17 Human Factors Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Human factors engineers are responsible for designing products and systems that are easy and safe to use. They work to understand how people interact with technology and how they can be best accommodated. This includes everything from computer interfaces to medical devices to cars.

If you’re interviewing for a human factors engineering job, you can expect to be asked a range of questions about your understanding of human behavior and your experience with designing for usability. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of human factors engineer interview questions and answers.

Are you familiar with the human-machine interface (HMI) design process?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to gauge your knowledge of the human factors engineering process. Human-machine interface design is one of the steps in the human factors engineering process, and it involves designing how users interact with machines. Your answer should show that you understand what HMI design entails and can apply the principles of the process to your work.

Example: “I am familiar with the human-machine interface design process because I have used it many times in my previous roles. In fact, I find it helpful to use the human-machine interface design process as a guide when creating new interfaces for software applications or websites. It helps me ensure that I consider all aspects of the user experience, including things like color schemes, font types and sizes and other elements that make up the overall user interface.”

What are some of the most important considerations when designing an industrial control panel?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your knowledge of human factors engineering and how it applies to industrial control panels. Use examples from your experience to highlight the importance of designing a control panel that is easy to use, safe and efficient for operators.

Example: “The most important considerations when designing an industrial control panel are safety, efficiency and ease of use. For example, in my last role as a human factors engineer, I worked with a client who was developing a new type of power generator. The client wanted to create a generator that would be more efficient than current models on the market. However, they also needed to ensure that their product was safe for consumers to use.”

How would you conduct a task analysis for an industrial setting?

A human factors engineer needs to be able to conduct a variety of tasks, including conducting task analyses. A task analysis is an important part of the design process because it helps you understand how users interact with a product or system and what their goals are. Your answer should show that you know how to perform this essential function as a human factors engineer.

Example: “I would first identify the goal of the user by asking them questions about why they’re using the product or system. I’d also ask them about any challenges they face when interacting with the product or system. Then, I’d observe the user performing the task in person or through video recording. Afterward, I’d analyze the data from my observations and interviews to determine which aspects of the product or system need improvement.”

What is your experience with the use of ergonomics in the workplace?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with human factors engineering and how you apply it in the workplace. Use examples from past projects that highlight your knowledge of ergonomics and its importance in designing a safe work environment for employees.

Example: “In my last role, I worked on several projects where we had to consider the use of ergonomics when creating new products or improving existing ones. For example, one project involved redesigning an assembly line to improve efficiency while also reducing employee fatigue. In another instance, I helped create a new computer system that would reduce repetitive stress injuries among employees.”

Provide an example of a time when you identified a workplace hazard and devised a solution to resolve it.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you apply them in the workplace. Use examples from previous jobs to describe a time when you identified a hazard, developed a solution and implemented it successfully.

Example: “At my last job, I noticed that employees were having trouble using our software program because of its complex interface. The program was designed for multiple users with different roles, so I decided to create an online training course to help employees understand the software better. I created a series of videos that explained each aspect of the software clearly, which helped employees use the program efficiently.”

If you had to choose one, what is your preferred engineering specialty?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new employer and the work environment. It also allows you to share what you enjoy most about being an engineer. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention one or two of your favorite aspects of engineering and why they are important to you.

Example: “I would say my preferred specialty is human-centered design. I love working with people and figuring out how to make their lives easier through technology. In my last role, I worked on a team that was developing a new software program for doctors to use in the office. We spent a lot of time talking to doctors and nurses to find out what features they wanted in the program. This helped us create something that made their jobs easier.”

What would you say are the most important skills for a human factors engineer to possess?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you possess the skills necessary for this role. You can answer this question by listing the most important skills and explaining why they are important.

Example: “The two most important skills for a human factors engineer are problem-solving and communication. A human factors engineer needs to be able to solve problems in order to create effective solutions. I believe my ability to think critically, analyze data and come up with creative solutions makes me well suited for this role. Another skill that’s important for a human factors engineer is communication. Engineers need to be able to communicate their ideas clearly so others can understand them. I have experience presenting my work to large groups of people, which has helped me develop my public speaking skills.”

How well do you work in a team setting?

Human factors engineers often work in teams to solve problems and create solutions. Employers ask this question to make sure you can collaborate with others. Use your answer to show that you are a team player who is willing to share ideas and opinions. Explain how you enjoy working as part of a group.

Example: “I have always enjoyed teamwork, especially when it comes to solving complex problems. I find that the more minds we have on a project, the better our results tend to be. In my last role, I worked alongside two other human factors engineers. We would meet once a week to discuss any issues or concerns we had with projects. This helped us learn from each other and develop new strategies for problem-solving.”

Do you have any experience with the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software?

