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Human Factor Engineer Phd Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer Lead

Poway, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Human Factor Artifacts * System Safety Artifacts * Cybersecurity Artifacts * Reliability ... Typically requires a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline ...

Position: Human Baseliner for Open-Ended ML Research Tasks Type: Contract Compensation: $75-$90 ... Time in a PhD program counts. * Attended a top-100 university or worked at FAANG or a comparable ...

Coordinate with government engineers to oversee, maintain, develop, and implement technical standards within the Human Factor Domain. Maintain and update Technical Standards, checklists, guidelines ...

Coordinate with government engineers to oversee, maintain, develop, and implement technical standards within the Human Factor Domain. Maintain and update Technical Standards, checklists, guidelines ...

Engineer VI

Poway, CA · On-site

$116K - $208K/yr

... Human Factor's based HMI design. * Foster a collaborative environment and build consensus for ... Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical ...

Engineer VI

Poway, CA · On-site

$116K - $208K/yr

... Human Factor's based HMI design. * Supports the development of test plans and manage the ... Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical ...

Sr Mechanical Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Interface with clinical and human factor engineering to inform designs and identify user needs. * Mentor and guide engineers on best practices in design and engineering with a particular focus on ...

Sr Mechanical Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Interface with clinical and human factor engineering to inform designs and identify user needs. * Mentor and guide engineers on best practices in design and engineering with a particular focus on ...

Work with system engineers to architect flexible software implementations. Work with autonomous ... Experience in automotive HMI or human factor related projects. Basic knowledge of machine learning ...

System Engineer - Navy Validator

San Diego, CA

$60.75 - $74.50/hr

Coordinate with government engineers to oversee, maintain, develop, and implement technical standards within the Human Factor Domain. Provide security related advice and assistance to system ...

System Engineer - Navy Validator

San Diego, CA

$60.75 - $74.50/hr

Coordinate with government engineers to oversee, maintain, develop, and implement technical standards within the Human Factor Domain. Provide security related advice and assistance to system ...

Senior Staff Quality Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$133.40 - $222.30/hr

Advocate of Human Factor practices, proficiency in the science of identification of mitigation ... Bachelor's degree in a science, engineering or related discipline. * Minimum 6 years of experience ...

Minimum Qualifications MS or PhD in Human Factors Engineering, Design Research, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, or related field 7+ years of industry experience applying design ...

Advocate of Human Factor practices, proficiency in the science of identification of mitigation ... Bachelor's degree in a science, engineering or related discipline. * Minimum 6 years of experience ...

Advocate of Human Factor practices, proficiency in the science of identification of mitigation ... Bachelor's degree in a science, engineering or related discipline. * Minimum 6 years of experience ...

... PhD in Human Factors Engineering, Design Research, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, or related field 7+ years of industry experience applying design research and/or human factors ...

... and engineering teams MA or PhD in Human Factors, HCI, Cognitive or Behavioral Science, Ergonomics, or related field or 7-10 years of equivalent experience Preferred Qualifications Experience ...

Work closely with industrial and product designers, fellow human factors researchers, electrical and mechanical engineers, and program management so that form factor evaluations answer the questions ...

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Showing results 1-20

Human Factor Engineer Phd information

See California salary details

$30

$56

$84

How much do human factor engineer phd jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for human factor engineer phd in California is $56.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.21 and $66.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a human factor engineer PhD?

A Human Factor Engineer PhD is a professional who has earned a doctorate in human factors engineering or a closely related field. They specialize in studying how people interact with systems, products, and environments to optimize performance, safety, and user experience. This role often involves conducting research, designing experiments, and applying psychological and engineering principles to improve technology and processes. Human Factor Engineers with a PhD typically work in industries like aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and consumer products, often leading research and development projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a human factor engineer PhD?

To thrive as a Human Factor Engineer PhD, you need advanced expertise in human-computer interaction, ergonomics, cognitive psychology, and systems engineering, typically supported by a doctoral degree in human factors or a related field. Familiarity with usability testing tools, data analysis software (like SPSS or MATLAB), and human-centered design methodologies is commonly expected. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the creation of user-friendly systems that optimize safety, efficiency, and satisfaction in complex environments.

What are some common challenges human factor engineers with a PhD face when integrating human-centered design into technical teams?

