UX Data Researcher (Contract Position)

About HTX Labs

Since 2017, HTX Labs has been on a mission to accelerate the future of learning, employing immersive software training solutions and content development services for the Department of Defense to elevate the level of proficiency and preparedness of today's warfighter.

HTX Labs developed the EMPACT® Immersive Learning Platform to address a growing need to modernize training, improve safety, maximize operational efficiency, and build resilience and readiness across the defense industry.

HTX Labs is dedicated to driving learning innovation by providing the digital infrastructure needed to create, deploy, measure, and sustain mission-specific, immersive training programs—anytime, anywhere, on any device, at scale.

About the Role

HTX Labs is seeking a Forward Deployed UX Data Engineer, a hybrid role that blends deep UX research, data architecture, full-stack analytics engineering, and customer-embedded solution delivery.

In this role, you will partner directly with customers—particularly within the DoD and enterprise training ecosystems—to understand mission-critical problems, architect scalable data and analytics systems, deploy XR-enabled capabilities, and rapidly deliver high-value solutions that drive measurable outcomes.

You will move quickly from prototype to production, integrate tightly with Product, Engineering, and Innovation & Design, and surface patterns that shape the evolution of EMPACT. You will bring clarity in ambiguity, translate user needs into actionable data-driven insights, and make fast, sound decisions that protect delivery and enhance user experience.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of UX research, data systems design, customer engagement, and hands-on technical execution.

Who You Are

You may be a strong fit if you:

• Bring a strong foundation in data analytics, data architecture, and full-stack implementation.
• Excel at synthesizing qualitative and quantitative insights into product and UX recommendations.
• Thrive in ambiguous, fast-moving environments where clarity must be created—not waited for.
• Are comfortable embedding directly with customers to understand needs and deliver solutions.
• Have experience with XR, spatial computing, LRS/LMS/xAPI, or immersive learning environments.
• Communicate clearly and calmly with internal teams, engineers, and external customer stakeholders.
• Can map complex problems, sequence delivery, and remove blockers early.
• Are a problem-solver who balances innovation with practicality, speed with quality.
• Are energized by turning research breakthroughs into production systems that deliver value at scale.
• Stay current on trends in data analytics, AI/ML, UX research, and immersive technology.

What You’ll Do

Customer-Embedded Delivery

• Embed with customer teams to understand mission needs, workflows, and success criteria.
• Own technical delivery from first prototype to stable production across multiple deployments.
• Scope, sequence, and execute high-leverage technical work that drives measurable value.
• Provide clarity across customer and internal teams, ensuring alignment and momentum.

Data Architecture & Analytics

• Design, build, and maintain scalable data systems to support XR training applications.
• Integrate and manage analytics platforms to track system performance and user behavior in real time.
• Define KPIs, success metrics, and data collection strategies aligned with product goals.
• Apply machine learning, predictive analytics, and advanced data modeling where appropriate.
• Create data sets from user-driven insights and workflows for evaluations of AI system performance.
• Leverage multi-agent workflows for enabling deep understanding of customer use cases and the value proposition of our training systems in customer domain.
• Ensure data governance, security, and compliance across all systems.

UX & Product Insights

• Conduct user research using mixed-methods (usability testing, surveys, analytics, interviews).
• Analyze large datasets to uncover trends, behaviors, and opportunities for product improvement.
• Translate research, data, and customer signal into actionable recommendations for Design, Product, and Engineering.
• Build dashboards, visualizations, and reports to communicate insights clearly and persuasively.

Technical Execution & Pattern Building

• Contribute directly to code (Python, JavaScript, or comparable stack) when needed.
• Build reusable tools, playbooks, and data frameworks that accelerate future deployments.
• Surface patterns and field insights to influence the product and technology roadmap.

Skills & Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years in data engineering, data analytics, software engineering, or technical deployment roles.
• Experience delivering complex systems in fast-paced, ambiguous, or customer-facing environments.
• Strong experience with data visualization tools, analytics platforms, and dashboarding.
• Proficiency in database design, cloud-based architecture, and querying languages.
• Experience with LRS, LMS, SCORM, xAPI, or training data systems.
• Ability to write or review production-grade code (Python, JavaScript, or comparable stack).
• Demonstrated ability to turn research and data into clear, actionable insights.
• Experience with agile development processes.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred

• Experience with XR, spatial computing, or immersive training technologies.
• Experience deploying or integrating systems powered by LLMs or generative AI models.
• Familiarity with DoD environments, learning ecosystems, or complex customer delivery.
• Experience with machine learning and predictive analytics.

Work Location

Remote (U.S.-based)

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Director of Innovation & Design

Why HTX Labs

We’re constantly working to make HTX Labs the best place to work. We believe that diverse thoughts, perspectives, and experiences are essential to building the best products and solving the right problems.

We encourage all qualified applicants, even those who may not meet every listed requirement, to apply.

HTX Labs is an equal opportunity employer.
We cannot sponsor work visas at this time.
For inquiries, please contact: htx.recruiting@htxlabs.com