1

Human Factor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Engineer VI

Poway, CA · On-site

$116K - $208K/yr

Support technology initiatives such as Open Architectures (OMS, FACE, etc.), Autonomy & Artificial Intelligence, onboard fusion, track management, resource management, and Human Factor's based HMI ...

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 ...

Engineer VI

Poway, CA · On-site

$116K - $208K/yr

Supports technology initiatives such as Open Architectures (OMS, FACE, etc.), Autonomy & Artificial Intelligence, onboard fusion, track management, resource management, and Human Factor's based HMI ...

DCC Planner are the human factor behind the AVTECH console which is the operating system utilized to manage, control and dispatch all the assignments. Responsibilities * Ability to remain calm and ...

Clinical Research Manager

Brea, CA · On-site

$125K - $153K/yr

Design and execute Human Factor Usability studies. * Create and update Risk Management Files (uFMEAs and Risk Tables according to ISO 14971) * Support generation of Clinical Evaluation Reports and ...

DCC Planner are the human factor behind the AVTECH console which is the operating system utilized to manage, control and dispatch all the assignments. Responsibilities * Ability to remain calm and ...

Vice President, Clinical Development

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$95K - $130K/yr

... Human Factor studies) to provide clinical and scientific insights as part of the PST * Understanding and knowledge of the rare metabolic and genetic disease areas as well as the future landscape and ...

: HR & Site Operations Specialist The Opportunity We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented HR ... factor in identifying top candidates. The candidate must have an unrestricted right to work for ...

The main functions will be to determine the priority of the requests and to control the process of the assignments. allocators are the human factor behind the technology utilized by the company to ...

DCC Planner are the human factor behind the AVTECH console which is the operating system utilized to manage, control and dispatch all the assignments. Responsibilities * Ability to remain calm and ...

Showing results 21-40

Human Factor information

See California salary details

$26.2K

$43.7K

$59.2K

How much do human factor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for human factor in California is $43,665.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $47,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a human factor?

Human factors professionals, also known as human factors engineers or ergonomists, study how people interact with systems, products, and environments to improve safety, performance, and user experience. They apply principles from psychology, engineering, and design to create solutions that fit the capabilities and limitations of users. Their work is critical in fields such as healthcare, aviation, manufacturing, and consumer technology. By optimizing the human-system interface, they help prevent errors, injuries, and inefficiencies.

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 expertise in human-computer interaction, ergonomics, user research, and a degree in fields such as psychology, engineering, or human factors. Familiarity with usability testing tools, statistical analysis software, and experience with prototyping or CAD systems is often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration skills help professionals understand user needs and work with cross-functional teams. These skills are critical for designing user-friendly products and systems that improve safety, efficiency, and overall user experience.

What are some common challenges faced by human factors specialists when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Human factors specialists often work closely with engineers, designers, and project managers, which can present challenges in aligning priorities and communicating technical insights. One common hurdle is translating human-centric research findings into actionable design recommendations that non-specialists can easily understand and implement. Additionally, balancing user needs with project constraints such as budget and timeline requires strong negotiation and advocacy skills. Clear communication and proactive involvement throughout the project lifecycle help ensure human factors considerations are integrated effectively.

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

AspectHuman FactorHuman Factors Specialist
Required CredentialsTypically no formal certification, but knowledge of ergonomics and psychology helpfulOften holds certifications like Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP) or related degrees
Work EnvironmentDesign, research, or consulting settings focused on user experience and safetyResearch labs, corporate consulting, or product design teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly across industries like healthcare, aviation, and tech for user-centered designSpecialized role within organizations focusing on optimizing human interaction with systems

While both roles focus on understanding human interaction with systems, a Human Factor generally refers to the concept or field, whereas a Human Factors Specialist is a professional applying that knowledge to improve design and safety in various industries.

How to get into human factor jobs?

To pursue a career in human factors, gain a background in psychology, ergonomics, or human-computer interaction through a relevant degree. Developing skills in user research, usability testing, and familiarity with design tools can improve job prospects, and obtaining certifications like Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP) can be beneficial.

Is human factor a good career?

A career in human factors involves designing systems and interfaces that improve user experience and safety, often requiring knowledge of psychology, engineering, and usability testing. It is a growing field with opportunities in industries such as technology, healthcare, and aviation, and may require certifications or specialized training. The role offers a chance to work on impactful projects and requires strong analytical and communication skills.

What careers involve human factors?

Careers involving human factors include roles such as human factors specialists, ergonomists, user experience designers, and cognitive engineers. These professionals focus on designing systems, products, and environments that optimize human well-being and performance, often requiring knowledge of psychology, engineering, and usability testing tools.

What cities in California are hiring for Human Factor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Human Factor job openings:

Infographic showing various Human Factor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,665 per year, or $21 per hour.

$116K - $208K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Job Summary
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.
Agile Mission Systems (AMS) at GA-ASI in San Diego, CA is a growing center of excellence seeking high-performing technical contributors and future leaders in the Project Engineering (PE) role. This candidate will define and execute program plans, lead strategic objectives, influence multi-level business strategies, resolve critical mission gaps, and drive missionized architectures to achieve disruptive tactical advantages and effects on adversarial competition. This candidate's contributions will span across multiple UAS platforms including Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), Longshot, Small UAS platforms, Expendable UAS platforms, NexGen ISR, and Legacy Platform variants such as MQ-1 & MQ-9A/B.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Plan and lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams, ensuring alignment with business and strategic objectives, allocating technical resources, meeting critical program milestones, and successfully executing programs within the defined cost and schedule.
  • Lead and support software development teams through the software development lifecycle using Agile best practices.
  • Oversee subcontractor technical scope by defining subsystems requirements, writing Statements of Work, performing technical evaluation, and aligning subcontractor deliverables with overall program milestones.
  • Identify, manage, and develop mitigations for risks at a system level.
  • Support technology initiatives such as Open Architectures (OMS, FACE, etc.), Autonomy & Artificial Intelligence, onboard fusion, track management, resource management, and Human Factor's based HMI design.
  • Foster a collaborative environment and build consensus for technical solutions between GA functional engineering departments, program management, external GA P&Ls, and customer stakeholders.
  • Represent programs as the engineering lead, ensuring consistent and appropriate messaging to external customer stakeholders, PoR representatives across the DoD, industry partners, subcontractors, and senior internal/executive stakeholders.
  • Write and support proposal technical volumes and engineering estimates.
  • Perform system-level analysis and trade studies, generate requirements, and develop system architecture and designs.
  • Generate and present technical review data packages, such as System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), and Critical Design Reviews (CDR), to customers and executive leadership.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Proven ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them in a dynamic work environment to resolve complex technical problems.
  • Demonstrated expertise in the application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice as well as project management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
  • Experience in developing and integrating hardware and/or software with various engineering disciplines, including Software, Electrical, RF, Cyber, Autonomy, AI/ML, and Mechanical.
  • Experience in one or more of the following technologies: Automation, Autonomy & Artificial Intelligence (A3I), HMI/UI, Cybersecurity, Software Architectures, Open Architectures and Standards (OMS, FACE, STANAG), Networking, Modeling & Simulation, Edge Processing, High Performance Computing.
  • Product Management, Proposal Development, Basis of Estimation, Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS); Commercial and/or DoD Product development experience.
  • Must be a self-starter with strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Effective communication skills with the ability to build enterprise relationships and manage customer expectations.
  • Willingness and ability to support new business development efforts are essential and required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

What General Atomics employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


General Atomics logo

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