Human Factors Engineer, Usability

Description

Summary

The Human Factors Usability Research Engineer is responsible for evaluating in-vehicle systems to ensure they are effective, efficient, satisfying, and safe for drivers and passengers. Research may span screen-based interfaces, physical controls, interior features, multimodal interactions, and emerging vehicle experiences. In this role, you will independently plan, execute, analyze, and report on human factors usability studies using a variety of methodologies, including mini-simulators, on-road evaluations, proving-ground track testing, and occasional remote/online platforms. You will collaborate closely with requestors to clarify needs and translate them into unbiased, scientifically valid research projects that support informed decision-making. Success requires a strong foundation in human factors theory, mixed-methods research, and statistical analysis, as well as the ability to influence cross-functional partners in Design/HMI, Product, and Safety while creating clarity in ambiguous or rapidly evolving product space.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and conduct human factors usability studies across static, simulator, track, and on-road environments.
• Select appropriate research tools and methods to maximize internal and external validity.
• Apply human factors theory (cognition, perception, ergonomics, human-system interaction) to evaluate digital / physical designs and provide actionable research guidance.
• Use mixed-methods approaches-task analysis, structured observations, interviews, surveys, and behavioral measures-paired with statistical techniques such as experimental design, hypothesis testing, ANOVA/regression, and nonparametric analyses.
• Define performance and usability metrics; develop study plans; moderate sessions; analyze data using tools such as R or Minitab; and synthesize findings into clear, decision-ready reports for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with Design/HMI to review and iterate UI flows and prototypes (e.g., Figma); partner with Product on requirements and roadmaps; and work with Safety to ensure evidence aligns with internal criteria.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking and apply heuristic/principle-based evaluations to identify risks, usability gaps, and opportunities.
• Perform driver-distraction testing using predetermined methods and criteria.
• Contribute to best practices and support the integration of Human Readiness Levels (HRL) to communicate feature maturity and evidence progression through development phases.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive/Experimental Psychology, Engineering (with HF/HMI focus), or related field; Master's preferred.
• 2-5 years of professional experience planning, executing, and analyzing human factors research (simulator, on-road, track, or analogous applied environments).
• Demonstrated mixed-methods capability with proven use of statistical data analysis (R, Python, SPSS, or Minitab).
• Clear application of human factors theory to real-world interface development; ability to translate findings into prioritized, actionable design/product recommendations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with Design/HMI, Product, and Safety; proven ability to influence decisions with evidence.
• Excellent organization and time management; ability to manage multiple concurrent studies independently.

• Exposure to eye-tracking, simulator and/or VR tools for data collection.
• Familiarity with usability principles and human-centered design standards.
• Experience applying driver-distraction principles and metrics to UI designs.
• Automotive product experience or analogous work.