User Study and Data Operations Engineer

Apple, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 264,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental cover

Retirement benefits

Stock programs and educational tuition

Job summary

Apple in Sunnyvale seeks a User Study & Data Operations Engineer to lead end-to-end data collection programs. You will collaborate with algorithm scientists, ML researchers, and engineering leads to turn research questions into clear study designs, test protocols, and reliable lab operations.

You will oversee testing across internal prototype labs and external data collection vendors, running human-subject studies from scoping through multi-site execution with 5–15% travel

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• 3+ years running user study operations or lab data operations.
• Experience writing and running human-subject protocols (SOPs, moderator guidelines).
• Experience coordinating with technical teams (algorithms, ML, systems engineering) to operationalize studies.
• Experience managing external data vendors, drafting SOWs, auditing data deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Translate study research and data goals into data capture plans with quality, sample size, and timelines.
• Write study protocols, task instructions, moderator scripts, consent forms, and surveys.
• Set up and operate internal prototype test benches and data-logging hardware.
• Run participant sessions while enforcing safety, privacy, and confidentiality guidelines.
• Draft SOWs and SOPs for external vendors; inspect datasets and resolve issues.
• Document workflows and improve data-handling processes for reliability.
• Note: role requires regular on-site lab presence and 5–15% travel to study sites.

Skills

Team collaboration

Study operations

Data operations

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Human Factors, Cognitive Science, CS, HCI, Life/Physical Sciences

Tools

Python

Bash

Shell scripts

Job description

At Apple, we build products that help people live better, healthier, and more productive lives. Our team designs and runs human-centered data collections to test, train, and validate emerging hardware and software technologies.

Description

We are looking for a User Study & Data Operations Engineer to lead end-to-end data collection programs. In this role, you will work directly with algorithm scientists, machine learning researchers, and engineering leads to turn raw research questions into clear study designs, practical test protocols, and reliable lab operations. You will oversee testing across internal prototype labs and external data collection vendors. In this role, you will run human-subject studies from initial scoping through protocol design and multi-site execution.

Responsibilities

• Work with Algorithm, Machine Learning, Hardware, and Software teams to translate study research and data goals into data capture plans that balance data quality, sample size, and timeline constraints.
• Write detailed study protocols, task instructions, moderator scripts, consent forms, and subjective surveys.
• Set up and operate internal prototype test benches, including prototype hardware, cameras, specialized lighting, tracking sensors, and data logging hardware; troubleshoot technical and benchtop issues as they arise.
• Run participant sessions, keeping studies on schedule while strictly enforcing safety, privacy, and confidentiality guidelines.
• Draft Statements of Work (SOWs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for external data collection vendors; inspect incoming datasets and resolve field issues quickly.
• Document workflows, build checklists, and improve data-handling routines so studies run reliably and repeatably.
• Note: This role requires regular on-site lab presence for equipment bring-up and study execution, along with 5–15% domestic and/or international travel to study sites and vendor facilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Human Factors, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Life/Physical Sciences, or equivalent job-related experience.
• 3+ years of experience running user study operations, human factors tests, data operations, hardware/software QA, or technical lab operations.
• Experience writing, piloting, and running human-subject test protocols, task sequences, moderator guidelines, or standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Experience working directly with technical teams (such as algorithms, machine learning, or systems engineering) to turn technical requirements into operational study plans.
• Experience managing external data collection vendors, including drafting Statements of Work (SOWs), auditing data deliverables, and holding partners to quality criteria.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience setting up prototype hardware, optical/sensor rigs, studio lighting, or camera tracking systems.
• Experience using Python, Bash, or shell scripts to verify, check, and process collected data.
• Background in human factors methods, psychophysical scaling, survey design, and qualitative debriefs.
• Experience using modern AI‑assisted development tools and agentic coding workflows to quickly build scripts, internal dashboards, and operational tools that automate repetitive tasks.
• Track record of creating clear operational processes and reference documentation where none previously existed.
• Clear communicator who can align priorities across research scientists, engineers, legal, privacy, and operations teams.
• Experience guiding study moderators and communicating clearly and respectfully with study participants during sensitive prototype tests.

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $144,600 and $263,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition.

Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.