Associate Director - Human Factors Engineering, Rail

Job Description

• Lead the planning, execution, and integration of Human Factors activities across the full system lifecycle, from concept through to operation and maintenance. Establish HF design philosophies and strategies aligned with project and regulatory requirements. Act as technical lead on key rail and infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with HF integration strategies and applicable standards (e.g. EN 50126, ISO 9241, RIS-7100, RSSB guidance).
• Experience producing Human Factors Integration Plans, Human Factors Issue Logs and Human Factors Assessment Report and experience of conducting assessments such as Hierarchal Task Analysis. Execute HF design development activities, including design reviews, mock-ups, simulators, and structured user feedback studies.
• Lead certification planning and develop compliance strategies for HF-related system elements. Provide expert input into RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety) assurance activities.
• Translate regulatory and system requirements into clear, verifiable HF design and usability criteria. Conduct and review task analyses, HMI design assessments, usability testing, cognitive workload studies, and error management strategies.
• Develop, review, and approve certification-related documentation (e.g., Issue Papers, Equivalent Levels of Safety, Test Plans, Design Reports). Oversee planning and execution of HF-related test campaigns, including fabrication, witnessing, and compliance evidence.
• Interface with certification bodies and regulatory stakeholders to demonstrate compliance and resolve design queries. Drive human-centred design within multidisciplinary teams, ensuring HF is embedded in technical decisions and design trade-offs.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree (MSc) in Human Factors, Ergonomics, or a closely related discipline
• A minimum of 12+ years’ professional experience in Human Factors, including at least 5 years in the rail or other regulated, safety-critical environments
• Significant experience applying Human Factors principles to UK and international rail programmes, with expert understanding of relevant standards (e.g., EN 50126, RIS-7100, RSSB guidance)
• Proven technical leadership in the delivery of HF activities, including HMI design, task and workload analysis, error management, human-system integration, and user-centred design
• Strong capability in interpreting and developing engineering specifications and HF compliance documentation
• UK Rail experience

Additional Information

At AECOM, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity

Our Freedom to Grow hybrid working philosophy is the cornerstone of our success as a business – supporting a culture of flexibility, trust and performance at AECOM.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.