NinjaTrader is hiring : Sr. UX Researcher in Chicago

Compensation Base pay range : $155,000.00 / yr - $175,000.00 / yr

Additional compensation types : Annual Bonus

The salary range for this role will be $155,000 - $175,000 USD. In addition, this position will also receive an annual target bonus of 12%. Bonus pay at NinjaTrader is based on individual performance (50%) as well as company / team performance (50%).

Salary and bonus earnings are only two components of the total compensation package offered by NinjaTrader. NinjaTrader offers a 401K plan through ADP under which the company will match up to 3.5% of employee contributions. Annual paid time off allowance accrues at a rate of 18 days per year (some positions may qualify for more) plus seven paid holidays.

What you’ll do

Lead research initiatives that bridge the gap between complex trading workflows and intuitive product design.

Apply a variety of research methodologies, from generative to evaluative, to uncover user needs, validate solutions, and optimize the trading experience.

Influence the design and development of NinjaTrader’s Futures Trading platform to meet the needs of expert and new traders.

Responsibilities

Strategically select and apply research methods based on project needs

Generative research to explore trader behaviors, workflows, and pain points

Concept validation to refine ideas before development

Evaluative research to assess the effectiveness of design solutions

Behavioral and quantitative research to track user patterns and validate findings at scale

Conduct in-depth research into trader psychology, decision-making under pressure, and automation workflows

Collaborate with designers, product managers, and engineers to translate insights into user-centered solutions

Develop personas and journey maps to align stakeholders on trader goals and pain points

Advocate for research-backed decision-making and user needs focus

Present findings through reports, workshops, and data-driven storytelling

Partner with market researchers and data analysts to triangulate insights with behavioral data and market trends

Establish and refine research frameworks, processes, and best practices to scale impact

What you’ll need

5+ years of UX research experience in fintech, trading, enterprise software, or similar

Expertise in a broad range of research methods and when to apply them

Experience conducting usability studies and optimizing workflows for high-stakes environments

Ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative insights into a clear user story

Proficiency in UX research tools and behavioral analytics

Strong collaboration skills across design, product, data, marketing, and engineering

Excellent communication and storytelling abilities with experience presenting to senior stakeholders

Experience with futures trading platforms or financial markets

Background in behavioral economics or cognitive psychology

Experience working in fast-paced, agile environments

Familiarity with trading platforms, real-time data visualization, risk management tools, or trading concepts is a plus

Location and schedule

This role is based in Chicago, IL. There may be remote flexibility for certain exceptional candidates in listed states. Hybrid : Chicago-based employees observe a hybrid schedule : in-office Tuesday through Thursday, remote on Mondays and Fridays. Additional flex remote days and company-wide office-optional weeks are available.

Benefits

Generous PTO

7 paid holidays annually + 5 conditional holidays

1 service day annually

401k with 3.5% company match

Life and disability insurance covered 100% by NinjaTrader

Equal Employment Opportunity : We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

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