Human Factors Specialist Levels

Role Overview

The FAA ATEPS II Human Factors Engineer supports the design, development, evaluation, and improvement of air traffic control (ATC) systems by applying human factors engineering principles. This role focuses on optimizing system performance, safety, usability, and maintainability for air traffic control system operators, users, and maintainers, and requires hands‑on experience applying human factors methodologies to complex, safety‑critical systems within an operational or research environment.

• Perform human factors engineering activities in support of air traffic control systems, including operator, user, and maintainer interactions.
• Conduct applied and/or research‑based human factors engineering studies to support system design, evaluation, and operational improvements.
• Perform task analyses, requirements analysis, and functional analyses to inform system and interface design decisions.
• Evaluate human‑system and human‑component interfaces to ensure usability, safety, and operational effectiveness.
• Apply human factors principles to equipment design, redesign, and evaluation, including considerations for equipment use, operating environments, and automation.
• Support the allocation of functions between human operators and automated systems using established automation and human performance principles.
• Conduct usability studies, safety analyses, and modeling efforts to assess system performance and risk.
• Participate in integrated product teams (IPTs) and multi‑disciplinary design teams, collaborating with engineers, system designers, and stakeholders.
• Document findings, analyses, and recommendations in clear technical reports and briefings for program and FAA stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience performing applied or research human factors engineering projects.
• Knowledge of human factors engineering methods and techniques, including task analysis, requirements analysis, and human‑system interface evaluation.
• Experience analyzing system functions, operational workflows, and human performance in complex technical environments.
• Ability to work effectively as part of integrated product teams or multi‑disciplinary design teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and stakeholder engagement.

• Master's degree or higher in Human Factors Engineering or a related field.
• Experience supporting FAA programs, air traffic control systems, or other safety‑critical transportation or defense systems.
• Familiarity with automation principles, function allocation, and human performance modeling techniques.
• Experience conducting usability studies, safety engineering analyses, and system validation activities.
• Knowledge of equipment design/redesign criteria and environmental considerations impacting human performance.
• Prior experience working in regulated environments or government‑sponsored engineering programs.

• Senior‑level
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Factors Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a related engineering or scientific discipline.
  • Minimum 15 years experience.
  • Master's in any field may substitute for 5 years experience.
  • Compensation range: $103,950 – $180,525.
• Mid‑level
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Factors Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a related engineering or scientific discipline.
  • Minimum 6 years experience.
  • Master's in any field may substitute for 5 years experience.
  • Compensation range: $85,950 – $149,200.
• Junior‑level
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Factors Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a related engineering or scientific discipline.
  • Minimum 2 years experience.
  • Master's in any field may substitute for 5 years experience.
  • Compensation range: $58,680 – $135,625.