Design Human Factors Researcher, Apple Design Team

Apple • Cupertino, CA

11d

About The Position

The Apple Design Team is seeking a Human Factors Design Researcher to support Industrial Design, which focuses on the physical hardware experience, including color, materials, finishes, digital sculpting, rendering, and physical prototyping. Industrial Design collaborates with Product Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, Human Interface Design, and Human Factors to bring ideas to life.

This is a fast-paced, collaborative position requiring the researcher to understand how to work with different people, orchestrate a program plan, and successfully manage its execution. The role involves working with individuals both within and outside the Design team. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in human factors research and understands how people interact with physical products. They can contribute to high-level design concepts and detailed technical specifications, work directly with designers and engineers, communicate clearly, and gather candid feedback. They balance technical rigor with intuition and translate research data into clear insights that improve the product experience.

Requirements

• Experience planning, conducting, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative human factors research.
• Ability to communicate complex research data and insights through clear visuals and concise summaries.
• Hands-on experience with physical human data collection methods, such as motion capture, anthropometry, pressure mapping, or biomechanical testing.
• Experience evaluating user interactions with physical hardware or wearable products.
• BS/BA in Human Factors, Ergonomics, HCI, Biomechanics, Cognitive Psychology, or a related field; alternatively, 10+ years of relevant industry experience in lieu of a degree.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or PhD.
• Strong appreciation for physical design, aesthetics, and hardware details.
• Clear communication skills, including experience presenting technical findings to cross-functional partners and design leads.
• Experience working closely with industrial designers and engineers in a hands-on studio environment.
• Practical problem-solving skills when addressing complex or undefined design challenges.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and analyze qualitative and quantitative human factors research.
• Communicate complex research data and insights through clear visuals and concise summaries.
• Collect physical human data using methods such as motion capture, anthropometry, pressure mapping, or biomechanical testing.
• Evaluate user interactions with physical hardware or wearable products.
• Orchestrate program plans and manage their execution.
• Work with designers, engineers, and other individuals within and outside the Design team.
• Translate research data into insights that improve the product experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time