The interviewer may ask you this question to learn about your experience with human factors engineering software. If you have previous experience using CAD software, describe the type of software and how it helped you in your work. If you do not have any experience with CAD software, you can discuss your experience with other types of computer-based design programs.

Example: “I’ve used several different types of computer-aided design (CAD) software throughout my career as a human factors engineer. I started out working with AutoCAD when I was an intern at a technology company. The company had me use AutoCAD to create prototypes for new products they were developing. Later on in my career, I worked with SolidWorks, which is another popular CAD program that engineers use to create 3D models.”

When performing risk assessments, what is your process for determining the severity of a situation?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Use examples from past projects to highlight how you analyze data, evaluate risks and make decisions that affect the safety of employees or customers.

Example: “When performing risk assessments, I first look at the probability of an event occurring and its severity if it does occur. For example, in my last role as a human factors engineer for a large tech company, we were working on a new software update when one of our developers discovered a bug that could potentially freeze users’ computers. We immediately halted production until we fixed the issue. The severity of the situation was high because it would have caused major problems for our customers.”

We want to ensure our products are as user-friendly as possible. How would you go about conducting a usability test?

This question allows you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work with a team. You can explain how you would go about conducting a usability test, what the process is like and why it’s important for ensuring products are user-friendly.

Example: “I would first create a plan of action that outlines who I want to participate in the usability test, where I will conduct the test and when I’ll do so. Then, I would recruit participants based on their demographics and knowledge of the product. During the usability test, I would observe the participant as they use the product and take notes on any issues or concerns they have. Afterward, I would analyze my notes and make recommendations for improving the product.”

Describe your process for conducting a field test.

Field tests are an important part of the human factors engineering process. The interviewer may ask this question to gain insight into your experience conducting field tests and how you apply your knowledge in a real-world setting. In your answer, describe the steps you take when conducting a field test and highlight any specific skills or techniques that help you complete these tasks successfully.

Example: “I start by identifying the problem I’m trying to solve with my field test. Next, I create a hypothesis based on the information I have about the problem. Then, I select a sample group for the study and recruit participants who meet the criteria. After that, I conduct the actual field test and analyze the results. Finally, I use the data from the field test to make recommendations for improving the situation.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and why you are the best person for the job. Before your interview, make a list of all of your skills and experiences that relate to human factors engineering. Focus on what makes you unique from other candidates and highlight any transferable skills or knowledge you have that can help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I am passionate about designing products that are safe for consumers. I also understand how important it is to consider usability when creating new technology. In my previous role as a user experience designer, I learned how to create intuitive designs that were easy for customers to use. This skill has helped me become an expert at understanding customer needs and developing solutions that meet those needs.”

Which industries do you have the most experience working in?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your experience level and how it relates to their company. Use this opportunity to highlight any unique or impressive experiences you’ve had in the past, such as working with a specific type of client or on a challenging project.

Example: “I have worked primarily in healthcare facilities, but I also have some experience working for large corporations that are looking to improve their human factors engineering. In my last role, I was tasked with improving the ergonomics of an office space, which included everything from furniture placement to employee break areas. This helped me learn more about what types of projects different companies need.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of your job as a human factors engineer?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your understanding of human factors engineering and how you approach your job. Your answer should include an explanation of what you think is most important about human factors engineering, along with an example of a time when you applied that aspect to your work.

Example: “The most important part of my job as a human factors engineer is ensuring that I am designing products that are safe for consumers. In my last role, I was working on a new app design and realized that there were several elements of the app that could be confusing or dangerous for users. I worked with my team to redesign the app so it would be more user-friendly while still achieving its original goals.”

How often do you conduct safety audits?

Human factors engineers are responsible for conducting safety audits to ensure that the company’s products and services meet industry standards. Interviewers ask this question to determine how often you conduct these audits and whether or not you have experience doing so. In your answer, explain what steps you take during a safety audit and why it is important to do them regularly.

Example: “I perform regular safety audits on all of my projects because I believe they are an essential part of human factors engineering. During each audit, I evaluate the product or service from every angle to make sure that it meets industry standards. If there are any issues with the design, I work with my team to fix them before we move forward with production. This helps me ensure that our clients’ products are safe for consumers.”

There is a discrepancy between the prototype and the actual production model of a device you designed. How would you handle this?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle a challenging situation and whether your response shows that you have the skills to solve problems. In your answer, try to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others to find solutions.

Example: “If there was a discrepancy between the prototype and actual production model of a device I designed, I would first look at the design specifications for both models to see if they were followed correctly. If so, then I would meet with my team members to discuss possible reasons why the two devices are different. We would then come up with a solution to fix the issue or implement new procedures to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”