Principal Human Factors Engineer

Principal Human Factors Engineer

Design Science, a BlueRidge Life Sciences company, is seeking a Principal Human Factors Engineer to join our Evanston, (Chicagoland) team — a group of mission‑driven researchers shaping how people interact with medical devices used around the world.

This role is built for an experienced HFE professional who thrives in consulting, leads with confidence, and elevates the quality of every study, deliverable, and client interaction.

We're a human factors research firm with offices in Philadelphia, Evanston, and Munich, partnering with the world's leading medical device and pharmaceutical companies. Our work directly influences safer, more intuitive therapies — and ultimately, better outcomes for patients.

At our Evanston office, you'll find:

• A tight‑knit, intellectually curious team
• A vibrant college‑town environment
• A culture built on integrity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scientific rigor

What You'll Do

As a Principal Human Factors Engineer, you will lead complex research programs, guide clients through regulatory expectations, and mentor the next generation of HF practitioners. You'll work across a wide range of medical products and contribute to both strategic and hands‑on project execution.

You will:

• Design and lead usability studies (formative, summative, HF validation)
• Moderate sessions with expert‑level skill and consistency
• Plan and execute data collection and analysis with scientific rigor
• Deliver high‑quality reports that meet FDA and global regulatory expectations
• Lead client interactions, including presenting study results and advising on HF strategy
• Develop usability file inputs such as task analyses, user interface requirements, and use‑related risk analyses
• Direct project teams to ensure quality, efficiency, and strong cross‑functional collaboration
• Mentor Associate Engineers/Researchers and contribute to internal process improvements
• Potentially manage direct reports and support team development

What You Bring

• MS/MA in Human Factors, Biomedical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field with at least 5 years of industry experience in human factors for healthcare or another safety‑critical domain or BS/BA with at least 8 years of relevant industry experience
• Minimum 2 years of experience with medical devices and/or combination products
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with FDA expectations for medical devices
• Demonstrated ability to deploy diverse research methods (field research, usability testing, ergonomics, expert review, etc.)
• Proven track record of producing client‑ready reports and optimizing data analysis workflows
• Expert‑level moderation skills for usability testing
• Advanced proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Ability to work full‑time in our Evanston, IL or Philadelphia, PA office
• Ability to travel 30% (domestic and international)
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and comfort managing multiple concurrent projects
• Ability to pass a background check

Bonus Points For

• Experience creating usability file deliverables (application specification, UIRs, URRA)
• Deep understanding of FDA HF regulatory guidance
• Familiarity with industry standards (AAMI/ANSI HE75, IEC 62366‑1/62366‑2, ISO 14971)
• Evidence of interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, design, psychology, and related fields

What We Offer

• Full‑time, salaried position
• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) with company match
• Bonus eligibility
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Flexible work environment
• Team‑building events, great coffee, and genuinely great coworkers
• A mission‑driven culture where your work directly improves patient safety

How to Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter describing your interest in medical devices and human factors research, and why you're an excellent fit for this role.