Human Factors Specialist

Human Factors Speicalist

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 80,000 pilots at 43 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Human Factors Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office. As an integral member of the Engineering & Air Safety (E&AS) department, the Human Factors Specialist is the primary staff point of contact and Subject Matter Expert (SME) on promoting safety through the integration of human factors principles throughout aircraft design and certification, standard operating procedures, and airline operations.

The Human Factors Specialist advances ALPA's safety objectives by ensuring that human factors considerations are systematically integrated into the design, certification, operation of aircraft, standard operating procedures, and airline training systems. This role supports the evaluation of regulatory proposals, operational concepts, and emerging technologies, including advancements in automation, to identify human factors issues and promote pilot-centered solutions.

The position applies human factors engineering and Human Systems Integration (HSI) principles to assess aviation systems, operations, training programs, and regulations that affect pilot workload, flight deck interface design, and operational safety. Additionally, the position will analyze aviation safety, operations, and research data to identify human factors trends and/or patterns and recommend potential human factors interventions, mitigations, and tradeoffs.

The Specialist also contributes human factors expertise to the development and harmonization of domestic and international standards, collaborating closely with ALPA pilot volunteers in the Air Safety Organization and its associated technical groups (Accident Analysis & Prevention, Aircraft Design & Operations, Airport & Ground Environment, Air Traffic Services, Human Factors & Training, and Safety Management Systems).

This position reinforces the link between human factors and safety, ensuring that system design, aircraft design and certification, standard operating procedures, and pilot training reflect operational realities, manage workload effectively, and enhance resilience across the aviation system.

Travel: Up to 20%; sporadically, travel, local and national, could be as much as 25% of the time.

ALPA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in a safe workplace. We prohibit discrimination, harassment and harmful behavior of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, caste, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics as outlined in federal or provincial laws. We highly value everyone and all are encouraged to apply, including minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

ALPA is a member-driven, staff supported, union with two internal professional unions.

Minimum Requirements:

Master's degree in aviation human factors or a related field from an accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Five (5) or more years of direct work (post education) experience in aviation human factors related to pilot performance, flight deck design, standard operating procedures, workload management, and/or other human factors studies and functions.
• In-depth knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). Knowledge of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) as they apply to aviation human factors also desirable.
• Prior work experience with airlines, the FAA, Transport Canada, or related aviation organizations in human factors is highly desirable.
• Pilot's license with instrument rating preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in the design, implementation, and evaluation of standard operating procedures, emphasizing application of human-centered principles.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with pilots, regulators, airline representatives, and technical experts.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic regulatory and industry environment.
• Ability to learn quickly and seamlessly adapt to changing demands is extremely important.
• Able to work independently and to be proactive in identifying and responding to issues and problems.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office including Teams, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Able to work flexible schedule on short notice as needed.

Physical Demands:

Note: The physical demands described herein are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential physical activities of this position described below.

Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet. Regularly required to maintain a stationary position; move about the office and the local metropolitan area; determine what others have said or written; and, converse with others and exchange accurate information.

Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and travel (locally, nationally, and internationally). May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving, e.g., to pack, unpack, and/or move cases.

Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds (lbs.). While on travel, could be responsible to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs. (Assistance may not always be available.)

ALPA offers competitive salaries with terrific benefits, including:

• 401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 12% plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days of employment. No employee contribution required! Employees can choose to make pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions to the 401(k). The plan permits in-plan Roth conversions and has a 4-year vesting schedule. The MBCBP has a 3-year cliff vesting period;
• Generous health care benefits on day one - Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and a Kaiser HMO Plan (where available), which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for the employee, their spouse, and/or dependent children. Employees do not have to pay premiums if they enroll in the Aetna High Deductible Health Plan or the Kaiser HMO Plan;
• 15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year;
• Generous sick and bereavement leave;
• Competitive parental leave;
• Company-paid coverage for long term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment;
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts;
• Retiree health plan and a retiree health account (retiree HRA). Funds in the retiree health account can be used to pay for eligible medical expenses in retirement;
• Education Assistance Program that reimburses 100% of eligible expenses;
• Optional benefits include a legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available); and,
• Partial remote work opportunities are available after six months of service.

PROJECTED ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $ 96,027.00 - $ 137,179.00

Relocation not provided.

Sponsorship not available for this position.

PM19