Job Listing

Virgina, United States

Human Factors Specialist – McLean, VA

---

PLEASE NOTE: Please do not apply if you require visa sponsorship.  This position requires the candidate be able to work in the U.S. WITHOUT the need for visa sponsorship!  

This is a full time/direct hire position offering a competitive salary with full benefits package.

Title of position:  Human Factors Specialist

Employment location:  McLean, VA

The Employer seeks an experienced Human Factors Specialist for their McLean, Virginia office.  As an integral member of the Engineering & Air Safety (E&AS) department, the Human Factors Specialist is the primary staff point of contact and Subject Matter Expert (SME) on promoting safety through the integration of human factors principles throughout aircraft design and certification, standard operating procedures, and airline operations.

The Human Factors Specialist advances the Employer’s safety objectives by ensuring that human factors considerations are systematically integrated into the design, certification, operation of aircraft, standard operating procedures, and airline training systems.  This role supports the evaluation of regulatory proposals, operational concepts, and emerging technologies, including advancements in automation, to identify human factors issues and promote pilot-centered solutions.

The position applies human factors engineering and Human Systems Integration (HSI) principles to assess aviation systems, operations, training programs, and regulations that affect pilot workload, flight deck interface design, and operational safety.  Additionally, the position will analyze aviation safety, operations, and research data to identify human factors trends and/or patterns and recommend potential human factors interventions, mitigations, and tradeoffs.

The Specialist also contributes human factors expertise to the development and harmonization of domestic and international standards, collaborating closely with the Employer’s pilot volunteers in the Air Safety Organization and its associated technical groups (Accident Analysis & Prevention, Aircraft Design & Operations, Airport & Ground Environment, Air Traffic Services, Human Factors & Training, and Safety Management Systems).

This position reinforces the link between human factors and safety, ensuring that system design, aircraft design and certification, standard operating procedures, and pilot training reflect operational realities, manage workload effectively, and enhance resilience across the aviation system.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in aviation human factors or a related field from an accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Five (5) or more years of direct work (post education) experience in aviation human factors related to pilot performance, flight deck design, standard operating procedures, workload management, and/or other human factors studies and functions.
• In-depth knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).  Knowledge of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) as they apply to aviation human factors also desirable.
• Prior work experience with airlines, the FAA, Transport Canada, or related aviation organizations in human factors is highly desirable.
• Pilot’s license with instrument rating preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in the design, implementation, and evaluation of standard operating procedures, emphasizing application of human-centered principles.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with pilots, regulators, airline representatives, and technical experts.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic regulatory and industry environment.
• Ability to learn quickly and seamlessly adapt to changing demands is extremely important.
• Able to work independently and to be proactive in identifying and responding to issues and problems.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office including Teams, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Able to work flexible schedule on short notice as needed.
• Travel:  Up to 20%; sporadically, travel, local and national, could be as much as 25% of the time.

---

• Location: Virgina, United States
• Categories: Engineer, Operations / Management
• Contract Type: Full Time