Human Factors Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of advanced technology, the role of Human Factors Specialists is more critical than ever.

As technology evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can understand, analyze, and enhance the interaction between humans and systems grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Human Factors Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager sculpting the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the realm of human factors,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Human Factors Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Human Factors Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Human Factors Specialists are concerned with how people interact with systems and products.

They use their understanding of psychology and physiology to design and improve products and systems to make them safer, more efficient, and more intuitive to use.

The duties and responsibilities of a Human Factors Specialist include:

• Conducting user research to understand their needs and limitations
• Designing and conducting experiments and usability tests
• Analyzing data to determine user requirements and product design specifications
• Developing user profiles, personas and scenarios to guide design decisions
• Collaborating with designers and engineers to integrate human factors principles into product designs
• Creating prototypes and simulation models to test design concepts
• Evaluating design concepts and providing recommendations to improve usability and user experience
• Documenting and communicating findings and recommendations to stakeholders
• Ensure the designs comply with regulatory standards and guidelines

 

Human Factors Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Human Factors Specialist to join our team.

This role involves applying knowledge of psychological and physiological principles to the design and development of products, systems, and processes to make them more human-friendly, enhancing user experience and productivity.

The successful candidate will be familiar with ergonomics, human performance evaluation, and systems design.

They will have a strong understanding of the interaction between humans and various system elements to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct ergonomic assessments and provide design recommendations.
• Perform human factors analysis, testing, and research on systems and products.
• Develop and implement human factors evaluation plans.
• Collaborate with designers and engineers to integrate human factors requirements into product designs.
• Analyze and interpret data related to human behavior, performance, and preference.
• Design and conduct usability tests to validate system designs.
• Provide training and guidance on human factors principles and best practices.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations on findings and recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and guidelines related to human factors and ergonomics.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Human Factors Specialist or similar role.
• Degree in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Psychology, Industrial Design, or related field.
• Knowledge of human factors, ergonomics, and usability testing methodologies.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Human Factors Specialist
• Work Environment: This position is primarily office-based but may require visits to various testing sites or manufacturing facilities. Some travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Human Factors Specialist or Product Development Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $135,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Human Factors Specialist Do?

Human Factors Specialists typically work for various industries such as aviation, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology, where human interaction with systems or products is critical.

They can also work as independent consultants or researchers in academic institutions.

Their main role involves studying and analyzing how humans interact with machines, systems, or environments.

They apply their knowledge of psychology, physiology, and ergonomics to design products or systems that are safe, comfortable, and efficient for human use.

Human Factors Specialists work closely with engineers, designers, and other professionals to ensure that the human-centered aspects are integrated during the product or system design and development process.

They conduct user studies, simulations, and ergonomic assessments to gather data on human capabilities and limitations.

They are also responsible for preparing reports with their findings and recommendations, helping the team understand and address the potential issues that could affect human performance and safety.

Moreover, Human Factors Specialists may be involved in training and education, helping users adapt to new systems or products, or teaching professionals about the principles of human factors and ergonomics.

In case of accidents or system failures, they often take part in accident investigations to understand what went wrong from a human factors perspective and provide suggestions to prevent similar incidents in the future.

 

Human Factors Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Human Factors Specialist should have a wide range of skills and qualifications, including:

• An ability to apply knowledge of psychological and physiological principles to design systems that optimize human well-being and overall system performance.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills for identifying design flaws that impact human performance and developing solutions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, designers, and other stakeholders.
• Experience with user-centered design processes and a deep understanding of how design impacts user behavior and performance.
• Technical knowledge and understanding of human-computer interaction, ergonomics, and usability testing methods.
• Ability to conduct and interpret quantitative and qualitative research, including observation, interviews, and surveys.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and technologies to manage and interpret data collected during research.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to human factors and ergonomics.
• Detail-oriented to ensure accuracy in research and design, and multitasking abilities to handle several projects simultaneously.

