STEM OPT User Researcher Jobs
User Researcher roles in UX, human-computer interaction, and behavioral science qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension when your degree matches an eligible CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll work under a structured I-983 training plan tied to your research responsibilities.
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Get Access To All JobsSUMMARY
At Apple, we build products that help people live better, healthier, and more productive lives. Our team designs and runs human-centered data collections to test, train, and validate emerging hardware and software technologies.
DESCRIPTION
We are looking for a User Study & Data Operations Engineer to lead end-to-end data collection programs. In this role, you will work directly with algorithm scientists, machine learning researchers, and engineering leads to turn raw research questions into clear study designs, practical test protocols, and reliable lab operations. You will oversee testing across internal prototype labs and external data collection vendors. In this role, you will run human-subject studies from initial scoping through protocol design and multi-site execution.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Human Factors, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Life/Physical Sciences, or equivalent job-related experience.
- 3+ years of experience running user study operations, human factors tests, data operations, hardware/software QA, or technical lab operations.
- Experience writing, piloting, and running human-subject test protocols, task sequences, moderator guidelines, or standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Experience working directly with technical teams (such as algorithms, machine learning, or systems engineering) to turn technical requirements into operational study plans.
- Experience managing external data collection vendors, including drafting Statements of Work (SOWs), auditing data deliverables, and holding partners to quality criteria.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Hands-on experience setting up prototype hardware, optical/sensor rigs, studio lighting, or camera tracking systems.
- Experience using Python, Bash, or shell scripts to verify, check, and process collected data.
- Background in human factors methods, psychophysical scaling, survey design, and qualitative debriefs.
- Experience using modern AI-assisted development tools and agentic coding workflows to quickly build scripts, internal dashboards, and operational tools that automate repetitive tasks.
- Track record of creating clear operational processes and reference documentation where none previously existed.
- Clear communicator who can align priorities across research scientists, engineers, legal, privacy, and operations teams.
- Experience guiding study moderators and communicating clearly and respectfully with study participants during sensitive prototype tests.
COMPENSATION
- Base pay range for this role is between $144,600 and $263,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
Apple believes accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
SUMMARY
At Apple, we build products that help people live better, healthier, and more productive lives. Our team designs and runs human-centered data collections to test, train, and validate emerging hardware and software technologies.
DESCRIPTION
We are looking for a User Study & Data Operations Engineer to lead end-to-end data collection programs. In this role, you will work directly with algorithm scientists, machine learning researchers, and engineering leads to turn raw research questions into clear study designs, practical test protocols, and reliable lab operations. You will oversee testing across internal prototype labs and external data collection vendors. In this role, you will run human-subject studies from initial scoping through protocol design and multi-site execution.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Human Factors, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Life/Physical Sciences, or equivalent job-related experience.
- 3+ years of experience running user study operations, human factors tests, data operations, hardware/software QA, or technical lab operations.
- Experience writing, piloting, and running human-subject test protocols, task sequences, moderator guidelines, or standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Experience working directly with technical teams (such as algorithms, machine learning, or systems engineering) to turn technical requirements into operational study plans.
- Experience managing external data collection vendors, including drafting Statements of Work (SOWs), auditing data deliverables, and holding partners to quality criteria.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Hands-on experience setting up prototype hardware, optical/sensor rigs, studio lighting, or camera tracking systems.
- Experience using Python, Bash, or shell scripts to verify, check, and process collected data.
- Background in human factors methods, psychophysical scaling, survey design, and qualitative debriefs.
- Experience using modern AI-assisted development tools and agentic coding workflows to quickly build scripts, internal dashboards, and operational tools that automate repetitive tasks.
- Track record of creating clear operational processes and reference documentation where none previously existed.
- Clear communicator who can align priorities across research scientists, engineers, legal, privacy, and operations teams.
- Experience guiding study moderators and communicating clearly and respectfully with study participants during sensitive prototype tests.
COMPENSATION
- Base pay range for this role is between $144,600 and $263,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
Apple believes accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
See all STEM OPT User Researcher Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in User Researcher
Verify your CIP code before applying
User Researcher roles typically require degrees in computer science, information science, cognitive science, or psychology with a quantitative focus. Cross-check your transcript against the STEM Designated Degree Program List to confirm your CIP code qualifies before targeting roles.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Not every UX-focused company or research consultancy is enrolled in E-Verify. Search the E-Verify employer search tool directly to confirm enrollment status before advancing to final-round interviews or negotiating an offer.
Structure your I-983 around specific research methods
Vague training plans get rejected. List concrete learning objectives tied to usability testing, ethnographic research, or mixed-methods analysis. Your DSO and hiring manager must both sign off, so align the plan language with your actual job description.
Target research teams inside E-Verify-enrolled companies
Use Migrate Mate to filter User Researcher openings by employers already enrolled in E-Verify, so you're only applying to companies where your STEM OPT extension is immediately viable, not ones that need to enroll from scratch.
Flag cap-gap timing when your OPT expires mid-cycle
If your initial 12-month OPT ends before your STEM extension is approved, cap-gap protection can bridge the gap under a timely-filed application. Confirm the filing date with your DSO and notify your employer so your start date isn't delayed.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer's prevailing wage
User Researcher roles span multiple SOC codes depending on whether the work is classified as market research or UX. Run both relevant SOC codes through OFLC Wage Search before negotiating compensation to ensure your offer meets DOL wage requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a User Researcher role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not just the job title. User Researcher positions can qualify if your degree falls under an eligible STEM CIP code, such as computer science, information science, cognitive science, or a quantitative social science program. Check the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by USCIS and confirm the match with your DSO before applying.
What goes into an I-983 training plan for a User Researcher?
Your I-983 must describe specific, measurable learning goals tied to the research work you'll actually perform, such as developing usability testing protocols, conducting qualitative interviews, or applying statistical analysis to behavioral data. Generic descriptions like 'gaining industry experience' are insufficient. Both your employer and DSO must sign the plan, and it's updated if your role or responsibilities change materially.
How do I know if a User Researcher employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
E-Verify enrollment is required for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student. You can search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name before applying or accepting an offer. Startups and boutique research agencies are sometimes not enrolled, so confirm early, especially if the company has fewer than 50 employees. Enrollment takes days, but waiting until after an offer is signed creates unnecessary delays.
Where can I find User Researcher jobs that are open to STEM OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate lists User Researcher openings filtered for employers who are already enrolled in E-Verify, which eliminates the back-and-forth of confirming eligibility on your own. You can search by role, location, and authorization type to surface positions where your STEM OPT status is explicitly compatible with the employer's hiring process.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my employer's E-Verify enrollment lapses?
If your employer loses E-Verify enrollment while you're on a STEM OPT extension, your work authorization is no longer valid for that employer. USCIS requires continuous enrollment throughout your extension period, not just at the time of filing. Report any change to your DSO immediately, as you may need to transfer to a new employer or apply for a different work authorization status.