Lead Human Factors Engineer — Onsite, Secret Clearance

MITRE; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE seeks a Lead Human Factors Engineer to drive user-centered software design across UX and front-end areas. You will collaborate with engineers, researchers, and sponsors to frame complex problems and translate user insights into scalable solutions.

The role emphasizes leadership of multidisciplinary teams, applying UX best practices, and maintaining design systems while supporting critical national missions. On-site presence is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years related experience with a BA or 6 years with a MS; or a PhD with 3 years’ experience.
• Experience with user research methods and usability testing (interviews, focus groups, testing, requirements gathering, heuristic assessments).
• Experience in design software such as Figma, Miro, Sketch, Axure RP, Balsamiq, Lucidchart, Adobe XD, or similar tools.
• Strong interpersonal skills with excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to share findings with government sponsors or senior leaders.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical efforts and diverse teams.
• Active Secret U.S. Government clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
• On-site work a minimum of 3 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Lead human-centered design from research to prototyping, usability evaluation, and iterative refinement of software/systems.
• Use AI-assisted design tools to generate, evaluate, and refine interface concepts.
• Translate user, operational, and system requirements into human factors inputs.
• Provide technical guidance to small multidisciplinary teams.
• Collaborate with designers, researchers, project leaders, and sponsors to maximize impact.
• Advocate for end-user needs and ensure user-centered design principles are applied.
• Develop and maintain design systems and UI guidelines; propose research initiatives.
• Mentor junior team members and foster continuous learning.

Skills

User research

Usability testing

Communication

Leadership

Security clearance knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

Figma

Miro

Sketch

Axure RP

Balsamiq

Lucidchart

Adobe XD

Job description

MITRE seeks a Lead Human Factors Engineer to drive user-centered software design across UX and front-end areas. You will collaborate with engineers, researchers, and sponsors to frame complex problems and translate user insights into scalable solutions.

The role emphasizes leadership of multidisciplinary teams, applying UX best practices, and maintaining design systems while supporting critical national missions. On-site presence is required.