Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
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.
At a Glance
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists earns a median of $101,140/yr with +11.0% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Getting Information, Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events, Microsoft Visio.
$101,140/yr
+11.0%
25
Bachelor's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (16)
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Knowledge (7)
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Abilities (17)
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Technology (32)
Category: Enterprise application integration software | Hot Technology
Work Activities (23)
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer and Mathematical · 222 shared skills
Software Developers
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Computer Systems Analysts
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Computer User Support Specialists
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Information Technology Project Managers
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Computer Programmers
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Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
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Management Analysts
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