Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists

What Does a Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists Do?

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.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• 1Collect data through direct observation of work activities or witnessing the conduct of tests.
• 2Conduct interviews or surveys of users or customers to collect information on topics, such as requirements, needs, fatigue, ergonomics, or interfaces.
• 3Advocate for end users in collaboration with other professionals, including engineers, designers, managers, or customers.
• 4Inspect work sites to identify physical hazards.
• 5Prepare reports or presentations summarizing results or conclusions of human factors engineering or ergonomics activities, such as testing, investigation, or validation.
• 6Recommend workplace changes to improve health and safety, using knowledge of potentially harmful factors, such as heavy loads or repetitive motions.
• 7Perform functional, task, or anthropometric analysis, using tools, such as checklists, surveys, videotaping, or force measurement.
• 8Provide 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.

Required Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Mathematics
• Adobe Acrobat
• Adobe Creative Cloud software
• Adobe Dreamweaver
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Photoshop
• AEMC DataView
• AJAX
• Altia Design
• Apple Safari