Associate Director - Human Factors Engineering (RAIL)

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic & Technical Leadership
• Lead the planning, execution, and integration of Human Factors activities across the full system lifecycle, from concept through to operation and maintenance. Establish HF design philosophies and strategies aligned with project and regulatory requirements. Act as technical lead on key rail and infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with HF integration strategies and applicable standards (e.g. EN 50126, ISO 9241, RIS-7100, RSSB guidance).
• Experience producing Human Factors Integration Plans, Human Factors Issue Logs and Human Factors Assessment Report and experience of conducting assessments such as Hierarchal Task Analysis. Execute HF design development activities, including design reviews, mock-ups, simulators, and structured user feedback studies.
• Lead certification planning and develop compliance strategies for HF-related system elements. Provide expert input into RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety) assurance activities.
• Translate regulatory and system requirements into clear, verifiable HF design and usability criteria. Conduct and review task analyses, HMI design assessments, usability testing, cognitive workload studies, and error management strategies.
• Develop, review, and approve certification-related documentation (e.g., Issue Papers, Equivalent Levels of Safety, Test Plans, Design Reports). Oversee planning and execution of HF-related test campaigns, including fabrication, witnessing, and compliance evidence.
• Interface with certification bodies and regulatory stakeholders to demonstrate compliance and resolve design queries. Drive human-centred design within multidisciplinary teams, ensuring HF is embedded in technical decisions and design trade-offs.
• Project and Team Management
•  Contribute to project proposals, technical scoping, and estimation of HF effort and cost.
• Ensure timely and high-quality delivery of HF work packages, aligned with programme constraints and project milestones.
• Review and sign off technical documentation, HF reports, and deliverables to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Mentor junior engineers and support performance development through project delivery and structured feedback.
• Industry Engagement & Knowledge Development
• Maintain strong working knowledge of UK and international Human Factors and rail standards, including regulatory frameworks such as CSM-RA and ORR.
• Represent AECOM in client meetings, industry working groups, and technical committees.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of HF methodologies, tools, and guidance within AECOM.
• Identify innovation opportunities and contribute to thought leadership, technical training, and capability building across the Human Factors discipline.  
• QUALIFICATIONS:
• Essential Qualifications and Experience
• Master’s degree (MSc) in Human Factors, Ergonomics, or a closely related discipline
• A minimum of 10–15 years’ professional experience in Human Factors, including at least 5 years in the rail or other regulated, safety-critical environments
• Significant experience applying Human Factors principles to UK and international rail programmes, with expert understanding of relevant standards (e.g., EN 50126, RIS-7100, RSSB guidance)
• Proven technical leadership in the delivery of HF activities, including HMI design, task and workload analysis, error management, human-system integration, and user-centred design
• Strong capability in interpreting and developing engineering specifications and HF compliance documentation
• Experience supporting RAMS, safety cases, and certification processes
• Highly effective communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders, present to clients, and influence outcomes across disciplines
• Proficiency in English
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HF-related tools
• Preferred Qualifications
• Holds or working towards Chartered status or equivalent
• Experience in regulatory or consultancy environments (e.g., ORR, RSSB, RAIB)
• Familiarity with ERTMS, CBTC, GSM-R, or modern signalling/control system environments
• UK Rail experience
• Involvement in industry standards groups or technical committees
• Our ideal candidate will demonstrate:
• Initiative and self-motivation, with the ability to work independently and take ownership of complex tasks
•  A relationship builder who can engage confidently and professionally with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders at all levels
• Team focused, with a collaborative approach to delivering shared goals across disciplines and geographies
•  Clear and consistent communicator, able to convey technical ideas and project needs effectively in both verbal and written formats
• Sound judgement and practical decision-making, with the ability to evaluate information quickly, identify key issues, and offer robust solutions
• Commitment to quality and attention to detail, ensuring work meets high standards of accuracy and compliance
• A supportive mentor and role model, who contributes to team development and fosters a positive working environment
• Professional integrity, aligned with AECOM’s values of inclusion, accountability, and delivering excellence

At AECOM, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity

Our Freedom to Grow hybrid working philosophy is the cornerstone of our success as a business – supporting a culture of flexibility, trust and performance at AECOM.

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About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.