Human Factors Scientist, User Experience Research (Ph.D.)

About Exponent Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges. Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we’ve connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability. Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team! Key statistics: 950+ Consultants 640+ Ph.D.s 90+ Disciplines 30+ Offices globally Our Opportunity We are currently seeking a Human Factors Scientist for our Human Factors Practice in Phoenix, AZ for an expected start date in 2026. In this role, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to analyze human performance and optimize human‑system interaction across a wide variety of scenarios involving consumer products, medical devices, defense systems, automobiles, wearable technologies, and occupational activities. You will leverage your expertise in cognitive psychology, ergonomics, and human‑centered design to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of humans and technology. Activities in these contexts will focus on performing comprehensive evaluations to inform design and product strategy, conducting ergonomic and anthropometric assessments, enhancing human performance in complex systems, and shaping the future of human‑machine interaction across commercial and defense applications. You will be responsible for Managing a broad range of human factors and UX consulting activities, including usability testing, formative and summative study design, survey development, and assessment of how users interact with consumer products, medical devices, digital interfaces, defense technologies, and AI‑integrated systems This includes evaluating human perceptual, cognitive, and motor capabilities for performance optimization and design innovation Conducting usability and ergonomic assessments by analyzing human factors in product design, evaluating interface effectiveness, performing anthropometric analyses for fit and comfort, and developing design recommendations to optimize user experience across diverse populations Leading human‑centered design evaluations for emerging technologies, including VR/AR environments, autonomous systems, human‑AI interaction, human‑robot interaction, and next‑generation interfaces across commercial, medical, and defense sectors Working on multidisciplinary teams to provide cross‑functional project support, collaborating with experts across Exponent’s practices, including Vehicle Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomechanics, and Data Sciences Conducting research to analyze technical data, scientific literature, and industry standards (ANSI/HFES, ISO 9241, IEC 62366, FDA guidance, MIL‑STD specifications) relevant to usability, ergonomics, and human performance Providing project management for multiple concurrent engagements, including scoping tasks, managing budgets and timelines, coordinating project teams, and supporting all project phases from consultation through final deliverables Designing and executing user research studies, including laboratory experiments, field studies, contextual inquiry, and journey mapping to understand user needs and behaviors Developing methodologies for emerging technology evaluation You will have the following skills and qualifications Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in Human Factors Engineering, Engineering Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Industrial Engineering, or related field Strong foundation in human factors principles, ergonomics, research methods, and statistical analysis Experience with usability testing and human subjects research Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously Strong problem‑solving and analytical capabilities This is a Phoenix‑based position; therefore, the successful applicant must live (or be willing to relocate) in the Phoenix, AZ area AND be enthusiastic about regularly working in the office Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required Preferred Qualifications: Industry or consulting experience in human factors/UX Familiarity with relevant standards (ANSI/HFES, ISO, IEC, MIL‑STD‑1472, MIL‑HDBK‑759C) Experience with defense/military human factors or human systems integration Background in consumer product, medical device, or wearable technology evaluation Experience with ergonomic assessments, anthropometry, and human performance modeling Knowledge of autonomous systems and human‑AI interaction Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page]. Life @ Exponent To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links: Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment. Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well‑being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference. Work Environment At Exponent, we have found that in‑person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial to development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi‑disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in‑person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities. We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well‑being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite Compensation Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi‑weekly bonuses for high‑intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary. The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process. Benefits you will enjoy Access benefits information on our View email address on click.appcast.io page: Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR‑View email address on click.appcast.io. Job Locations US-AZ-Phoenix #J-18808-Ljbffr Exponent Inc.