 

Human Factors Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Human Factors Specialists typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Psychology, Industrial Design, or a related field.

They usually acquire some experience during their studies through internships, research projects, or part-time roles in related areas.

Candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience often have been involved in roles such as Usability Testing Specialist, Product Design Analyst, or Ergonomics Consultant.

These roles allow them to gain practical experience in applying human factors principles and techniques to design processes.

Human Factors Specialists with more than 3 years of experience are expected to have developed their skills in human factors evaluation, data analysis, and experimental design.

They should have a substantial understanding of the human-centered design process, as well as significant hands-on experience in applying ergonomic and safety principles to various types of product design.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have a strong background in project management, team leadership, and strategic planning.

They may also have experience in designing and implementing training programs related to human factors and ergonomics.

These professionals are typically ready for senior or managerial roles within the Human Factors field.

 

Human Factors Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Human Factors Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in human factors, ergonomics, psychology, industrial engineering or other related fields.

They require a deep understanding of human behavior, cognitive processes, user-centered design principles, and ergonomic principles.

Familiarity with statistical analysis software and data collection methods is also often required.

Some positions may require Human Factors Specialists to have a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in a specific discipline such as cognitive psychology or industrial engineering, especially for those in research or academia.

Many Human Factors Specialists choose to gain professional certification from recognized bodies such as the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE), which signals their expertise and commitment to the field.

Additionally, they must have excellent communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and observational skills.

Practical experience can be gained through internships and collaborative research projects, which are often beneficial for job seekers in this field.

Continuing education through seminars, workshops, and advanced courses is also encouraged to stay updated with the latest developments and research in the field of human factors and ergonomics.

 

Human Factors Specialist Salary Expectations

A Human Factors Specialist earns an average salary of $90,340 (USD) per year.

The actual income can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, education, the sector of employment, and the geographical location.

 

Human Factors Specialist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Human Factors Specialist need?

A bachelor’s degree in human factors, ergonomics, psychology, industrial engineering, or a related field is typically required.

Some organizations prefer candidates with a master’s degree or Ph.D. in these fields.

Additionally, certifications like the Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) or Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP) can be advantageous.

 

What are the key skills of a Human Factors Specialist?

Human Factors Specialists need excellent analytical skills to assess the interaction of humans and systems and identify potential issues.

They also need strong problem-solving skills to develop practical solutions for these issues.

Communication skills are essential to explain their findings and recommendations to different stakeholders.

Familiarity with human factors principles, usability testing, and knowledge of relevant software and tools is also important.

 

What does a typical day of a Human Factors Specialist look like?

A typical day might involve conducting usability testing, analyzing data, developing recommendations for design improvements, and presenting findings to the design team or management.

They might also spend time researching the latest findings in the field, preparing reports, and attending meetings to discuss project progress and challenges.

 

What qualities make a good Human Factors Specialist?

A good Human Factors Specialist is detail-oriented and analytical, able to carefully observe human-system interactions and identify potential issues.

They are also creative, able to come up with innovative solutions for complex problems.

Good interpersonal skills are important, as they often need to work in a team and explain their findings to different stakeholders.

They should also be dedicated to continuous learning, as the field of human factors is always evolving.

 

What should you look for in a Human Factors Specialist resume?

Look for a strong educational background in human factors or a related field, and any certifications that demonstrate professional expertise.

Check for experience in conducting usability testing, ergonomic assessments, and other relevant tasks.

Familiarity with relevant software and tools is also important.

In addition, look for evidence of good communication skills and teamwork, as these are key for success in this role.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the ins and outs of what it truly means to be a Human Factors Specialist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about observing and analyzing human behavior.

It’s about shaping the future of technology, one human interaction at a time.

Armed with our trusty Human Factors Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all geared up for your next career move.

But why stop at that?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or fine-tuning your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every human interaction is a part of a larger ecosystem.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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