Human Factors Scientist, User Experience Research (Ph.D.)

Exponent•Phoenix, AZ

41d•Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges. Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability. Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team! Key statistics: 950+ Consultants 640+ Ph.D.s 90+ Disciplines 30+ Offices globally Our Opportunity We are currently seeking a Human Factors Scientist for our Human Factors Practice in Phoenix, AZ for an expected start date in 2026. In this role, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to analyze human performance and optimize human-system interaction across a wide variety of scenarios involving consumer products, medical devices, defense systems, automobiles, wearable technologies, and occupational activities. You will leverage your expertise in cognitive psychology, ergonomics, and human-centered design to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of humans and technology. Activities in these contexts will focus on performing comprehensive evaluations to inform design and product strategy, conducting ergonomic and anthropometric assessments, enhancing human performance in complex systems, and shaping the future of human-machine interaction across commercial and defense applications.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Human Factors Engineering, Engineering Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Industrial Engineering, or related field
Strong foundation in human factors principles, ergonomics, research methods, and statistical analysis
Experience with usability testing and human subjects research
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities
This is a Phoenix-based position; therefore, the successful applicant must live (or be willing to relocate) in the Phoenix, AZ area AND be enthusiastic about regularly working in the office
Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required

Nice To Haves

Industry or consulting experience in human factors/UX
Familiarity with relevant standards (ANSI/HFES, ISO, IEC, MIL-STD-1472, MIL-HDBK-759C)
Experience with defense/military human factors or human systems integration
Background in consumer product, medical device, or wearable technology evaluation
Experience with ergonomic assessments, anthropometry, and human performance modeling
Knowledge of autonomous systems and human-AI interaction

Responsibilities

Managing a broad range of human factors and UX consulting activities, including usability testing, formative and summative study design, survey development, and assessment of how users interact with consumer products, medical devices, digital interfaces, defense technologies, and AI-integrated systems This includes evaluating human perceptual, cognitive, and motor capabilities for performance optimization and design innovation
Conducting usability and ergonomic assessments by analyzing human factors in product design, evaluating interface effectiveness, performing anthropometric analyses for fit and comfort, and developing design recommendations to optimize user experience across diverse populations
Leading human-centered design evaluations for emerging technologies, including VR/AR environments, autonomous systems, human-AI interaction, human-robot interaction, and next-generation interfaces across commercial, medical, and defense sectors
Working on multidisciplinary teams to provide cross-functional project support, collaborating with experts across Exponent's practices, including Vehicle Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomechanics, and Data Sciences
Conducting research to analyze technical data, scientific literature, and industry standards (ANSI/HFES, ISO 9241, IEC 62366, FDA guidance, MIL-STD specifications) relevant to usability, ergonomics, and human performance
Providing project management for multiple concurrent engagements, including scoping tasks, managing budgets and timelines, coordinating project teams, and supporting all project phases from consultation through final deliverables
Designing and executing user research studies, including laboratory experiments, field studies, contextual inquiry, and journey mapping to understand user needs and behaviors
Developing methodologies for emerging technology evaluation

Benefits

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being.
We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.
At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

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