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Human Factors Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

BCI's areas of expertise include Human Systems Integration/Human Factors Engineering, Interoperability, Training, Operational Systems Safety, and Weapon & Combat Systems Engineering. BCI's work force ...

BCI's areas of expertise include Human Systems Integration/Human Factors Engineering, Interoperability, Training, Operational Systems Safety, and Weapon & Combat Systems Engineering. BCI's work force ...

Systems Engineer, Senior

Dahlgren, VA

$106K - $145K/yr

BCI's areas of expertise include Human Systems Integration/Human Factors Engineering, Interoperability, Training, Operational Systems Safety, and Weapon & Combat Systems Engineering. BCI's work force ...

UI/UX Human Factor Developer, Junior

Arlington, VA · On-site

$57.50 - $74.75/hr

UI/UX Human Factor Developer, Junior Category: Project Management Main location: United States ... Applying human factors principles (e.g., cognitive load, perception, motor skills) to design ...

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Human Factors Engineer information

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$30

$56

$84

How much do human factors engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for human factors engineer in Virginia is $56.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.40 and $66.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Human Factors Engineers?

Human Factors Engineers are professionals who study how people interact with products, systems, or environments to improve usability, safety, and overall user experience. They apply principles from psychology, engineering, and design to create solutions that accommodate human abilities and limitations. Their work is essential in industries such as healthcare, aviation, automotive, and consumer electronics, ensuring that products and systems are intuitive and reduce the risk of errors. By focusing on the user's needs and behaviors, Human Factors Engineers help make technology more accessible and efficient.

What Is a Human Factors Engineer?

Human factors engineers design furniture, facilities, and environments that provide optimal benefits for human beings. This includes addressing concepts like total systems performance and problems related to those theories. Your responsibilities often center on addressing issues of ergonomics and creating solutions. Your duties may include designing and testing new machines or systems for optimal comfort and training operators to take advantage of the innovations you create. You may also have consultation responsibilities, advising management on ways to improve workplace environments to emphasize health, safety, and comfort.

What is the difference between Human Factors Engineer vs Ergonomist?

AspectHuman Factors EngineerErgonomist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Human Factors, Psychology, or EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Ergonomics, Human Factors, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product design, usability testingWorkplaces, manufacturing, office environments, consulting
Industry UsageTechnology, aerospace, healthcare, consumer productsManufacturing, workplace safety, health services
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists both focus on optimizing human interaction with systems and products. While Human Factors Engineers often work on designing and testing products in technical environments, Ergonomists typically focus on workplace safety and comfort. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are used across various industries to improve usability and safety.

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 strong background in human-centered design, ergonomics, psychology, and systems engineering, typically supported by a degree in human factors, industrial engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with usability testing tools, statistical analysis software, and human-computer interaction systems is commonly required. Exceptional analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills help you translate complex user needs into practical design improvements. These skills ensure products, systems, and environments are safe, efficient, and user-friendly, directly impacting usability and user satisfaction.

What are some common challenges Human Factors Engineers face when integrating user feedback into product design?

Human Factors Engineers often encounter the challenge of balancing user feedback with technical and business constraints. While user input is essential for improving usability and safety, it may sometimes conflict with engineering limitations, regulatory requirements, or project timelines. Effective Human Factors Engineers must collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to advocate for user-centered changes while finding practical compromises. Maintaining clear communication and prioritizing critical feedback helps ensure that user needs are addressed without disrupting overall project goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Human Factors Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Human Factors Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Human Factors Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Human Factors Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Human Factors Engineer jobs in VA? For Human Factors Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Human Factors Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,358 per year, or $56.9 per hour.
Transportation Human Factors and Industrial Engineer

Transportation Human Factors and Industrial Engineer

Battelle Memorial Institute

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Battelle Memorial Institute rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Summary
We are currently seeking a Transportation Human Factors and Industrial Engineer. This is a hybrid position located in Crystal City, VA or McLean, VA.
In this role, you will conduct human factors and industrial engineering research and testing, while designing and developing tools, experiments, systems, and environments to support transportation safety and innovation. Areas of focus may include transportation and highway safety, driver attention and behavior, human-machine interface (HMI), advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), autonomous driving, connected vehicles, and other emerging transportation technologies. This position requires on-site work 3-4 days per week, with the remaining time worked remotely.
Responsibilities
  • Develop complex behavioral research efforts, simulator studies, and field studies related to transportation safety and operations, design and conduct applied behavioral research studies, design data collection procedures and assure quality control (QC) in data collection.
  • Perform statistical analysis, interpret complex data and results, prepares technical reports and research summaries, and develop and deliver presentations to clients and stakeholders addressing both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Perform thorough literature reviews and summarize/synthesize technical information for easy consumption and decision-making.
  • Interface with the client's technical and business personnel and effectively work in a multi-contractor environment at a client-owned research facility.
  • Troubleshoot processes when expected results are not obtained.
  • Manage projects, execute technical tasks, and communicate with clients concerning the schedule and quality of deliverables.
  • Lead and assist business development and proposal efforts. Independently lead small to mid-size proposals (<500K>
  • Contribute to internal research and development efforts.
  • Provide direction to and coordinate the efforts of multi-disciplinary technical staff and support staff in the performance of assigned projects within time and budget constraints.
  • Oversees, mentors, and trains junior staff as needed.

Key Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in experimental psychology or human factors with two (2) years of experience in research specific to the transportation field including highway safety operations or master's degree; or an equivalent combination of education and or experience in a related field.
  • Strong understanding and experience in the areas of transportation and highway safety, driver safety and human factors, HMI, application and analysis of transportation and traffic data (e.g., SHRP-2 data), design and conduct of driving simulator and field tests using real-world vehicles in test track and on-the-road settings, road data collection and experiments for transportation human factors studies including naturalistic driving studies.
  • Demonstrated experience working as a Technical Principal Investigator on research projects.
  • Must be a self-starter, be able to take on multiple complex assignments, independently manage and prioritize work time to balance customer and business needs and have the ability to work with both government and commercial clients. • Prior experience working with NHTSA, FHWA, FMCSA, TRB, State DOTs, automobile OEMs/suppliers and/or other similar clients.
  • Prior experience in leading, coordinating and writing proposals in response to Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, and ability to effectively communicate complex technical information to a wide range of audiences.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in experimental psychology or human factors with five (5) years of experience in research specific to the transportation field including highway safety operations or master's degree; or an equivalent combination of education and or experience in a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience working directly with USDOT and/or commercial organizations.
  • Advanced statistical skills and use of R, Python, or similar statistical and scientific languages.
  • Understanding of human-in-the-loop and model-in-the-loop simulation analysis; Data visualization; Behavioral research data collection techniques.

#LI-TF1
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
  • Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
  • Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs .
  • Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
  • Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
  • Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
  • Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
  • Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:
  • Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
  • Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
  • Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
  • Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
  • Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols
Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers

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