Image of career: Human Factors Scientist

Human Factors Scientist

Overview

Human factors scientists are people-focused researchers who study how humans interact with technology, designing safer workplaces and smarter tools that work with our natural behaviours instead of against them.

Description

  • Design research studies to observe use of products, software, or work environments.
  • Run tests to collect data on how people use technology.
  • Analyse research findings to produce clear insights.
  • Guide engineers and product developers to create safer, easier-to-use products based on human needs.
  • Evaluate product usability and safety before public launch.

Entry requirements

  • A Degree in Human Factors, Psychology, Ergonomics, Human-Computer Interaction, or Industrial Engineering.
  • Strong curiosity about human behaviour and good analytical skills to understand user feedback and testing data are essential.

Salary

$6,400 – 11,300

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

Human factors scientists use tech like eye-tracking glasses to see how people read or scroll online, or measure muscle strain to design perfect airplane seats. At Singapore's HTX labs, they create holographic crime scenes for training and smart systems that adapt to how people learn.

What to expect

Expect a mix of psychology, engineering, and data workStrong empathy and observation skills are also good to understand people frustrations with products.

Soft
skills

Pattern Recognition

Ability to look at a situation and find the root cause of problems.

Empathy

Able to understand user frustrations and needs.

Clear Communication

Ability to explain research findings in simple, visual ways to stakeholders.

User Testing

Knowledge on running controlled experiments to evaluate design functionality and safety.

Behavioural Research

Knowledge and application of psychological insights to predict how human behaviour affects product use.

Data Analysis

Ability to turn user feedback into clear patterns and practical suggestions for improvements.

Hard
skills

Hin Fong & Angela, Human Factors Scientists
"We drive the application of a human-centric approach to machines, systems, and environments to boost productivity, performance, and safety."

Hin Fong & Angela, Human Factors Scientists

Mothership

Frequently asked questions

While designers ask "Does this look good?", human factors scientists ask "Can someone use this accurately under stress?" They use data and tools to prove usage for humans in real life.

Not necessarily. Many have psychology or cognitive science backgrounds because understanding the human mind is just as important as understanding machines.

They get to use tech like eye-tracking software, heat maps, heart-rate monitors, and virtual reality to see how humans react to new environments before they're built.

Because they study humans, not robots. Without empathy for users struggling with designs, they can't properly advocate for the changes people desperately need.

Not at all. They work on entire systems like smart firing ranges that monitor breathing and mixed reality training. Whether it's firefighter equipment or patrol boat dashboards, they ensure technology works with humans.