8-10 years of human factors engineering experience in complex systems or operational environments.
Experience with DoD, DHS, or federal Test & Evaluation programs.
Proven skills in usability testing, task analyses, and human-system interface evaluations.
Experience developing human factors inputs for test plans and reports.
Preferred background in CBRN detection technologies or first responder environments.
Experience in collecting and analyzing user performance data is a plus.
Bachelor's degree in Human Factors Engineering or related field; advanced degrees preferred.
Responsibilities
Provide HFE expertise throughout the T&E lifecycle of CBRN detection systems.
Lead human factors analysis including usability assessments and workload analysis.
Design and execute human-in-the-loop testing activities.
Participate in reviews to identify human performance risks.
Analyze operator error trends and recommend corrective actions.
Advise on design and procedural changes to improve mission effectiveness.
Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to ensure human factors requirements are met.
Benefits
Robust benefits package and wellness program.
Opportunities for professional development and training.
Supportive work environment focused on employee wellbeing.
Full Job Description
In this role you will....
Provide human factors engineering (HFE) expertise throughout the Test & Evaluation (T&E) lifecycle of CBRN detection systems, ensuring operator interfaces, workflows, and system designs support safe, accurate, and effective use by first responders and other end users.
Lead human factors analysis and evaluation efforts including usability assessments, workload analysis, task analysis, and human-system interface (HSI) evaluations, incorporating findings into Test & Evaluation Master Plans (TEMPs) and test reports.
Design, plan, and execute human-in-the-loop testing activities including usability testing, cognitive walkthroughs, and operator workload assessments at government and contractor facilities.
Participate in Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Deficiency Review Boards (DRBs), and Operational Readiness Reviews (ORRs) to identify and communicate human performance risks.
Analyze operator error trends, near-miss and incident reports, system alarms, and alert designs to identify human factors deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
Advise Product Management Offices and engineering teams on design, training, procedural, and system changes that reduce operator error and improve mission effectiveness.
Collaborate with systems engineers, program personnel, and stakeholders to ensure human factors requirements are traceable, testable, and incorporated into requirements documentation, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and Systems Engineering Plans.
Support compliance with applicable DHS policies and acquisition guidance, including DHS MD 102-01 and Directive 026-06.
Prepare and present technical findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders, senior leadership, and acquisition decision-makers.
Additional duties as assigned.
Experience Requirements:
Minimum 8-10 years of human factors engineering experience supporting complex systems or operational environments.
Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or other federal Test & Evaluation programs.
Experience developing human factors inputs to test plans, TEMPs, operational assessments, and final test reports.
Experience supporting detection, sensor, screening, or related operational equipment is strongly preferred.
Prior experience with CBRN detection technologies, CWMD initiatives, FEMA programs, or first responder operational environments is highly desired.
Experience collecting and analyzing field-based user performance data is preferred.
Education Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Human Factors Engineering, Cognitive Psychology, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
Master's degree or Ph.D. in a related field is preferred.
Certification Requirements:
Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP) or equivalent certification preferred.
Security Clearance Requirements:
Active SECRET security clearance required.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Other Requirements:
Strong understanding of Human Systems Integration (HSI) principles and their application within federal acquisition and Test & Evaluation frameworks.
Working knowledge of DHS acquisition policies, systems engineering processes, and requirements management methodologies.
Strong technical writing skills with the ability to develop human factors sections of test plans, TEMPs, and test reports.
Ability to effectively communicate technical findings to diverse audiences, including leadership and non-human factors stakeholders.
Familiarity with alarm design, anomaly detection systems, or automated detection technologies is preferred.
May be required to travel to government, contractor, and test facilities.
May be required to move equipment/files weighing up to 50 pounds.
May require sedentary work at least 50% of the time.
Reports to a physical location which occasionally requires the ability to traverse between buildings.
Ability to manage stress with a high degree of maturity/professionalism.
Demonstrated critical thinking and leadership skills and the ability to work well with others.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Watermark provides salary ranges with job postings in states where it is legally required; any other salary ranges associated with our postings are third party estimates and may not be an accurate reflection of Watermark's total compensation package. Multiple considerations are taken into account when determining the final salary/hourly rate, including but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, education and certifications, relevant work experience, related skills and competencies, as well as Federal Government Contract Labor Categories. Central to Watermark's employment philosophy is the wellbeing of our employees which is why we offer a robust benefits package and wellness program alongside of annual base compensation.
