Hands-on experience in hardware research or human-hardware interaction (consumer electronics, wearables, IoT) with a focus on ergonomic evaluation methods.
Proven track record of managing user research studies from start to finish independently.
Strong quantitative skills including survey design and statistical analysis with proficiency in SPSS, Python, or R.
Expertise in qualitative research methods such as in-depth interviews and usability testing, with the ability to synthesize findings effectively.
History of influencing product or design decisions through impactful research findings.
Responsibilities
Design and execute comprehensive research studies from planning to insights delivery.
Conduct mixed-methods research combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to uncover user needs.
Benchmark existing research methods against industry leaders to identify and close gaps.
Manage a proactive research roadmap, focusing on high-priority product and growth decisions.
Translate research data into actionable insights for product teams and confirm their impact.
Benefits
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) providing ownership in the company's success.
Opportunity to work in a dynamic, product-driven environment that values innovative input.
Access to state-of-the-art AI tools for enhanced productivity and efficiency.
Provision of premium tech equipment for employees, tailored to enhance performance.
A vibrant company culture with team-building events and emphasis on ownership and craftsmanship.
Full Job Description
What you will do
Execute research programs end-to-end: design the study plan, recruit participants, conduct in-context sessions (contextual inquiry, ergonomic evaluation, form factor assessment), synthesize findings, and deliver insights that directly inform product direction decisions on the timeline committed to Product.
Run mixed-methods research pairing qualitative primary research (in-depth interviews, diary studies, usability testing) with quantitative signals (survey design, significance testing, driver analysis) to explain the 'why' behind behavioral data and validate whether product directions match real user needs.
Benchmark Plaud's hardware research methods against SOTA practice at leading consumer electronics companies; identify methodology gaps and proactively close them.
Manage a prioritized research roadmap across Product, Growth, and Marketing - shifting the team from reactive request fulfillment toward proactive identification of high-stakes decision points that need research input before they are made.
Translate research findings into clear, decision-ready outputs for cross-functional stakeholders; track whether insights are acted on and follow through to confirm impact on product or growth decisions.
Skills, qualifications and experience we look for
Hands-on experience researching hardware products or human-hardware interaction - consumer electronics, wearables, IoT, or comparable physical products - including in-context and ergonomic evaluation methods; this is a hard filter, not a nice-to-have.
Demonstrated end-to-end ownership of user research studies from design through delivery, without requiring direction on methodology selection or study execution.
Solid quantitative skillset: survey design, statistical analysis (significance testing, regression, driver analysis), and proficiency in SPSS, Python, or R.
Strong command of qualitative methods: in-depth interviews, contextual inquiry, diary studies, and usability testing; proven ability to integrate qualitative findings with quantitative signals into a coherent, decision-ready insight.
Track record of influencing product or design decisions directly through research output - not just delivering reports, but driving action.
What we offer
Meaningful Ownership An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) that gives a real stake in Plaud's long-term success.
High-Impact Environment Work in a fast-moving, product-driven environment where your ideas directly shape the future of AI productivity.
Cutting-Edge AI Tools for Productivity Access to best-in-class AI tools, including Gemini, Claude Code, and other frontier AI systems to maximize engineering and execution efficiency.
Best-in-Class Equipment Choice of top-spec laptops, high-performance workstation setups, and cutting-edge Plaud devices for all new hires.
Team & Culture Annual company offsites, team events, and a culture that values craftsmanship, ownership, and velocity.
