Human Factors Specialist

Human Factors Specialist

Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization, seeks an experienced Human Factors Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office. As an integral member of the Engineering & Air Safety (E&AS) department, the Human Factors Specialist is the primary staff point of contact and Subject Matter Expert (SME) on promoting safety through the integration of human factors principles throughout aircraft design and certification, standard operating procedures, and airline operations.

The Human Factors Specialist advances ALPA’s safety objectives by ensuring that human factors considerations are systematically integrated into the design, certification, operation of aircraft, standard operating procedures, and airline training systems. This role supports the evaluation of regulatory proposals, operational concepts, and emerging technologies, including advancements in automation, to identify human factors issues and promote pilot-centered solutions.

The position applies human factors engineering and Human Systems Integration (HSI) principles to assess aviation systems, operations, training programs, and regulations that affect pilot workload, flight deck interface design, and operational safety. Additionally, the position will analyze aviation safety, operations, and research data to identify human factors trends and/or patterns and recommend potential human factors interventions, mitigations, and tradeoffs.

The Specialist also contributes human factors expertise to the development and harmonization of domestic and international standards, collaborating closely with ALPA pilot volunteers in the Air Safety Organization and its associated technical groups (Accident Analysis & Prevention, Aircraft Design & Operations, Airport & Ground Environment, Air Traffic Services, Human Factors & Training, and Safety Management Systems).

This position reinforces the link between human factors and safety, ensuring that system design, aircraft design and certification, standard operating procedures, and pilot training reflect operational realities, manage workload effectively, and enhance resilience across the aviation system.

Travel up to 20% of the time; sporadically, local and national travel could be as much as 25% of the time.

ALPA is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in a safe workplace. We prohibit discrimination, harassment and harmful behavior of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, caste, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics as outlined in federal or provincial laws. All are encouraged to apply, including minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Minimum Requirements
:

• Master’s degree in aviation human factors or a related field from an accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Five (5) or more years of direct work (post‑education) experience in aviation human factors related to pilot performance, flight deck design, standard operating procedures, workload management, and/or other human factors studies and functions.
• In‑depth knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). Knowledge of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) as they apply to aviation human factors also desirable.
• Prior work experience with airlines, the FAA, Transport Canada, or related aviation organizations in human factors is highly desirable.
• Pilot’s license with instrument rating preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design, implementation, and evaluation of standard operating procedures, emphasizing application of human‑centered principles.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with pilots, regulators, airline representatives, and technical experts.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic regulatory and industry environment.
• Ability to learn quickly and seamlessly adapt to…