REI Product Researcher (Field Testing)

Overview

At REI Co-op, we believe great gear starts with listening. Our Product Research team connects the products we design and make with real people who love being outside. We call it Cooperative Design and it is central to everything we do. As a Product Researcher, you’ll help us uncover insights that guide product decisions and keep the voice of the customer at the heart of everything we make.

Here’s what we focus on:

Exploratory Research: We uncover insights about our member and customer needs (and wants!) for particular product attributes to guide product ideas from concept to production.

Experience & Field Testing: We evaluate product performance by getting prototypes in the hands of carefully selected testers who put them through their paces in real-world outdoor settings.:

Data-Driven Recommendations: We turn research into clear, actionable guidance that helps our teams build gear that delivers great experiences. If you’re curious, collaborative, and passionate about shaping products that help people get outside, and have demonstrated product research experience, you'll feel right at home with us.

Responsibilities and Qualifications:

What you’ll do:

• Build and execute research plans that inform product design and development.
• Recruit and manage panels of outdoor enthusiasts to participate in field testing and other studies.
• Lead and support research activities—from interviews and ethnographies to usability testing and in-field trips.
• Develop and maintain research tools and methodologies that make insights easy to share and act on.

Synthesize findings into clear, actionable recommendations for product teams.

What you bring:

3+ years of experience in product research, field testing, or design research. Ability to plan and execute research in real-world outdoor conditions. Strong communication skills for turning data into stories that inspire action. Comfort managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-moving environment.

A collaborative mindset and flexibility to adapt as product needs evolve. Wilderness First Responder certification may be required - we will support training if you don't already have it. This role is based in the Seattle region and must be onsite while managing prototypes and products and specific team and business needs. This role also includes occasional travel and hands-on testing in outdoor environments that can range from a few hours to multi-day overnight events. This is because we believe the best research happens with people doing what they do, where they do it. Flexibility is key.

Closing

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.

Pay Transparency We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off. Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.

Pay Range

$74,400.00 - $105,100.00 per year