Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Also known as: Board Certified Ergonomist, Certified Professional Ergonomist, Cognitive Engineer (+19 more)
Design objects, facilities, and environments to optimize human well-being and overall system performance, applying theory, principles, and data regarding the relationship between humans and respective technology. Investigate and analyze characteristics of human behavior and performance as it relates to the use of technology.
Take our free 15-minute assessment to see how well this career fits YOUR unique profile
What You'll Do
- Write, review, or comment on documents, such as proposals, test plans, or procedures.
- Train users in task techniques or ergonomic principles.
- Review health, safety, accident, or worker compensation records to evaluate safety program effectiveness or to identify jobs with high incidence of injury.
- Provide human factors technical expertise on topics, such as advanced user-interface technology development or the role of human users in automated or autonomous sub-systems in advanced vehicle systems.
- Investigate theoretical or conceptual issues, such as the human design considerations of lunar landers or habitats.
- Estimate time or resource requirements for ergonomic or human factors research or development projects.
- Conduct interviews or surveys of users or customers to collect information on topics, such as requirements, needs, fatigue, ergonomics, or interfaces.
- Recommend workplace changes to improve health and safety, using knowledge of potentially harmful factors, such as heavy loads or repetitive motions.
- Provide technical support to clients through activities, such as rearranging workplace fixtures to reduce physical hazards or discomfort or modifying task sequences to reduce cycle time.
- Prepare reports or presentations summarizing results or conclusions of human factors engineering or ergonomics activities, such as testing, investigation, or validation.
Essential Skills
Career Fit Overview
Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.
Top passions
- Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.
- Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
- Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
Common styles
Attention to Detail, Intellectual Curiosity, Innovation, Dependability, Achievement Orientation
Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.
Key Abilities
This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:
Technologies & Tools
Work Environment & Strengths
Common Strengths for This Career
- Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.75/5)
- Intellectual Curiosity (High importance: 4.58/5)
- Innovation (High importance: 4.57/5)
- Dependability (High importance: 4.46/5)
- Achievement Orientation (High importance: 4.3/5)
Want to see how YOUR strengths align with this career?
Take Free 15-Min Assessment →How to Become One
This career requires extensive preparation, typically including a graduate degree (Master's or Doctoral) and several years of experience. Most professionals in this field have invested significant time in education and training.
Similar Careers to Explore
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
100.0% similar profile
Nuclear Engineers
99.8% similar profile
Environmental Engineers
99.7% similar profile
Food Scientists and Technologists
99.7% similar profile
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
99.6% similar profile
Biologists
99.5% similar profile
Industrial Ecologists
99.5% similar profile
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
99.4% similar profile
Also Known As
This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:
Ready to Discover Your Perfect Career?
Our scientific assessment measures your interests, motivations, and strengths to match you with careers where you'll thrive.
Take Free Assessment (20 min) →