Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists

SOC 17-2112.01Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis 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.

Sources:O*NET v30.2 SkillsCrosswalk

Emerging

Entry / Apprentice

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

Mid-level / Established

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

Senior / Expert IC

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

Lead / Principal / Executive

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.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic Index Jadhav & Danve, 2026 WEF Skills Taxonomy

A 4-level framework describing how a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline. Subscribe for $19.99/mo to read the full framework — or sign in if you have a subscription.

Emerging
Developing
Proficient
Advanced

Monthly subscription · Stripe-hosted · unlocks AI-at-Work and Pathsmith™ Durable Skills across the full library

Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable Skills O*NET v30.2

Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency levels for this occupation. Subscribe to unlock the full Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework across all 1,016 occupations.

Monthly subscription · Stripe-hosted · unlocks AI-at-Work and Pathsmith™ Durable Skills across the full library

Show O*NET source anchors66 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

Suggest an O*NET correction

Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles

Board Certified Ergonomist · Certified Professional Ergonomist · Cognitive Engineer · Engineer · Engineering Psychologist · Ergonomic Consultant · Ergonomic Specialist · Ergonomics Consultant · Ergonomics Engineer · Ergonomics Specialist · Ergonomics Technical Advisor · Ergonomist

RAPIDS apprenticeships

—

O*NET skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationMathematicsMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessOperations AnalysisSystems AnalysisScienceLearning StrategiesInstructingTechnology DesignTime ManagementCoordinationService Orientation

Knowledge domains

PsychologyEnglish LanguageDesignEngineering and TechnologyEducation and TrainingMathematicsCustomer and Personal ServiceSociology and AnthropologyAdministration and ManagementProduction and ProcessingComputers and Electronics

Abilities

Inductive ReasoningDeductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionFluency of IdeasProblem SensitivityInformation OrderingCategory Flexibility

Work styles

Attention to DetailIntellectual CuriosityInnovationDependabilityAchievement OrientationAdaptability

Technology

Document management softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareDesktop publishing softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareWeb platform development softwareGraphical user interface development softwareInternet browser softwareContent workflow softwareComputer aided design CAD software

Tasks · seed anchors for statements

Collect data through direct observation of work activities or witnessing the conduct of tests.
Conduct interviews or surveys of users or customers to collect information on topics, such as requirements, needs, fatigue, ergonomics, or interfaces.
Advocate for end users in collaboration with other professionals, including engineers, designers, managers, or customers.
Inspect work sites to identify physical hazards.
Prepare reports or presentations summarizing results or conclusions of human factors engineering or ergonomics activities, such as testing, investigation, or validation.
Recommend workplace changes to improve health and safety, using knowledge of potentially harmful factors, such as heavy loads or repetitive motions.
Perform functional, task, or anthropometric analysis, using tools, such as checklists, surveys, videotaping, or force measurement.
Provide technical support to clients through activities, such as rearranging workplace fixtures to reduce physical hazards or discomfort or modifying task sequences to reduce cycle time.

CIP education codes

14.270114.350114.360115.150115.1503