Human Factors Lead Research Scientist

As a Human Factors Lead Research Scientist here at Honeywell Aerospace, you will lead critical research initiatives focused on human factors engineering within the aerospace domain. You will apply your expertise to guide the development of innovative solutions that enhance safety, usability, and performance in aerospace systems.

We are seeking an experienced Human Factors Scientist with expertise in evaluating flight deck technologies, which may include: display formats, menus and control interfaces, display hardware, flight management system, instrument panel layouts, crew alerting, electronic flight bag, crew personal electronic devices, failure effects and analysis, navigation, communication equipment, crew procedures, crew training, human factors/cognition, regulatory compliance, and ergonomic analysis. You will be responsible for designing controlled experiments, maintaining and running flight simulators, recruiting human subject participants, conducting human subject research trials, analyzing data, and reporting experimental results. This role will require you to work on-site with fixed wing simulators, rotorcraft flight simulators, and flight testing. 

You will be on a R&D team that works with engineers, researchers, and product managers across Honeywell Aerospace to design and evaluate state-of-the-art product concepts. While this opening emphasizes speech technology skills, future R&D efforts may require translating skills to other technology areas (e.g., biosensing, augmented reality / virtual reality / near-to-eye, aircraft flight deck automation).

You will report directly to our leadership team and you’ll work out of our Phoenix, AZ location on a hybrid work schedule.

In this role, you will impact the design and evaluation of aerospace products and systems to ensure they meet rigorous human factors standards, improving the overall user experience and operational safety for pilots, crew, and passengers worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead human factors research and development activities aligned with Honeywell Aerospace goals and objectives.
• Design and conduct experiments and usability studies to evaluate aerospace system interfaces and controls.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineers, designers, and product managers to integrate human factors considerations into product development.
• Design, test, and certify the look, feel, and operational behavior of the flight deck
• Utilize Human Factors methodologies and best practices to develop, evaluate, analyze, test, and support the cognitive, interactive, ergonomic, and behavioral attributes of Honeywell Aerospace Flight Decks
  • Develop and execute research designs, including defining study objectives, hypotheses, variables, and data collection parameters. 
  • Design and execut basic and applied research on human performance, workload, situational awareness, and human-machine interaction.
  • Conduct and execute user evaluations and testing in state-of-the-art full-flight simulators and flight test airplanes
  • Collect, manage, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods. 
  • Conduct statistical analyses and interpret results to identify trends, patterns, and implications for system performance and operator effectiveness. 
  • Develop test plans, study protocols, and technical reports that meet peer-reviewed and industry research standards. 
  • Present findings to technical and non-technical audiences, including leadership, regulatory authorities, and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with pilots, designers, and systems engineers to ensure flight deck interfaces and flight management automation complements the cognitive, physical, sensory, and ergonomic capabilities of our pilots
• Identify new and emerging technologies to increase aviation safety and add value to our products or services
• Support the establishment of design requirements for changes and enhancements to the flight crew interface on existing or new commercial airplane models, and testing and implementing those enhancements
• Contribute to the development of human-centered design recommendations that support FAA safety, performance, and modernization objectives. 
• Work closely with Honeywell Aerospace test pilots, international avionics communities, and regulators.
• Respond to government funding solicitations and perform on government research contracts.
• Submit patent applications, academic publications, and share technical knowledge.

YOU MUST HAVE

• Minimum of 6+ years of hands‑on human factors research experience in aerospace or a related high‑technology environment, with proven responsibility for owning studies end‑to‑end—from concept to final deliverables.
• 1+ year of industry experience applying human factors research methods, operational evaluation techniques, and statistical analyses in applied aviation or mission‑critical environments.
• Demonstrated experience independently designing, planning, and executing human factors studies, including full lifecycle management of logistics, participant interactions, and data collection.
• Proven ability to author all research documentation, including IRB protocols, consent forms, study plans, technical reports, and proposal/bid materials.
• Hands‑on expertise in experimental design, simulation‑based studies, quantitative analysis, and interpreting complex research outputs.
• Advanced technical writing and analytical thinking skills, with the ability to create clear, defensible documentation and deliverables grounded in human‑factors principles.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex human factors findings to both technical and operational audiences. 
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., R, SPSS, MATLAB, Python, or similar). 
• Applied experience with human factors engineering, usability testing, and ergonomic assessments specifically for aerospace systems, interfaces, or operational equipment.
• Proficiency with human factors analysis tools, simulation software, and aerospace regulatory standards, with experience ensuring study designs and outputs meet compliance requirements.

WE VALUE

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Human Factors, UX/UI Design, Engineering, Psychology. Or a related field.
• Previous in-person research experience collecting human subject data from a flight simulator. 
• Experience supporting FAA programs or research related to flight deck avionics, operations, NAS or air traffic management.
• Familiarity with human-in-the-loop simulation environments and human performance modeling.
• Experience integrating human factors principles into system engineering, safety analysis, or concept development.
• Knowledge of FAA Human Factors Design Standard (HF-STD-001) or related regulatory and research guidance.
• Previous experience collecting human subject data from experiments on complex technologies (AI, augmented/virtual reality, speech technology, automated systems)
• Pilot certification or experience
• Human Subjects Research Certification (e.g., CITI certification)
• Publications or presentations in peer-reviewed human factors or aviation research forums.
• Strong skills in proposal writing.
• Experience leading cross-disciplinary teams and managing complex R&D projects.
• Knowledge of cognitive engineering, system safety, and human-machine interface design.
• Familiarity with aerospace industry standards and certification processes.
• Passion for innovation and continuous learning in human factors and aerospace technologies.

US PERSONS REQUIREMENT

Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. person, which is defined as, a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or have protected status in the U.S. under asylum or refugee status.

About us:

Join a company that's reintroducing itself to the aviation community we've helped advance for more than a century. At Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA), we're launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission-focused execution. 

Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum, as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world's aircraft, your work here has reach that's rare to find anywhere else.

Focusing on our customers, investing in innovation, and building a culture of accountability and performance is how we're shaping what comes next.

Every horizon. Every mission. Every day.

Benefits:

Beyond a performance-driven salary, you'll work alongside dedicated experts on technology that's advancing aviation. As a Honeywell Aerospace employee, you're eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts
• Employee assistance program and educational assistance
• Parental leave and 12 paid holidays
• Paid time off for vacation, personal and sick time

Explore your benefits: https://honeywellaerospacebenefits.com/

POSTING TIMELINE

The application period for the job is estimated to be 40 days from the job posting date; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.