Job DescriptionPrimary Function of Position The Human Factors Design Engineer (HFDE) is part of the Human Factors (HF) organization that aims to maximize usability and desirability of Intuitive products while minimizing risk through scientific research and usability engineering. HFDE is focused on research and design within product development of new robotic systems, instruments and accessories. This role works closely with product managers, clinical engineers, mechanical engineers, computer scientists, industrial/ interaction designers, regulatory affairs, quality and design controls, and other cross functional teams. HFDE helps de-risk design strategies within product development through a range of formative research activities and hands-on design engineering activities that inform the definition of user requirements and user interface design requirements underlying the user experience of Intuitive products.
The HFDE position reports to a Manager within the broader HF organization at Intuitive.
Essential Job Duties- Develop, position and execute end-to-end formative research plans within product development that are inclusive of user research, human performance research, as well as explorative co-creation and usability evaluations with prototypes of varying fidelity and resolution.
- Plan, collect and synthesize data to generate insights on how and why users interact with Intuitive products through various techniques including interviews, simulations, direct observations, task analysis, human performance research, persona development, usability testing, mixed methods research, discovery from known use problems, etc.
- Represent Intuitive during interactions with end-user clinicians and customers in multiple international markets to gather design insights in a highly professional manner, during formative research activities.
- De-risk design strategies by identifying root causes that account for human performance influencers underlying the user experience.
- Analyze, define and evaluate workflow and user interface designs. Negotiate design recommendations and improvements to prevent hazardous situations related to use errors and improve usability.
- Accountable for establishment, authoring and management of usability design inputs. Translate findings from formative research activities into insights that are used to define evidence-based user requirements and user interface design requirements to inform user interface design, labeling and training.
- Collaboratively develop conceptual prototypes that reflect performance influencers for showcasing and translating for stakeholders.
- Advocate for safety, usability and desirability of the user experiencewhile balancing tradeoffs associated with project risks and product risks related to user needs and business needs.
- Analyze complaints from on-market products, identify, analyze and manage usability risk analysis, and escalate usability-related issues as necessary.
- Author and maintain human factors engineering documentation in support of design controls and regulatory submissions.
- Coordinate human factors efforts across projects involving several sub-systems.
- Manage usability engineering activities within development projects and provide schedules and status to product managers and engineering project managers.
QualificationsRequired Skills and Experience- Minimum 5+ years relevant experience in industry.
- Excellent technical communication skills (verbal, written, and formal presentation) and business acumen.
- Ability to analyze and synthesize large volumes of information into simple, accessible, and meaning communications to stakeholders.
- Knowledge and ability in one or more complex robotic systems, including mechanical design (kinematics/ mechanisms), sensing and perception, control systems, software engineering (programming/ simulation) and human-robotic interaction.
- Ability to work with and across various groups and levels of management within the organization, including other engineering groups, marketing, clinical engineering, and regulatory.
- Ability to apply user-centered design and usability engineering principles to product research, development, and design.
Required Education and Training - Minimum BS or MS in Human Factors Engineering, Cognitive Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Human-Centered Design, or a related field with an emphasis in user experience design and human-robotic interaction.
Working Conditions - Ability to travel internationally as well as domestically (up to 25%).
- Primarily office-based set schedule working model.
Preferred Skills and Experience - Experience in medical device, or similar regulated industry, a plus.
- Experience with design engineering in product development.
- Ability to empathize with people and to understand the human condition.
- Ability to interface with clinical experts (e.g., surgeons) in a highly professional manner.
Additional InformationDue to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.
