Principal UX Researcher Job at Disney Parks and Resorts in Santa Monica

Job Summary

Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology is a global organization of engineers, product developers, designers, technologists, data scientists, and more—working together to build and advance the technological backbone for Disney’s media business worldwide. This role focuses on designing and building the future of Disney’s media products, including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, ABC, and other platforms.

About Disney Streaming Product Design

Disney Streaming Product Design redefines how audiences experience entertainment across multiple platforms. Our goal is to create experiences that move people, whether they are watching, interacting with, or feeling the stories.

About the Role

We are looking for a Principal UX Researcher for Emerging Experiences to shape the next generation of how audiences experience Disney+. You will lead discovery and evaluative research across spatial computing, immersive interaction models, and other emerging technologies, partnering with Product, Design, and Engineering to translate human behavior into insights that drive product strategy and innovation.

What You'll Do

• Lead end-to-end research programs for emerging experiences—including XR, spatial, and multi-device ecosystems.
• Partner with design and product leadership to define learning agendas and research roadmaps aligned to business strategy.
• Use generative methods to uncover unmet needs, behaviors, and motivations, turning them into actionable frameworks and opportunity spaces.
• Conduct evaluative research to assess usability, comfort, and engagement in immersive and spatial environments.
• Translate research findings into clear, compelling narratives that influence executive decisions and cross-functional roadmaps.
• Collaborate with engineers and designers to identify feasibility constraints and inform iterative product experimentation.
• Partner with data science to triangulate qualitative insights with behavioral analytics.
• Mentor designers and junior researchers in research planning, synthesis, and storytelling.
• Champion inclusivity and accessibility in emerging modalities, ensuring new technologies feel human and inviting for everyone.

What To Bring

• 10+ years in UX Research, Human Factors, or a related field, with a strong portfolio that shaped product strategy and design.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Expertise across a range of qualitative and quantitative methods, with the ability to choose the right method for each question.
• Proven experience leading research in emerging technology domains (XR/VR/AR, spatial computing, multi-screen environments).
• A track record of influencing product strategy and direction through evidence-based insight.
• Strong storytelling and synthesis skills, making complex findings clear, credible, and actionable for any audience.
• Comfort navigating ambiguity and designing studies for uncharted product spaces.
• Deep empathy for users and an instinct for translating emotion and behavior into product opportunity.
• Experience mentoring and elevating the practice of UX Research within cross-functional teams.

Bonus Points

• Advanced degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Psychology, Anthropology, or related discipline.
• Experience with biometrics, eye-tracking, motion, or spatial analytics.
• Familiarity with Unity, Unreal, or other XR prototyping tools.
• Experience working closely with creative or content-driven product teams.

Compensation

The hiring range for this position in Santa Monica, CA is $167,700.00 to $224,900.00 per year, and in San Francisco, CA is $183,700.00 to $246,400.00 per year. Total compensation may vary by region, role, and experience, and can include bonus or long‑term incentive units.

About Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology

We blend imagination and innovation to reimagine the ways people experience and engage with the world’s most beloved stories and products. We create amazing experiences, transform the future of media, and build products and platforms that connect people worldwide.

About The Walt Disney Company

Disney is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with core segments of Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. Our stories, characters, and experiences reach consumers around the globe through operations in more than 40 countries.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Disney Streaming Technology LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information, or disability—consistent with federal, state, and local law.