Principal Human Factors Engineer

Babcock International; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in defence seeks a Principal Human Factors Engineer to shape Royal Navy submarine equipment design. The role emphasizes human factors integration and compliance with engineering standards, requiring proven experience in ergonomics and human factors engineering. The successful candidate will lead strategic initiatives, ensuring usability and safety for personnel. Flexible working conditions are available, with a commitment to inclusivity and support for employees.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Contributory Pension scheme

Employee share scheme

Employee shopping savings portal

Payment of Professional Fees

10-days special paid leave for reservists

Holiday Trading option

'Be Kind Day' for volunteering

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in Ergonomics with successful HF programme delivery.
• Strong portfolio showcasing impactful design contributions.
• Skilled in applying Human Factors Integration across Defence projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead Human Systems input shaping HFI strategy and execution.
• Conduct usability and safety analyses for Royal Navy submarine equipment.
• Develop HFI strategies for bids and carry out compliance.

Skills

Ergonomics

Human Factors Engineering

Communication

Analytical Thinking

Education

Degree-level qualification in Human Factors, Ergonomics, or related discipline

Job description

Job Title: Principal Human Factors Engineer

Location: Bristol, Plymouth, Barrow-in-Furness or Leicester + Hybrid Working Arrangements

Compensation: £59,110 Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent or Fixed Term Contract

Role ID: SF63664

At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Principal Human Factors Engineer based in either our Bristol, Plymouth, Barrow-in-Furness or Leicester site.

The role

As a Principal Human Factors Engineer, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. You will shape the design of Royal Navy submarine equipment to ensure ease of use, adherence to Human Factors Integration (HFI) standards, and alignment with customer requirements - promoting health, safety, and comfort for Royal Navy personnel.

Day to day, you’ll lead Human Systems input across our programmes, shaping our HFI strategy and execution across all products. You will collaborate with in-house and partner design teams to embed Human Factors early in development, and work with our Human Factors Specialist to ensure HFI is reflected in training, maintenance, and support service by:

• Leading HFI work streams, ensuring standards compliance
• Conducting task, workload, usability, and safety analyses
• Representing Human Factors at reviews and briefings
• Developing HFI strategies for bids and projects
• Growing Human Factors capabilities within the business

This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with 2 days per week or 1 week per month onsite.

Essential experience of the Principal Human Factors Engineer:

• Proven expertise in Ergonomics and Human Factors Engineering with successful HF programme delivery
• Strong portfolio showcasing impactful design contributions and user-focused solutions
• Skilled in applying Human Factors Integration (HFI) across Defence engineering projects
• Effective communicator with the ability to justify technical decisions to stakeholders
• Analytical thinker with sound judgment in resolving complex engineering challenges

Qualifications for the Principal Human Factors Engineer:

• Degree-level qualification in Human Factors, Ergonomics, or related discipline — or equivalent, demonstrable industry experience

The successful candidate must be able to achieve SC security clearance for this role.

Our Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance
• Contributory Pension scheme, with life assurance
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portal
• Payment of Professional Fees
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows most employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement
• ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity

Babcock International

For over a century Babcock International have helped to defend nations, protect communities, and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.

If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please let us know. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working - please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

Closing date: 31/07/2025

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