Its D&C segment provides Windows Store, Xbox Live transactions, and Windows phone store; search advertising; display advertising; Office 365 Home and Office 365 Personal; first-party video games; and other consumer products and services as well as operating retail stores. Microsoft’s commercial licensing segments license server products, including Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Visual Studio, System Center, and related Client Access Licenses (CALs); Windows Embedded; Windows operating system; Microsoft Office for business, including Office, Exchange, SharePoint, Lync, and related CALs; Microsoft Dynamics business solutions; and Skype. Its commercial segment offers enterprise services, including premier support services and Microsoft consulting services; commercial cloud comprising Office 365 Commercial, other Microsoft Office online offerings, Dynamics CRM Online, and Microsoft Azure; and other commercial products and online services. The company markets and distributes its products through original equipment manufacturers, distributors, and resellers, as well as online.

Microsoft Careers

Join Microsoft today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and diversity in its workforce. As a global leader in technology and digital transformation, Microsoft offers unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career to new heights.

Explore Career Opportunities at Microsoft

Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a recent graduate eager to start your career, Microsoft has a position that suits your skills and ambitions. We are committed to fostering a culture of growth and learning, where every team member is supported in expanding their horizons.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Microsoft internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities in a supportive and dynamic environment. You'll work on real projects, learn from industry leaders, and gain the skills necessary for a successful career in technology.

Employment Benefits

Choosing a career at Microsoft means more than just a job. Our employees enjoy a range of benefits designed to empower them both professionally and personally. These include comprehensive health benefits, flexible working conditions, and opportunities for career advancement through professional development and diversity training.

Inclusive Culture and Diversity

At Microsoft, we believe that innovation comes from diversity of thought and inclusion. We are committed to a workplace where everyone feels valued and inspired. Our leadership is dedicated to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives lead to breakthrough innovations and a competitive edge.

Grow with Us

Career growth at Microsoft is about more than climbing the corporate ladder; it's about continuous learning, expanding your skills, and improving your capabilities. With access to various leadership and training programs, you can evolve as a professional and make a significant impact within the company and on the global stage.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to identify true potential. Starting with a review of your resume, followed by interviews that assess your problem-solving abilities and cultural fit, we ensure that all candidates have a fair chance to demonstrate their strengths and potential to contribute to our team.

Networking and Professional Development

Microsoft is a place where you can build a professional network that spans the globe. Our employees benefit from connections with top-tier professionals and industry leaders, which opens doors to innovative projects and collaborative opportunities that are second to none.

Join Our Team

If you're ready to take on exciting challenges and make a difference in the world of technology, explore the job opportunities at Microsoft. Search for open positions that match your skills and interests, and prepare to embark on a rewarding career path filled with innovation and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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SEARCH MICROSOFT JOBS

At Microsoft, your future is limitless. Join us in our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Your journey with Microsoft starts here.
Learn more about Microsoft
Size
181,000 employees
Market Cap
$1,762.4 billion
Industry
Enterprise Technology
Net Income
$51.3 billion
Founded
1975
5 Year Trend
+15.5%
Revenue
$153.2 billion
NASDAQ
MSFT
* Ladders Estimates

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