Human Factor Engineers with a PhD often encounter challenges when advocating for human-centered design in multidisciplinary environments, especially where technical priorities may dominate. Bridging the gap between usability considerations and engineering constraints requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, demonstrating the tangible value of human factors research to stakeholders who may be unfamiliar with its benefits can be an ongoing effort. Successful Human Factor Engineers collaborate closely with engineers, designers, and product managers to ensure user needs are considered throughout the development process.

What is the difference between Human Factor Engineer Phd vs Human Factors Specialist?

AspectHuman Factor Engineer PhdHuman Factors Specialist
Required CredentialsPhd in Human Factors, Psychology, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Human Factors, Psychology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product design teams, aerospace, healthcareProduct testing, usability analysis, user research
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, defense, healthcareConsumer electronics, software, healthcare

The Human Factor Engineer Phd typically has advanced research skills and works on complex projects requiring a doctoral degree, often in specialized industries. The Human Factors Specialist usually holds a bachelor's or master's degree and focuses on usability testing and user experience. Both roles aim to improve human interaction with products but differ mainly in education level and scope of responsibilities.

Are human factor engineers in demand?

Human factor engineers are in increasing demand across industries such as healthcare, aerospace, and consumer electronics, as companies focus on user-centered design and safety. They often require skills in ergonomics, usability testing, and human-computer interaction, with employment growth driven by the need to improve product safety and user experience.

What cities in California are hiring for Human Factor Engineer Phd jobs?

Cities in California with the most Human Factor Engineer Phd job openings:

Infographic showing various Human Factor Engineer Phd job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,819 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Systems Engineer Lead

General Atomics

Poway, CA • On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

Job Summary

With limited direction, this position exercises considerable latitude in determining technical objectives for the review, research, design, development, and/or solutions to advanced technical engineering problems. It may function in an advisory or project leadership role providing direction to experienced professional staff. The role formulates long‑term plans for solution development, documentation, and deployment, while meeting compliance, reporting, and safety standards. It evaluates the integration of the engineering solution within the overall engineering environment, ensuring all necessary documentation, testing, maintenance, and updates are completed. The incumbent communicates with engineering professionals, solution users, and management throughout the development cycle, represents the company as a prime technical contact on contracts and/or projects, interacts with senior external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between organizations, and participates in the development of new or the expansion of existing businesses.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Accountable for technical, cost, and schedule execution of the program’s Systems Engineering team.
    • Ensures all work products are produced in accordance with the project plan to satisfy customer requirements.
    • Ensures all work products are completed on cost and schedule.
    • Defines IMS tasks required to complete scope of work to achieve program milestones.
    • Acts as control account manager for assigned control accounts.
  • Provides technical oversight and direction to the Systems Engineering team for the assigned program. The team typically includes requirements, modeling & simulation, airworthiness, human factors, system safety, cybersecurity, and RAM.
  • Responsible for external stakeholder engagement for the team’s scope of work, frequently collaborating with customers, subcontractors, and mission partners.
  • Contributes to the conduct of program design and readiness reviews.
  • Collaborates with SE leadership and peers to ensure consistent implementation of SE practices across programs.
  • Mentors junior engineers on SE practices.
  • Drives continuous improvement in system engineering processes, tools, and practices to enhance efficiency, quality, and reuse.
  • Supports internal development and new business opportunities.
  • Using traditional and model‑based systems engineering approaches, leads and contributes to the development of all SE work products, which may include:
    • CONOPS
    • System Architecture
    • Requirements and Interface Control Documents
    • Mission and System Analysis
    • Trade Studies
    • MBSE Models
    • TRL/MRL Assessments
    • Verification & Validation Artifacts
    • Airworthiness Artifacts
    • Human Factor Artifacts
    • System Safety Artifacts
    • Cybersecurity Artifacts
    • Reliability, Availability, Maintainability (RAM) Artifacts
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience: twelve or more years with a bachelor’s degree, ten or more years with a master’s degree, or seven or more years with a PhD; equivalent experience may substitute for education.
  • Must have prior experience in DoD aerospace, unmanned air vehicle, and aircraft design.
  • Prior experience as an IPT lead or technical lead is strongly desired.
  • Familiarity with tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, JAMA, and Atlassian (JIRA, Confluence) is desired.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required, enabling effective leadership with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
  • Customer‑focused, formulates plans based on developing innovative new designs to resolve advanced technical engineering problems. Must be able to work on a self‑initiated basis and in a team environment, work extended hours, and travel as required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955