17-2112.01 Bright Outlook

Human Factors Engineers & 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.

Career Cluster:Advanced Manufacturing
Job Family:Architecture and Engineering
Job Zone:Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
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Technology Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopAJAXApple SafariAtlassian JIRAAutodesk AutoCADC++Dassault Systemes SolidWorksExtensible markup language XMLHypertext markup language HTMLIBM SPSS StatisticsJavaScriptJavaScript Object Notation JSONjQueryLinuxMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointCascading style sheets CSSRMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft WordMozilla FirefoxAdobe AcrobatOracle JavaSASThe MathWorks MATLAB

Key Tasks

  • Collect data through direct observation of work activities or witnessing the conduct of tests.
  • Conduct interviews or surveys of users or customers to collect information on topics, such as requirements, needs, fatigue, ergonomics, or interfaces.
  • Advocate for end users in collaboration with other professionals, including engineers, designers, managers, or customers.
  • Inspect work sites to identify physical hazards.
  • Prepare reports or presentations summarizing results or conclusions of human factors engineering or ergonomics activities, such as testing, investigation, or validation.
  • Perform functional, task, or anthropometric analysis, using tools, such as checklists, surveys, videotaping, or force measurement.
  • 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.
  • Assess the user-interface or usability characteristics of products.
  • Establish system operating or training requirements to ensure optimized human-machine interfaces.
  • Integrate human factors requirements into operational hardware.
  • Review health, safety, accident, or worker compensation records to evaluate safety program effectiveness or to identify jobs with high incidence of injury.
  • Design or evaluate human work systems, using human factors engineering and ergonomic principles to optimize usability, cost, quality, safety, or performance.
  • Write, review, or comment on documents, such as proposals, test plans, or procedures.
  • Train users in task techniques or ergonomic principles.
  • Conduct research to evaluate potential solutions related to changes in equipment design, procedures, manpower, personnel, or training.
  • 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.
  • Develop or implement human performance research, investigation, or analysis protocols.
  • Develop or implement research methodologies or statistical analysis plans to test and evaluate developmental prototypes used in new products or processes, such as cockpit designs, user workstations, or computerized human models.
  • Estimate time or resource requirements for ergonomic or human factors research or development projects.
  • Design cognitive aids, such as procedural storyboards or decision support systems.
  • Analyze complex systems to determine potential for further development, production, interoperability, compatibility, or usefulness in a particular area, such as aviation.
  • Investigate theoretical or conceptual issues, such as the human design considerations of lunar landers or habitats.
  • Operate testing equipment, such as heat stress meters, octave band analyzers, motion analysis equipment, inclinometers, light meters, thermoanemometers, sling psychrometers, or colorimetric detection tubes.
  • Perform statistical analyses, such as social network pattern analysis, network modeling, discrete event simulation, agent-based modeling, statistical natural language processing, computational sociology, mathematical optimization, or systems dynamics.
  • Apply modeling or quantitative analysis to forecast events, such as human decisions or behaviors, the structure or processes of organizations, or the attitudes or actions of human groups.
  • Assess systems to identify and quantify risk factors.

Skills

Speaking
75%
Reading Comprehension
75%
Writing
75%
Complex Problem Solving
75%
Active Listening
75%
Critical Thinking
75%
Active Learning
69%
Systems Evaluation
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
66%
Mathematics
63%
Monitoring
63%
Social Perceptiveness
60%
Operations Analysis
56%
Science
56%
Systems Analysis
56%
Learning Strategies
56%
Time Management
53%
Instructing
53%
Technology Design
53%
Coordination
50%
Service Orientation
50%
Persuasion
47%
Management of Personnel Resources
47%
Negotiation
47%
Quality Control Analysis
41%
Programming
31%
Operations Monitoring
31%
Troubleshooting
25%
Management of Financial Resources
25%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Equipment Selection
19%
Operation and Control
16%
Repairing
0%
Installation
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Psychology
79%
English Language
75%
Design
71%
Engineering and Technology
70%
Education and Training
66%
Mathematics
64%
Customer and Personal Service
61%
Sociology and Anthropology
51%
Administration and Management
50%
Computers and Electronics
50%
Production and Processing
50%
Physics
45%
Public Safety and Security
42%
Mechanical
41%
Communications and Media
41%
Biology
41%
Personnel and Human Resources
38%
Sales and Marketing
38%
Medicine and Dentistry
36%
Administrative
33%
Law and Government
33%
Transportation
31%
Economics and Accounting
30%
Telecommunications
28%
Therapy and Counseling
28%
Chemistry
26%
Building and Construction
19%
Foreign Language
18%
Philosophy and Theology
15%
Geography
15%
History and Archeology
14%
Food Production
9%
Fine Arts
8%

