{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:40:49.457Z","occupation":{"soc":"17-2112.01","title":"Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists","group":"Architecture & Engineering","sector":"54","jobZone":5,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers human factors engineering and ergonomics practice across research, design, manufacturing, office, and safety-critical environments, from supervised entry-level data collection and task analysis through autonomous expert investigation to executive strategy, standard-setting, and discipline leadership.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Direct observation protocols — collect baseline data on work activities under the guidance of a senior human factors engineer in a laboratory or field setting.","User interview techniques — conduct structured interviews with end users to gather initial requirements and ergonomic concerns under supervisory direction.","Physical hazard checklists — inspect worksite conditions for common ergonomic risks using standardized checklists within a manufacturing or office environment.","Task analysis frameworks — apply established checklists and survey instruments to perform basic functional task analysis under close professional oversight.","Anthropometric data sets — interpret and apply published anthropometric databases to inform preliminary design recommendations in a supervised research context.","Technical report drafts — prepare initial findings summaries documenting human factors observations under direction from a project lead.","Analytical software tools — enter and organize observational data using scientific analysis software as part of a structured study protocol.","Ergonomic risk factors — recognize potentially harmful conditions such as repetitive motions or heavy loads and document findings for senior review.","User-centered design vocabulary — communicate fundamental human factors principles clearly in written and oral form during team meetings and project briefings.","CAD and diagramming software — produce basic workspace layout diagrams to support ergonomic assessments under the supervision of a licensed engineer."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Observational data collection — design and execute systematic direct observation studies of work activities with reduced oversight in industrial or office environments.","Mixed-method user research — conduct and analyze structured surveys and interviews with diverse user populations to identify ergonomic needs and interface requirements.","Worksite hazard assessment — perform independent physical hazard inspections and document findings using both quantitative and qualitative methods on active job sites.","Functional and task analysis — apply videotaping, force measurement, and multi-method analysis to evaluate task sequences and workload in operational settings.","Ergonomic recommendation reports — prepare detailed technical reports and presentations summarizing findings and actionable recommendations for management and design teams.","Workplace modification support — provide direct technical support to clients by reconfiguring fixtures, workstations, or task sequences to reduce injury risk and cycle time.","User advocacy in design reviews — represent end-user perspectives during interdisciplinary design reviews involving engineers, product managers, and UX designers.","Statistical analysis of human performance — apply mathematical and scientific methods to interpret human performance data and validate ergonomic interventions.","Systems evaluation participation — contribute to formal systems evaluation activities, assessing whether integrated designs meet established human factors standards.","Graphics and documentation software — produce professional-grade visuals, interface mockups, and ergonomic diagrams using desktop publishing and graphics software for client deliverables."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["End-to-end observational research — independently design, conduct, and synthesize multi-site direct observation studies to support complex human factors investigations across diverse industries.","Advanced user research programs — lead comprehensive interview and survey campaigns with large, heterogeneous user populations, synthesizing results into actionable human-centered design guidance.","Holistic hazard identification — autonomously assess physical, cognitive, and organizational hazards across complex worksites, integrating findings into enterprise-level safety improvement plans.","Comprehensive task and anthropometric analysis — execute full-scope functional, cognitive, and anthropometric analyses using advanced instrumentation and force measurement in operational environments.","High-impact technical reporting — author peer-quality reports and executive-level presentations that translate complex human factors findings into clear, evidence-based design and policy recommendations.","Systemic workplace redesign — develop and implement multi-faceted ergonomic intervention strategies addressing load, repetition, posture, and workflow for sustained health and productivity gains.","Cross-disciplinary user advocacy — independently advocate for end-user requirements in collaboration with engineering, legal, and business stakeholders throughout the full product development lifecycle.","Non-routine problem resolution — apply advanced deductive and inductive reasoning to diagnose and resolve novel human-system integration failures in safety-critical or high-complexity environments.","Validation and systems analysis — lead formal human factors validation studies, evaluating whether complete sociotechnical systems meet regulatory and performance standards.","Emerging technology integration — evaluate and deploy new analytical, CAD, and GUI development software tools to advance research methodology and deliverable quality on autonomous projects."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Organizational human factors strategy — define and champion enterprise-wide human factors and ergonomics programs that align with long-term safety, productivity, and innovation goals.","Research agenda leadership — establish organizational research priorities, allocate resources, and direct multidisciplinary teams in executing large-scale human factors studies across sectors.","Practitioner development and mentoring — design curricula and mentor engineers, ergonomists, and UX researchers, elevating the profession's competency standards within the organization.","Executive-level user advocacy — represent human-centered design imperatives at the executive and board level, influencing product strategy and regulatory compliance decisions.","Industry standard and policy influence — lead or contribute to the development of national and international ergonomics standards, guidelines, and legislative frameworks.","Complex systems risk governance — oversee hazard identification and risk mitigation frameworks for enterprise-scale or public-sector systems where human error carries catastrophic consequences.","Client and stakeholder relationship stewardship — cultivate strategic partnerships with key clients, government agencies, and research institutions to expand organizational impact and funding.","Cross-functional program integration — orchestrate alignment between human factors, engineering, operations, and clinical or manufacturing divisions to embed ergonomic principles throughout the product lifecycle.","Innovation and methods advancement — pioneer new human factors methodologies, analytical models, and technology platforms that set the direction for the discipline at an industry level.","Organizational learning systems — create knowledge management and continuous improvement systems ensuring that human factors insights from projects, incidents, and research are systematically captured and applied."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}