Lead Human Factors Research Engineer

1 week ago


Blacksburg, Virginia, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

Position Overview

Make a significant impact while engaging with cutting-edge technologies in a sector that influences the safety and quality of life for countless individuals. The transportation industry is experiencing a remarkable evolution as automated and safety-oriented technologies are integrated into one of the largest sectors in the U.S. You have the opportunity to contribute to life-saving initiatives by mitigating heavy vehicle accidents and enhancing livelihoods through the assessment of automated technologies in commercial vehicles. At the Commonwealth of Virginia, we are committed to collaborating with government entities, transportation and safety organizations, vehicle manufacturers, and other stakeholders to address these challenges and enhance transportation safety and performance on our roadways.

The Division of Freight, Transit, and Heavy Vehicle Safety (DHVY) is seeking qualified, experienced, and driven professionals in engineering (industrial), human factors, or traffic safety, with a robust background in psychology, safety, and/or vehicle technology.

This role is designed for candidates who exhibit substantial project leadership and management experience in transportation research or related disciplines. Ideal candidates will possess a knack for resolving complex issues through the application of advanced research methodologies and will be adept at conducting research and disseminating findings ethically. Research initiatives may range from driving simulator and test track experiments with individual vehicles to extensive naturalistic driving studies that gather data from numerous vehicles on public roads. Topics of investigation include, but are not limited to, driver behavior (distraction and fatigue), automated vehicle systems, collision warning/avoidance technologies, and cybersecurity. Candidates must be enthusiastic about working with heavy vehicles, including commercial trucks, transit buses, and motorcoaches.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of research proposals and assist senior researchers in proposal creation.
  • Conduct and oversee comprehensive literature reviews.
  • Spearhead the conceptualization and formulation of work plans, protocols, and procedures.
  • Review, critique, and refine research plans and reports.
  • Collaborate with subcontractors and engage with stakeholders and sponsors.
  • Maintain existing sponsor relationships while cultivating new connections and securing research funding.
  • Prepare and analyze research data.
  • Interpret findings and formulate robust conclusions.
  • Draft research reports and present findings to stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with engineers, designers, and testing personnel to process data from vehicle sensors.
  • Work effectively both independently and within multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Travel to research sites for data collection and conferences as necessary.
  • Supervise the work of researchers, graduate assistants, and technicians, providing mentorship to junior staff.
  • Provide guidance on project objectives, feedback on research plans, and manage project logistics, including scheduling and budget oversight.

Required Qualifications
  • PhD in Industrial Engineering, Human Factors Engineering, or a related Psychology field. A Master's degree may be considered with substantial training and experience.
  • Strong understanding of human factors principles for analysis and interpretation.
  • Demonstrated experience in transportation or a related field.
  • Proven ability to lead project teams and manage schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
  • Excellent writing and organizational skills.
  • Publications in the fields of human factors, intelligent transportation systems, and safety analysis.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Programming experience, particularly with Matlab.
  • Background in data processing and analysis.
  • Experience in proposal writing.

The selected candidate will undergo a criminal background check and must possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record. Eligibility to work in the U.S. is required due to Export Controls.

About the Commonwealth of Virginia

The Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering creativity through a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach. Committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and beyond, the Commonwealth engages in significant research initiatives that contribute to the well-being of communities.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants based on various protected characteristics.



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