Human Factors Scientist, User Experience Research (Ph.D.) Job at Exponent in Pho

Human Factors Scientist (Ph.D.)

Exponent

About Exponent

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 from top universities and industries, and grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning.

• 950+ Consultants


• 640+ Ph.D.s


• 90+ Disciplines


• 30+ Offices globally

Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Human Factors Scientist for our Human Factors Practice in Phoenix, AZ for an expected start date in 2026. The role involves analyzing human performance and optimizing human-system interaction across consumer products, medical devices, defense systems, automobiles, wearable technologies, and occupational activities.

Responsibilities

• Manage a broad range of human factors and UX consulting activities, including usability testing, formative and summative study design, survey development, and assessment of user interaction with consumer products, medical devices, digital interfaces, defense technologies, and AI-integrated systems.


• Conduct usability and ergonomic assessments; analyze human factors in product design, evaluate interface effectiveness, perform anthropometric analyses, and develop design recommendations to optimize user experience across diverse populations.


• Lead human‑centered design evaluations for emerging technologies such as VR/AR, autonomous systems, human‑AI interaction, human‑robot interaction, and next‑generation interfaces.


• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and provide cross‑functional project support with experts in Vehicle Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomechanics, and Data Sciences.


• Conduct 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.


• Provide 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.


• Design and execute user research studies, including laboratory experiments, field studies, contextual inquiry, and journey mapping to understand user needs and behaviors.


• Develop methodologies for emerging technology evaluation.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Human Factors Engineering, Engineering Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Industrial Engineering, or a 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.


• Must live (or be willing to relocate) in the Phoenix, AZ area and be enthusiastic about regularly working in the office.


• Current legal authorization to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Applicants Are Encouraged To Submit:

Curriculum Vitae (CV) with publications, including those in review or pending (file not limited to one page).

Life @ Exponent

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent and https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact.

Work Environment

In‑person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development. Consultants work in the office unless traveling for client work. We value work/life balance and flexible schedules to meet client needs and personal priorities.

Compensation

Base salary is dependent on experience and is complemented by bi‑weekly bonuses, an annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% at the Associate and Senior Associate levels.

Benefits You Will Enjoy

Visit the Life@Exponent page for benefits information: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR‑Accommodations@exponent.com.

Job Locations

US‑AZ‑Phoenix