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Human Factors Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Human Factors Researcher

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

Description The Design Human Factors team is seeking a researcher to explore how new capabilities shape the next generation of products. As sensing systems, adaptive technologies, and new forms of ...

We're looking for a Senior Human Factors Researcher to join our Design Research team. This role is ideal for a researcher with a deep technical background in physical hardware and ergonomics who ...

Description The Design Human Factors team is seeking a researcher to explore how new capabilities shape the next generation of products. As sensing systems, adaptive technologies, and new forms of ...

We're looking for a Senior Human Factors Researcher to join our Design Research team. This role is ideal for a researcher with a deep technical background in physical hardware and ergonomics who ...

$200 - $250/hr

We are the Human Factors team, focusing on designing and conducting research to understand our users, informing the development and continuous improvement of impactful Apple health and wellness ...

We are the Human Factors team, focusing on designing and conducting research to understand our users, informing the development and continuous improvement of impactful Apple health and wellness ...

Conduct human factors research and analysis related to human-system interaction and operational performance within the NAS * Design research approaches, including identifying variables, data ...

Conduct basic and applied research on human performance, workload, situational awareness, and human-machine interaction in the context of NAS operations. * Develop and execute research designs ...

Human Factors Scientist II

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

* Conduct human factors research and development activities aligned with Honeywell Aerospace goals and objectives * Design and conduct experiments and usability studies to evaluate aerospace system ...

New

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 ...

They align research, design, and business strategies by working with project teams and business ... The Sr. Human Factors Engineer will play a key role in integrating human factors principles and ...

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Human Factors Researcher information

See salary details

$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do human factors researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for human factors researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a human factors researcher do?

A Human Factors Researcher studies how people interact with systems, products, and environments to improve usability, safety, and overall user experience. They use principles from psychology, engineering, and design to assess how humans interact with technology and processes. Their work often involves conducting experiments, usability tests, and observational studies to gather data and make recommendations for product or system improvements. The ultimate goal is to ensure that designs are user-friendly and meet the needs and limitations of end users.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a human factors researcher?

To thrive as a Human Factors Researcher, you need expertise in psychology or human factors engineering, research design, data analysis, and often a relevant advanced degree. Familiarity with usability testing tools, statistical software (such as SPSS or R), and experience with human-computer interaction (HCI) systems are typically required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help researchers interpret findings and work effectively across multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure research is rigorous, user-centered, and directly informs the design of safer, more effective products and systems.

What are the typical team dynamics and collaboration opportunities for a human factors researcher?

Human Factors Researchers often work as part of multidisciplinary teams that include designers, engineers, product managers, and sometimes clinicians or end-users. Collaboration is key, as researchers must communicate user insights and data-driven recommendations to influence product development. Regular meetings, brainstorming sessions, and user testing workshops are common, allowing researchers to ensure human-centered design principles are integrated throughout the process. This cross-functional environment fosters both learning and growth, making it important for researchers to be effective communicators and active team players.

What is the difference between Human Factors Researcher vs Ergonomist?

AspectHuman Factors ResearcherErgonomist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in psychology, human factors, or related fields; certifications varyOften holds degrees in ergonomics, industrial engineering, or related areas; certifications like CPE are common
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, usability testing centers, or corporate R&D departmentsWorkplaces focusing on workplace design, manufacturing, or healthcare settings
Industry UsageUsed across tech, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer product industriesPrimarily in manufacturing, healthcare, and office environments

Both roles focus on optimizing human interaction with systems and products, but Human Factors Researchers often conduct studies and develop theories, while Ergonomists typically apply these principles to improve workplace design and safety.

What jobs can you get with a human factors researcher degree?

A human factors researcher degree prepares individuals for roles such as usability analyst, user experience (UX) designer, human factors specialist, ergonomist, or safety analyst. These jobs involve applying knowledge of human behavior, cognition, and ergonomics to improve product design, safety, and user satisfaction, often requiring skills in research methods, data analysis, and familiarity with design tools. Opportunities exist in industries like healthcare, technology, aerospace, and automotive sectors.
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What states have the most Human Factors Researcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Human Factors Researcher jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Human Factors Researcher jobs?

For Human Factors Researcher jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Human Factors Researcher job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Human Factors Researcher

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Apple
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$184K - $324K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Leading research and defining research strategy that explore how emerging technologies shape product interaction and human experience across hardware and software.

  • Applying human factors principles, anthropometry, and behavioral research to evaluate evolving device capabilities.

  • Translating complex technical systems into clear human insight that informs product design and engineering decisions.


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Design Human Factors is a discipline within the Apple Design Team that is responsible for the quality of human experience in products that are used by billions of people.
The Design Human Factors team works hand in hand with designers spanning both hardware and software while working closely with engineering teams across Apple to help bridge design needs, human factors concerns, and engineering constraints. Their work influences decisions at every level of the company, from project teams to executive directors.
Description
The Design Human Factors team is seeking a researcher to explore how new capabilities shape the next generation of products.
As sensing systems, adaptive technologies, and new forms of intelligence are increasingly integrated into hardware and software, the team plays a key role in understanding how these capabilities influence interaction, behavior, and product experience.","responsibilities":"Leading research and defining research strategy that explore how emerging technologies shape product interaction and human experience across hardware and software
Applying human factors principles, anthropometry, and behavioral research to evaluate evolving device capabilities
Translating complex technical systems into clear human insight that informs product design and engineering decisions
Developing methods, tools, and studies that help teams understand integrated sensing, interaction, and adaptive behavior in products
Preferred Qualifications
Experience researching new product technologies
Strong systems thinking across hardware, sensing systems, and interaction design
Experience with wearables, spatial computing, or health-related sensing technologies
Advanced quantitative expertise such as experimental design, psychometrics, or statistical modeling
Ability to move fluidly between early exploration and product development
Minimum Qualifications
Expertise in quantitative and qualitative human centered research methods
Experience applying human factors, ergonomics, or anthropometry to consumer products
Experience designing and executing experimental studies and large scale research programs
Strong ability to communicate complex findings through clear narratives and visual storytelling
Comfort working across disciplines and engaging with both design and engineering teams
MA or PhD in Human Factors, HCI, Cognitive or Behavioral Science, Ergonomics, or related field or 7-10 years of equivalent experience
Pay & Benefits
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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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.

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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