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The Human Factors Engineer will support our commitment to user-centric software development by spearheading various initiatives throughout the product lifecycle. This individual will be tasked with conducting comprehensive user research, collaborating closely with design and engineering teams to translate insights into actionable design recommendations, and leading usability testing efforts to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of our software products. Additionally, the Human Factors Engineer will play a crucial role in advocating for user-centered design principles within the organization, fostering a culture of empathy and innovation.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• User Research : Conduct in-depth user research to gain insights into user behaviors, needs, and pain points. Utilize a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods such as interviews, surveys, observational studies, and contextual inquiries. Analyze research findings to uncover patterns and opportunities for enhancing the user experience.

• Design Collaboration : Collaborate closely with designers and engineers to translate user insights into actionable design recommendations. Work iteratively to prototype, test, and refine user interfaces and experiences. Advocate for the implementation of human factors principles and best practices throughout the design process.

• Usability Testing : Plan and conduct usability testing sessions to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of our software products. Develop test plans, recruit participants, facilitate testing sessions, and analyze test results. Generate actionable insights and recommendations for improving the usability and overall user experience of our products.

• User Interface Evaluation : Evaluate user interfaces for usability, accessibility, and user satisfaction. Conduct heuristic evaluations and accessibility assessments to identify usability issues and compliance with industry standards and guidelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement design solutions that address identified issues and improve overall usability.

• Documentation and Reporting : Document research findings, design recommendations, usability test results, and other relevant information. Prepare comprehensive reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders. Ensure that research findings and design decisions are effectively documented and shared across the organization.

• Advocacy and Education : Serve as a passionate advocate for user-centered design principles within the organization. Educate and empower team members on the importance of human factors engineering and user experience. Lead workshops, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to promote a culture of user-centric design and innovation.

Work effectively with others including functional staff for day-to-day operations and efforts to improve operational excellence.

Additional Responsibilities

• Continuous Learning : Stay abreast of the latest trends, techniques, and best practices in human factors engineering, user experience research, and related fields. Proactively seek out opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Collaborate with stakeholders from various departments, including product management, marketing, and customer support, to gather insights and feedback on user needs and preferences. Foster strong relationships and open lines of communication to ensure alignment and integration of user-centered design practices across all facets of the organization.

• Process Improvement : Identify opportunities to optimize and streamline existing processes related to user research, design, and usability testing. Propose and implement improvements to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and overall quality of the user experience design process.

• Quality Assurance : Collaborate with quality assurance (QA) teams to ensure that user experience design requirements are accurately translated into test cases and executed during the QA process. Participate in the review and validation of QA test results to ensure alignment with user-centered design principles and standards.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Factors Engineering, Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field or equivalent experience. Master's degree preferred.

Experience:

• Relevant Experience : The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in human factors engineering, user experience research, or a related role. This experience should include hands-on involvement in conducting user research, designing user interfaces, and evaluating usability.

• Proficiency in Software Tools : Demonstrated proficiency in using a variety of software tools commonly used in user experience design and human factors engineering, such as Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma, or similar prototyping and design tools. Experience with usability testing software is also highly desirable.

• Knowledge of Design Techniques : Strong knowledge of design techniques and methodologies, including user-centered design, interaction design, information architecture, and usability engineering. Familiarity with design thinking principles and agile methodologies is a plus.

• Ability to Create New Designs : Proven ability to create, from scratch, new designs that meet user needs and business objectives. Experience in generating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes to communicate design concepts effectively.

• Critique and Modify Existing Designs : Ability to critically evaluate and modify existing designs to improve usability, accessibility, and user satisfaction. Experience in conducting heuristic evaluations and providing actionable recommendations for design enhancements.

Technical Aptitude : Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and software tools as needed. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where priorities may shift rapidly.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency in a range of user research methods, including but not limited to interviews, surveys, card sorting, and usability testing.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to distill complex data and insights into actionable recommendations.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively convey ideas and insights to diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines.

• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills with experience writing routine reports and correspondence and presenting to customers or employees.

• Ability to work independently, effectively, and professionally in a team environment (co-workers, customers, and supervisors).

• Knowledge of data science and machine learning is a plus.

• Model USRA’s core values:

1. Passion (for science, technology, and education)

2. Partnerships (with universities, governments, and the private sector)

3. Professionalism (through excellence, accountability, and respect for others)

Working Conditions:

Work will be performed in an office (on-site or remote with project/supervisor approval) or computer lab environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk, or hear. Keyboarding for large time spans each day will be a significant part of this position. The employee may need to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Travel:

Employee must be willing and able to travel. Position may require infrequent domestic business travel.