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Abilities

Written Expression
75%
Deductive Reasoning
75%
Oral Expression
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Inductive Reasoning
75%
Written Comprehension
75%
Problem Sensitivity
72%
Fluency of Ideas
72%
Information Ordering
72%
Category Flexibility
69%
Speech Clarity
66%
Originality
66%
Near Vision
63%
Mathematical Reasoning
63%
Speech Recognition
60%
Visualization
56%
Number Facility
56%
Far Vision
53%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Speed of Closure
50%
Selective Attention
47%
Memorization
44%
Time Sharing
31%
Visual Color Discrimination
31%
Auditory Attention
28%
Depth Perception
22%
Hearing Sensitivity
19%
Spatial Orientation
19%
Trunk Strength
19%
Wrist-Finger Speed
16%
Extent Flexibility
10%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
10%
Stamina
10%
Static Strength
10%
Explosive Strength
10%
Dynamic Strength
10%
Finger Dexterity
6%
Multilimb Coordination
6%
Gross Body Equilibrium
6%
Gross Body Coordination
6%
Night Vision
3%
Peripheral Vision
3%
Dynamic Flexibility
3%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Reaction Time
0%
Sound Localization
0%
Control Precision
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Rate Control
0%
Response Orientation
0%
Manual Dexterity
0%

Work Activities

Getting Information
89%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
87%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
86%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
85%
Analyzing Data or Information
80%
Working with Computers
80%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
78%
Processing Information
76%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
74%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
74%
Training and Teaching Others
74%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
73%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
72%
Thinking Creatively
71%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
71%
Documenting/Recording Information
70%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
68%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
68%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
66%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
64%
Developing and Building Teams
63%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
60%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
57%
Coaching and Developing Others
55%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
55%
Performing Administrative Activities
54%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
53%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
51%
Selling or Influencing Others
51%
Scheduling Work and Activities
50%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
46%
Performing General Physical Activities
43%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
36%
Assisting and Caring for Others
34%
Handling and Moving Objects
33%
Controlling Machines and Processes
33%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
28%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
26%
Staffing Organizational Units
25%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
16%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
14%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

99%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

92%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

90%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

90%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

89%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

88%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

78%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

74%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

70%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

69%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

68%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

65%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

64%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

64%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

63%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

62%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

60%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

60%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

57%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

53%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

47%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

45%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

45%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

44%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

43%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

41%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

40%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

38%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

35%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

33%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

32%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

31%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

29%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

29%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

29%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

29%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

25%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

23%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

23%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

23%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

23%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

20%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

20%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

20%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

19%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

19%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

18%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

17%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

15%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

13%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

13%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

9%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

8%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

8%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

8%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

7%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

5%

Education

Master's degree

50%

Bachelor's degree

40%

Post-baccalaureate certificate

10%

Interests

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

87

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

61

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

54

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

28

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

26

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

20

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
88%
Innovation
79%
Intellectual Curiosity
79%
Dependability
73%
Achievement Orientation
65%
Adaptability
65%
Cooperation
61%
Cautiousness
60%
Integrity
60%
Perseverance
57%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
54%
Initiative
53%
Empathy
51%
Self-Confidence
47%
Self-Control
44%
Sincerity
40%
Social Orientation
38%
Stress Tolerance
38%
Leadership Orientation
33%
Humility
28%
Optimism
17%

Work Values

Achievement
89%
Working Conditions
83%
Independence
78%
Recognition
67%
Relationships
56%
Support
39%

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