Design Human Factors Researcher - Apple Design Team

Summary

Industrial Design (ID) at Apple focuses on the physical hardware experience, encompassing color, materials, finishes, digital sculpting, rendering, and physical prototyping. The discipline sits at the intersection of nearly every major function at the company, working seamlessly with Product Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, Human Interface Design, and Human Factors to bring ideas to life. The Apple Design Team is seeking a Human Factors Design Researcher. This is a fast-paced, collaborative position where you will need to understand how and who to work with to orchestrate a program plan and successfully manage execution of that plan. This individual will work with a variety of individuals both within and outside the Design team.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience planning, conducting, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative human factors research. Ability to communicate complex research data and insights through clear visuals and concise summaries. Hands-on experience with physical human data collection methods (such as motion capture, anthropometry, pressure mapping, or biomechanical testing). Experience evaluating user interactions with physical hardware or wearable products. BS/BA in Human Factors, Ergonomics, HCI, Biomechanics, Cognitive Psychology, or a related field (Master’s or PhD preferred). In lieu of a degree, 10+ years of relevant industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong appreciation for physical design, aesthetics, and hardware details. Clear communication skills, with experience presenting technical findings to cross-functional partners and design leads. Experience working closely with industrial designers and engineers in a hands-on studio environment. Practical problem-solving skills when addressing complex or undefined design challenges.

Description

An ideal candidate has a strong foundation in human factors research and understands how people interact with physical products. They can work across both high-level design concepts and detailed technical specifications. They are comfortable working directly with designers and engineers, communicate clearly, and ask the right questions to gather honest feedback. They balance technical rigor with strong intuition, translating research data into clear insights that improve the product experience.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct user research studies (including physical prototype testing, anthropometric measurements, and usability evaluations) to inform early concepts and validate designs. Advocate for user needs, ergonomics, and accessibility across diverse populations throughout the design process. Collect and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data, including physical and behavioral measurements. Present research findings clearly and visually using experimental data and statistical analysis. Partner closely with Industrial Design, Product Design Engineering, Human Interface, and other cross-functional teams. Lead the design and execution of generative and evaluative research studies across hardware programs. Stay current on research methods, ergonomic standards, competitor products, and relevant literature. Prioritize and manage work across multiple concurrent projects.