Sr/ Staff Human Factors Design Engineer

Intuitive•San Francisco, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Human Factors Design Engineer (HFDE) is part of the Human Factors (HF) organization that aims to maximize usability and desirability of Intuitive products while minimizing risk through scientific research and usability engineering. HFDE is focused on research and design within product development of new robotic systems, instruments and accessories. This role works closely with product managers, clinical engineers, mechanical engineers, computer scientists, industrial/ interaction designers, regulatory affairs, quality and design controls, and other cross functional teams. HFDE helps de-risk design strategies within product development through a range of formative research activities and hands-on design engineering activities that inform the definition of user requirements and user interface design requirements underlying the user experience of Intuitive products. The HFDE position reports to a Manager within the broader HF organization at Intuitive.

Requirements

Minimum 8 - 15 years relevant experience in industry.
Excellent technical communication skills (verbal, written, and formal presentation) and business acumen.
Ability to analyze and synthesize large volumes of information into simple, accessible, and meaning communications to stakeholders.
Knowledge and ability in one or more complex robotic systems, including mechanical design (kinematics/ mechanisms), sensing and perception, control systems, software engineering (programming/ simulation) and human-robotic interaction.
Ability to work with and across various groups and levels of management within the organization, including other engineering groups, marketing, clinical engineering, and regulatory.
Ability to apply user-centered design and usability engineering principles to product research, development, and design.
Minimum BS or MS in Human Factors Engineering, Cognitive Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Human-Centered Design, or a related field with an emphasis in user experience design and human-robotic interaction.

Nice To Haves

Experience in medical device, or similar regulated industry, a plus.
Experience with design engineering in product development.
Ability to empathize with people and to understand the human condition.
Ability to interface with clinical experts (e.g., surgeons) in a highly professional manner.

Responsibilities

Apply deep expertise in robotics, HRI, HMI, and mixed-methods research to identify unmet user needs, performance limitations, and opportunities for future product innovation.
Represent Intuitive during formative research with clinicians and customers across global markets.
Independently generate, prioritize, and communicate actionable design insights that shape product strategy, influence development priorities, and advance human factors capabilities.
De-risk design strategies focused on the analysis of human performance, workflow, and usability factors, while identifying and mitigating systemic usability risks across product lines.
Serve as the human factors lead for complex development initiatives, partnering with engineering, clinical, product management, quality, and regulatory teams to drive usability-centered design decisions.
Influence product and business decisions by balancing user needs, safety, usability, technical feasibility, and organizational priorities.
Lead the definition and management of usability design inputs across robotic systems, instruments, and accessories, translating research findings into actionable user and interface requirements.
Develop and evaluate conceptual prototypes that communicate design strategies, performance considerations, and future product concepts.
Champion safety, usability, and user experience through evidence-based risk-benefit analyses and human-centered design practices.
Author and maintain human factors engineering deliverables, ensuring compliance with design controls, usability engineering processes, and regulatory requirements.
Mentor peers and project teams in applying HF methodologies, frameworks, and best practices while fostering innovation through the integration of user insights and cross-functional expertise.