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Human Factors Cognitive Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Human Factors Engineer/Researcher

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150.40 - $277.60/hr

We are the Human Research & Engineering Solutions team. We partner closely with designers and ... We are looking for a talented Human Factors Engineer/Researcher to bring user-centered design ...

Minimum BS or BSE in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Industrial Engineering, Cognitive Psychology or ... Experience in research design as it relates to product development * Proficiency in Microsoft ...

As a Human Factors Specialist, you will develop and apply human-centered research methods, objective measurement systems, and rapid prototyping techniques to improve the comfort, fit, wearability ...

... Cognitive Psychology, or Anthropometry/Kinesiology. * Experience: 5+ years conducting human factors research focused on physical hardware, wearables, or body-worn technology * Working with human ...

Human Factors Engineer 1

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Minimum BS or BSE in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Industrial Engineering, Cognitive Psychology or ... Experience in research design as it relates to product development * Proficiency in Microsoft ...

As a Human Factors Specialist, you will develop and apply human-centered research methods, objective measurement systems, and rapid prototyping techniques to improve the comfort, fit, wearability ...

Minimum BS or BSE in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Industrial Engineering, Cognitive Psychology or ... Experience in research design as it relates to product development * Proficiency in Microsoft ...

Director, Human Factors

Dallas, TX · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

Experience with research and application of regulations and standards, analyzing scientific ... cognitive engineering and/or work physiology * Strong expert report writing skills to complement ...

Collaborate with R&D, marketing, clinical, and engineering teams to evaluate concepts, improve usability, and drive user-centered design decisions. * Apply human factors, usability, and user ...

Showing results 41-60

Human Factors Cognitive Research information

See salary details

$42K

$89.1K

$147K

How much do human factors cognitive research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for human factors cognitive research in the United States is $89,120.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $107,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is human factors cognitive research?

Human Factors Cognitive Research is the scientific study of how people interact with systems, products, and environments, focusing particularly on mental processes such as perception, memory, decision-making, and problem-solving. The goal is to improve human well-being and overall system performance by designing solutions that align with how people think and behave. Researchers in this field use principles from psychology, engineering, and design to create safer, more efficient, and user-friendly technologies and environments. Common applications include designing user interfaces, workspaces, and safety systems in industries like aviation, healthcare, and consumer electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in human factors cognitive research?

To thrive in Human Factors Cognitive Research, you need a solid background in psychology, human-computer interaction, or engineering, often supported by an advanced degree and research experience. Familiarity with experimental design software, statistical analysis tools (such as SPSS or R), and usability testing platforms is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help researchers interpret data and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure that research findings can be accurately translated into practical recommendations, enhancing product usability and safety.

What are some common challenges faced in a human factors cognitive research role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Human Factors Cognitive Research often face the challenge of translating complex human behavior data into actionable design recommendations. Balancing scientific rigor with practical constraints—such as tight deadlines or limited resources—is another frequent hurdle. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams (e.g., engineers, designers, product managers) is essential but can sometimes lead to communication gaps. To overcome these challenges, it's important to develop strong communication skills, stay adaptable, and engage stakeholders early in the research process to ensure findings are understood and valued.

What is the difference between Human Factors Cognitive Research vs Human Factors Specialist?

AspectHuman Factors Cognitive ResearchHuman Factors Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in psychology, cognitive science, or human factorsOften requires similar degrees, with additional certifications in usability or ergonomics
Work EnvironmentPrimarily research settings, labs, or academic institutionsIndustry settings, consulting firms, or corporate environments
Employer & IndustryUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesTechnology companies, aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing
Primary FocusStudying human cognition, perception, and decision-makingApplying human factors principles to improve product design and safety

While both roles involve understanding human behavior, Human Factors Cognitive Research focuses on studying cognition and perception through research, whereas Human Factors Specialists apply these insights to design and optimize systems and products in industry settings.

More about Human Factors Cognitive Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Human Factors Cognitive Research jobs? Cities with the most Human Factors Cognitive Research job openings:
What states have the most Human Factors Cognitive Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Human Factors Cognitive Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Human Factors Cognitive Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,120 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Human Factors Engineer/Researcher

Apple Inc.

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$150.40 - $277.60/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware


At Apple, we create products that enrich people's lives — and wearables are central to that mission. We believe the best wearables are ones that seamlessly integrate into everyday life: functional, elegant, and effortless. Join one of the core teams helping to bring that vision to life.We are the Human Research & Engineering Solutions team. We partner closely with designers and researchers to refine prototypes and craft a fit experience that feels magical for millions of people around the world. The incredible diversity of human bodies and lifestyles is both our greatest challenge and our greatest inspiration, driving us to innovate and build solutions that truly work for everyone.We are looking for a talented Human Factors Engineer/Researcher to bring user-centered design principles to the research, design, and development of Apple Vision Pro. In this role, you will focus on evaluating comfort, fit, and ergonomic interaction across our product lineup. You'll observe and analyze user behaviors, design and implement quantitative data collection methods, and combine data-driven insights with a deep sense of empathy for the people who use our products.


Description

As a Human Factors Engineer on our multidisciplinary team, you will lead the full arc of user research — from framing questions and designing study protocols to analyzing data and delivering actionable insights. This role sits at the intersection of multiple disciplines, requiring you to collaborate with highly technical cross-functional partners, adapt quickly to new domains, and manage a variety of projects simultaneously. Success here means thriving in a fast-paced environment with equal parts curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to translate complex findings into clear, impactful recommendations.


Responsibilities

  • Apply Human Factors Engineering principles across all phases of product development, from formative research through validation

  • Define research questions, develop detailed study protocols, and exercise independent judgment in methodology, data collection, and analysis

  • Plan and execute sophisticated participant recruitment based on anthropometric characteristics and usability profiles

  • Conduct user-centered studies across a diverse population, spanning qualitative and quantitative methods

  • Perform statistical and qualitative analyses, delivering clear and timely insights to cross-functional teams

  • Collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and researchers to align findings with product development goals

  • Create compelling presentations that communicate complex data and actionable recommendations to diverse audiences


Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Biomechanics, Human-Computer Interaction, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.

  • 3+ years of industry experience in Human Factors Engineering or User Experience Research

  • Proven ability to design and conduct rigorous user studies using robust experimental designs and scientific methods

  • Mixed methods expertise, combining quantitative and qualitative research approaches

  • Experience with consumer product usability evaluation

  • Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail, with the ability to present findings clearly to multidisciplinary teams


Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's or Ph.D. in Human Factors Engineering, Ergonomics, Biomechanics, HCI, Industrial Engineering, or related field

  • Ability to independently lead end-to-end research — from study design and data collection through analysis and actionable design recommendations

  • Experience developing and validating surveys and subjective scales from the ground up

  • Skilled at translating research into product specifications that balance customer needs and business objectives

  • Ability to craft compelling, audience-tailored presentations that distill complex data into clear narratives

  • Experience leveraging AI tools to accelerate study design, analysis, and insights synthesis


At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.


Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs.


Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan.


You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition.


Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.


Learn more about Apple Benefits


Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.


Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant


At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.


Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace


Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants


Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976