Sr. UX Researcher 2, Branded Checkout

The Company

PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy. 

We operate a global, two-sided network at scale that connects hundreds of millions of merchants and consumers. We help merchants and consumers connect, transact, and complete payments, whether they are online or in person. PayPal is more than a connection to third-party payment networks. We provide proprietary payment solutions accepted by merchants that enable the completion of payments on our platform on behalf of our customers.

We offer our customers the flexibility to use their accounts to purchase and receive payments for goods and services, as well as the ability to transfer and withdraw funds. We enable consumers to exchange funds more safely with merchants using a variety of funding sources, which may include a bank account, a PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products, a credit card, a debit card, certain cryptocurrencies, or other stored value products such as gift cards, and eligible credit card rewards.  Our PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom products also make it safer and simpler for friends and family to transfer funds to each other. We offer merchants an end-to-end payments solution that provides authorization and settlement capabilities, as well as instant access to funds and payouts. We also help merchants connect with their customers, process exchanges and returns, and manage risk. We enable consumers to engage in cross-border shopping and merchants to extend their global reach while reducing the complexity and friction involved in enabling cross-border trade. 

Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day.  We live each day guided by our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Wellness. Together, our values ensure that we work together as one global team with our customers at the center of everything we do – and they push us to ensure we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities.

Job Description Summary:

We’re looking for a curious and empathetic Senior UX Researcher who is passionate about driving customer-centric decisions across the product development lifecycle. This includes early research to understand customer needs and problems, and continues through design definition and prototyping, to post-launch research that informs future iterations. Our studies employ a variety of qualitative or mixed methods research approaches; card sorting, tree tests, diary studies, surveys, interviews, (un)moderated usability testing, and concept evaluations. We start by asking the right questions and end with continuous storytelling that shapes our product strategy.

Job Description:

About Our Team  

At PayPal, design isn't just about creating visually appealing products—it's about shaping experiences that empower and delight our customers. We place the customer at the heart of everything we do, striving to enhance their financial well-being through innovative solutions. As leaders in financial technologies, we're driven by a shared mission to make a positive impact on people and businesses worldwide. Our collaborative approach brings together diverse talents—from designers and researchers to engineers and product leaders—to craft seamless and impactful experiences that resonate with millions of users across the globe. 

The PayPal Branded Checkout experience design team is responsible for delivering seamless, personalized, and rewarding buying experiences for our 30 million merchants and 426 million customers. We recently redesigned our checkout experience, creating a fast, flexible flow that facilitates transactions across 200 markets globally. We build trust and security through our identity experience (login, authentication, etc.), while preserving speed and convenience for our customers.

What You Need to Know About the Role   

We’re looking for a curious and empathetic Senior UX Researcher who is passionate about driving customer-centric decisions across the product development lifecycle. This includes early research to understand customer needs and problems, and continues through design definition and prototyping, to post-launch research that informs future iterations. Our studies employ a variety of qualitative or mixed methods research approaches; card sorting, tree tests, diary studies, surveys, interviews, (un)moderated usability testing, and concept evaluations. We start by asking the right questions and end with continuous storytelling that shapes our product strategy.

Your Day to Day   

• Be a proactive member of a cross-functional product team(s) by identifying research opportunities that drive product and design strategy, scoping project requirements, and clearly communicating the value of UX research to stakeholders.

• Independently execute research studies from beginning to end: identify the right research questions, define the participant sample, choose the best methodology, design the study, and execute with attention to detail and quality.

• Present compelling insights and recommendations to multiple teams and leaders across the organization, adeptly negotiating for user needs and driving customer-centric decision-making.

• Have a clear understanding of how various research functions and data sources (e.g. market research, product marketing, analytics, etc.) contribute to the product development lifecycle, and how to integrate them into your own work

• Act as a vital liaison between design, product management, and marketing teams, facilitating effective collaboration and communication across all stakeholders.

• Actively contribute to and facilitate workshop/design sprint activities by surfacing relevant findings, pitching research opportunities, and influencing the evolution of our product and design strategy

• Shape our thriving Experience Design community: support strategic change initiatives, advocate for user-centric approaches, pilot new workflows, and explore best practices that evolve our craft.

• Demonstrate a growth mindset by actively seeking and providing feedback, experimenting with new approaches, working to expand your skillset, and leveraging your strengths to help others grow.

What You Need to Bring 

• Masters, Bachelors, or Professional degree backed by 5+ years of experience in design, research, or related fields, demonstrating creativity, leadership, and significant impact within each previous role. 

• Experience in financial services, ecommerce, or related industries preferred; demonstrated understanding of sector-specific challenges, needs, and opportunities

• Proficient in a variety of qualitative research methods and approaches: in-depth interviews, diary studies, contextual inquiry, participatory research, observational research, etc.

• Strong cross-functional collaboration experience, including partnering with product management, design, marketing, and other key stakeholders to drive data-based product and design decisions

Subsidiary:

PayPal

Travel Percent:

10

-

PayPal is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices.

Actual Compensation is based on various factors including but not limited to work location, and relevant skills and experience.

The total compensation for this practice may include an annual performance bonus (or other incentive compensation, as applicable), equity, and medical, dental, vision, and other benefits. For more information, visit https://www.paypalbenefits.com.

The U.S. national annual pay range for this role is

$96900 to $234300

For the majority of employees, PayPal's balanced hybrid work model offers 3 days in the office for effective in-person collaboration and 2 days at your choice of either the PayPal office or your home workspace, ensuring that you equally have the benefits and conveniences of both locations.

Our Benefits:

At PayPal, we’re committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. And we can’t do this without our most important asset—you. That’s why we offer benefits to help you thrive in every stage of life. We champion your financial, physical, and mental health by offering valuable benefits and resources to help you care for the whole you.

We have great benefits including a flexible work environment, employee shares options, health and life insurance and more. To learn more about our benefits please visit https://www.paypalbenefits.com.

Who We Are:

Click Here to learn more about our culture and community.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 

PayPal provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  In addition, PayPal will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.  If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at talentaccommodations@paypal.com.

Belonging at PayPal: 

Our employees are central to advancing our mission, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can do their best work with a sense of purpose and belonging. Belonging at PayPal means creating a workplace with a sense of acceptance and security where all employees feel included and valued. We are proud to have a diverse workforce reflective of the merchants, consumers, and communities that we serve, and we continue to take tangible actions to cultivate inclusivity and belonging at PayPal.

Any general requests for consideration of your skills, please Join our Talent Community.

We know the confidence gap and imposter syndrome can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates. Please don’t hesitate to apply.

Notice to Applicants and Employees who reside within New York City. Click here to view the notice.