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Human Factor Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Eng Prin - Sys

UT · On-site

$89K - $151K/yr

... all human factor engineering processes and ensure optimal integration of safety features on designs and provide required training to same and ensure compliance to all customer requirements. • ...

... Human Factor Domain. Maintain and update Technical Standards, checklists, guidelines, and instructions based on new DoD/DON/industry policies and instructions. Provide System Engineering support with ...

... Human Factor Domain. Maintain and update Technical Standards, checklists, guidelines, and instructions based on new DoD/DON/industry policies and instructions. Provide System Engineering support with ...

Work with autonomous-driving engineering teams, negotiate APIs and integrate vehicle information ... Experience in automotive HMI or human factor related projects. Basic knowledge of machine learning ...

System Engineer - Navy Validator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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Human Factor Engineering information

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$26.5K

$44.2K

$60K

How much do human factor engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for human factor engineering in the United States is $44,245.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $48,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a human factor engineer do?

A human factor engineer studies how people interact with systems, products, and environments to improve safety, usability, and performance. They analyze user behavior, conduct ergonomic assessments, and design interfaces or processes that enhance human efficiency and reduce errors, often using tools like usability testing and ergonomic standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Human Factors Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Human Factors Engineer, you need a solid background in human-computer interaction, ergonomics, and cognitive psychology, typically supported by a degree in engineering, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with usability testing tools, data analysis software (such as SPSS or MATLAB), and design systems is often required. Strong analytical thinking, user empathy, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and advocate for user-centered design. These abilities are crucial for creating safe, efficient, and user-friendly products or systems that meet both user needs and organizational goals.

What is the difference between Human Factor Engineering vs Human Factors Specialist?

AspectHuman Factor EngineeringHuman Factors Specialist
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in ergonomics or human factorsDegree in psychology, human factors, or ergonomics; certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, engineering teams, product development settingsResearch facilities, consulting firms, healthcare, or corporate environments
Industry UsageProduct design, aerospace, automotive, healthcare devicesUsability testing, user research, safety analysis
Common Search IntentDesign-focused, technical solutionsResearch and usability evaluation

Human Factor Engineering primarily involves applying engineering principles to design systems and products that optimize human interaction. In contrast, Human Factors Specialists focus on researching and analyzing user behavior to improve usability and safety. Both roles often collaborate but differ in their core approach: engineering versus research and analysis.

What is Human Factor Engineering?

Human Factor Engineering, also known as ergonomics, is the discipline focused on understanding how people interact with systems, products, and environments. It aims to design processes, tools, and spaces that optimize human well-being and overall system performance. By taking into account human abilities and limitations, Human Factor Engineers help reduce errors, increase efficiency, and improve safety and user satisfaction in various industries such as healthcare, aviation, and manufacturing.

How does a Human Factors Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

Human Factors Engineers work closely with designers, engineers, product managers, and sometimes marketing teams to ensure that products are user-friendly and meet ergonomic standards. They often participate in design reviews, conduct user research, and provide feedback to integrate human-centered principles into the development process. Effective collaboration involves frequent communication, presenting user testing results, and advocating for design adjustments based on user data. This teamwork is crucial for creating products that are both effective and safe for end users.

What kind of job can you get with a human factors degree?

A human factors degree prepares individuals for roles such as human factors specialist, user experience designer, ergonomist, or usability analyst. These jobs involve improving product design, user interfaces, and safety by applying principles of psychology, engineering, and design, often requiring skills in research, testing, and data analysis.

How much money does a human factors engineer make?

A human factors engineer typically earns a median annual salary of around $85,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in usability testing, ergonomics, or design may earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000 annually.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

In human factor engineering and related fields, high-paying roles such as senior ergonomics engineers, research directors, or consultants in specialized industries can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership responsibilities. These positions often require advanced degrees, strong expertise in user-centered design, and experience with complex systems or safety-critical environments.
More about Human Factor Engineering jobs
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Infographic showing various Human Factor Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,245 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Director of Human Factors

Director of Human Factors

Willow Laboratories

Irvine, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:


We are seeking a Human Factors Engineer who will be responsible for ensuring that medical devices are safe, intuitive, and effective for intended users by applying human factors and usability engineering principles throughout the product lifecycle. This role plans and conducts formative and summative usability studies, develops use-related risk analyses, and ensures compliance with FDA, IEC 62366, and other applicable regulatory standards. The Human Factors Engineer collaborates closely with design, clinical, regulatory, and quality teams to identify, mitigate, and validate use-related hazards, ultimately supporting safe and effective patient and clinician experiences.


This role will work to develop and follow industry best practices defining and documenting usability formative studies, qualitative assessments, summative usability studies and preparing the Human Factors engineering usability file for regulatory submission. This role will report to the Vice President of Product Design.


Key Responsibilities:


  • Drive discovery research with mix method data collection techniques.
  • Implement usability rating system and testing protocol.
  • Work with marketing and clinical teams to create user personas, use specifications, and user groups based on target markets and regulatory testing requirements.
  • Develop protocols for formative usability studies.
  • Collaborate with recruiters, IRB, and consultants for validation studies.
  • Moderate and conduct online and in person testing of usability studies, as well as focus groups, and interviews.
  • Maintain detailed video documentation to follow and support note taking.
  • Present findings to designers, engineers, and management team.
  • Facilitate and document task analysis, use related risk analysis, and user interface specifications.
  • Maintain traceability of critical statements and risk mitigations from observation to Instructions for Use and device training.
  • Maintain awareness of and share industry trends and platform best practices in human factors, usability and digital experience on iOS, Android, and web.
  • Define, test and ensure that accessibilities standards for each platform are met.
  • Track cultural differences and risks for items, terminology, and features.


Required Qualifications:

  • The candidate must be familiar with Design Controls (21 CFR Part 820 / ISO 13485) and have experience maintaining the Design History File (DHF).
  • Demonstrated success working in startup, early-stage, or high-growth medical device environments.
  • Proven ability to build process from the ground up and adapt them as the organization scales.
  • Comfortable operating with ambiguity and making sound decisions with incomplete information.
  • Strong bias toward action, ownership, and continuous improvement.
  • Bachelors, Master’s or PhD in Human Factors, ergonomics or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in human factors engineering.
  • Proven success running usability studies for medical devices.
  • Proven work examples or projects running usability testing for mobile devices (iOS, or Android).
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong process orientation and documentation abilities.
  • Understanding of best practices including accessibility standards and human factor standards.


Referred Attributes:

  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for building systems that enable teams to do their best work.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong process orientation and documentation abilities.
  • Understanding of best practices including accessibility standards and human factor standards.


Additional Information:

Approximately 25-30% travel may be required.


Physical requirements/Work Environment:


This position is located onsite in Irvine, CA.


This position primarily works in an office. It requires frequent sitting, standing and walking. This position requires sitting for long periods of time in front of a computer display or other digital devices. Daily use of a computer and other computing and digital devices is required. May require standing for extended periods when facilitating meetings, walking in the facilities. Some travel may be required so the ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid Driver’s license is required.


The physical demands of the position described herein are essential functions of the job and employees must be able to successfully perform these tasks for extended periods. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those individuals with real or perceived disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job described.