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Human Factor Engineer Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Master's degree plus 3+ years of relevant experience, or a PhD, in Biomechanics, Psychology, Human ... Knowledge of human-factor requirements and constraints associated with dismounted soldiers.

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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 ...

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 ...

$70 - $75/hr

Conduct studies and analyses, such as weight studies, arrangement studies, distributed system checks, electrical load analysis updates, and safety/human factor engineering studies to better determine ...

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Human Factor Engineer Phd information

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$30

$57

$85

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for human factor engineer phd in the United States is $57.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.79 and $67.55 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.
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What cities are hiring for Human Factor Engineer Phd jobs?

Cities with the most Human Factor Engineer Phd job openings:

What states have the most Human Factor Engineer Phd jobs?

States with the most job openings for Human Factor Engineer Phd jobs include:

Infographic showing various Human Factor Engineer Phd job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,382 per year, or $57.4 per hour.

Principal Human Factors Engineer / Senior Principal Human Factors Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Human Factors Engineer / Senior Principal Human Factors Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. Position is located in Melbourne, Florida.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Human Systems Integration team is seeking a Human Factors Engineer (HFE) to join Northrop Grumman. In this position, the new team member will be part of the team ensuring the evolving aircraft hardware and software systems are operable by US military flight and maintenance crews. This position requires a strong background in Systems Engineering. Job responsibilities include:
  • Support the evaluation of requirements adhering to Human Factors best practices and specified sections of MIL-STD-1472.
  • Contributions to Human Factors Analyses (including but not limited to: Task Analyses and Predictive Workload Analyses, Usability studies, Workload, and Situational Awareness surveys).
  • Plan and Conduct Pilot in the Loop (PITL) assessments to evaluate the design. Analyze test data and generate a final test report.
  • Support requirement verification test activities: Display Readability, Lighting Evaluations, Anthropometric Accommodation, Crew Alerting System (CAS) Evaluations, Modified Rhyme Testing (MRT), Maintenance Demonstrations etc.
  • Conduct computer based (NX) and empirical accessibility assessments from both an operator and maintainer perspective.
  • Author/support the program documentation of the HFE processes and products in a format consistent with US Military Data Item Descriptions (e.g. Human Engineering Program Plan, Human Engineering Design Approach Document - Operator, Human Engineering Design Approach Document - Maintainer, Human Engineering Test Plan, Human Engineering Test Report, et. al).
  • Collaboration with Design Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to ensure evolving design addresses program needs and adheres to Human Interface design requirements
  • Support Airworthiness analysis, artifact development, and compliance summaries.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Principal Engineer Human Factors: Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience in a Human Factors related field; or a Master's degree and 3 years of experience in a related field; or a PhD and 1 year of experience in a related field.
  • Senior Principal Engineer Human Factors: Bachelor's degree and 8 years of experience in a Human Factors related field; or a Master's degree and 6 years of experience in a related field; or a PhD and 4 years of experience in a related field.
  • Experience with MIL-STD-1472, Human Factor survey development, test procedure development/execution, and/or test report writing.
  • Must have an active DoD Secret (or higher) clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) and the ability to obtain Program Access.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Active, In-Scope TOP SECRET DoD security clearance with the ability to obtain Program Access
  • Experience developing, administering and/or analyzing Human Factors questionnaires such as Usability, Workload, and Situational Awareness.
  • Proficiency in writing and executing demonstration & test procedures
  • The ability to clearly and accurately express engineering findings orally and in written technical reports and presentations.
  • Familiar with the interpretation and application of systems safety, personnel survivability, and habitability requirements to system design
  • Experience with CAD Tools (NX and NX Jack Expertise preferred)
  • Experience with system engineering processes and tools (DOORS preferred)
  • Experience in system modeling tools (i.e., CORE, Rhapsody, PTC Integrity Modeler, Cameo)
  • Understand systems and design thinking as well as HMI/HCI design principles and practices
  • Experience authoring Human Interface Design CDRLs in accordance with DoD Data Item Descriptions (e.g. HEDAD-M/O, HEPP, HSIPP, HETP/R, etc)
  • Experience interpreting, applying, and/or tailoring MIL-STD-1472, MIL-STD-411, MIL-STD-1787, MIL-STD-3009, and/or MIL-STD-46855 in support of aircraft design activity

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939