Lead end-to-end discovery and UX research for a retail POS modernization MVP. Validate and optimize customer-facing workflows (search, quoting, inventory, payments), assess hardware ergonomics, align UX with API-based architectures, and run iterative usability testing to reduce friction and enable rapid pilot rollout and future expansions.
Role Overview
We are seeking a strategic UX Researcher to lead the discovery and definition phases for a high-priority retail systems modernization initiative. This role is central to a MVP delivery cycle, focusing on the transformation of customer-facing workflows from legacy environments into a modern, API-driven platform. You will ensure that the core Point of Sale (POS) capabilities are intuitive, efficient, and technically viable.
Key Responsibilities
- Structured Discovery: Execute an end-to-end discovery phase to validate existing retail workflows, refine MVP scope, and define the foundational UX architecture.
- Workflow Optimization: Deep-dive into specific customer-facing functions, including Search, Quoting, Inventory Management, and Payments.
- Device & Hardware Assessment: Conduct usability and ergonomics assessments on various hardware devices to ensure the software interface is optimized for physical retail environments.
- Integration Alignment: Collaborate with technical teams to ensure UX designs are compatible with API-based routing layers and legacy backend constraints.
- Phased Strategy: Support a rapid pilot rollout by identifying core "must-have" features for the MVP while maintaining a vision for future multi-vertical expansions.
- Usability Testing: Lead iterative testing cycles to validate that the transition from legacy systems to the new platform reduces friction for end-users.
Required Experience & Skills
- Complex Systems Design: 9+ years of UX Research experience, with a specific background in Fintech, Retail, or POS systems.
- High-Stakes Workflows: Proven track record of researching transactional workflows such as quoting engines, inventory tracking, and complex payment processing.
- Should require experience in AI-driven SDLC execution
- Technical Literacy: Ability to understand API-based integrations and how technical architecture (like routing layers) impacts the end-user experience.
- Methodological Breadth: Proficiency in ethnographic field studies, task analysis, and hardware-software interaction testing.
Compensation, Benefits and Duration
Minimum Compensation: USD 52,000
Maximum Compensation: USD 182,000
Compensation is based on actual experience and qualifications of the candidate. The above is a reasonable and a good faith estimate for the role.
Medical, vision, and dental benefits, 401k retirement plan, variable pay/incentives, paid time off, and paid holidays are available for full time employees.
This position is available for independent contractors
No applications will be considered if received more than 120 days after the date of this post.
Photon Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
11 East Adams Street Suite 1100, Chicago, IL, United States, 60603
Similar Jobs
Agency • Information Technology
Conduct user research during the Discover phase to understand user needs, define project scope, and shape foundational design strategy. Apply information architecture and early-stage prototyping to inform product decisions and guide development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
Digital Media • Information Technology • News + Entertainment
Field-based enterprise seller responsible for developing territory strategy, prospecting and closing mid-market and enterprise multi-location accounts. Delivers face-to-face presentations, builds partner relationships, positions Comcast Business solutions, ensures customer retention, and meets/exceeds financial targets while coordinating with internal teams.
Top Skills:
23)Business ContinuityCustomer Premise Equipment (Cpe)CybersecurityDisaster RecoveryEthernetLanMan (Metropolitan Area Network)Network SecurityNetworking Protocols (Layers 1Sd-WanVoipVpnWanWdm
Digital Media • Information Technology • News + Entertainment
Design, develop, and deploy microservices and ETL applications for a SaaS cybersecurity platform. Collaborate with product, UX, DevOps, and architects to implement features, support production deployments, triage customer issues, and build reusable components while applying DevSecOps practices and production incident mitigation tools.
Top Skills:
Apache IcebergContent Management SystemsData LakeDevsecopsDockerETLGitGoJIRAMicroservicesPythonSaaSUnit Test Frameworks
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
With vibrant neighborhoods, great food and more affordable housing than either coast, Chicago might be the most liveable major tech hub. It is the birthplace of modern commodities and futures trading, a national hub for logistics and commerce, and home to the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association. This diverse blend of industry influences has helped Chicago emerge as a major player in verticals like fintech, biotechnology, legal tech, e-commerce and logistics technology. It’s also a major hiring center for tech companies on both coasts.
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
