Engineering Psychologist (Human Factors) DEVCOM Soldier Center TACF Houston SEP 2024

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC) has an immediate opening for an Engineering Psychologist (Human Factors) to join our Applied Ergonomics Branch in Natick, MA. This position is being filled utilizing the Direct Hire Authority appointment of qualified candidates possessing a bachelor’s or advanced degree to professional scientific and engineering positions within the U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center. This is a Term appointment not to exceed one year which may be extended.

The Soldier Effectiveness Directorate’s Applied Ergonomics Branch is seeking an Engineering Psychologist or Engineer (Human Factors) to provide ergonomic guidance for the development and evaluation of clothing and individual equipment, as well as organizational equipment (airdrop, shelters, food service) intended for Soldier use. The team conducts applied military research in the areas of anthropometry (secular changes in military anthropometry, sizing system development, fit, 3/4D human body modeling for body shape analysis and human-equipment interface evaluation), human factors (user experience/usability, compatibility, comfort, mission performance (marksmanship, visual, tactility/dexterity, mobility) and Human System Integration. The ideal candidate will have a degree in one of the following disciplines:  

0180 - Psychology Series: This series covers positions involving professional work relating to the behavior, capacities, traits, interests and activities of human and animal organisms.  This work may involve one or a combination of the following functions: (1) experimenting with or systematically observing organisms to develop scientific principles or laws concerning the relationship of behavior to factors of the environment, experience, or physiology, or to develop practical application of findings; (2) applying professional knowledge of psychological principles, theories, methods, or data to practical situations and problems; and (3) providing consultative services or training in psycho-logical principles, theories, methods, and techniques to advance knowledge of them and their appropriate use.

0801 - General Engineering Series: This series includes all classes of positions, the duties of which are to advise on, administer, supervise, or perform research or other professional and scientific work of a special or miscellaneous character which is not specifically classifiable in any other engineering series, but which involves the application of a knowledge of such engineering fundamentals as the strength and strain analysis of engineering materials and structures, the physical and chemical characteristics of engineering materials such as elastic limits, maximum unit stresses, coefficients of expansion, workability, hardness, tendency to fatigue, resistance to corrosion, engineering adaptability, engineering methods of construction and processing, etc.; or positions involving professional work in several branches of engineering.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Range: $44,709 - $179.462

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: performing background planning and research design, data collection, analysis of results, and reporting through presentations and documentation for clothing and individual equipment. The incumbent will design, execute and report on human factors related research and product testing, providing data-driven recommendations and solutions.  Work topics are constantly changing, but examples include:

• Development of a series of methodologies for testing and evaluation of a head borne integrated display (ballistic helmets with integrated heads-up, thermal/night vision, mission information, etc.), specifically field of view, depth perception, and impacts on hearing/speech and other potential human performance impacts by these products.
• Developing methods to measure assessing the role of team dynamics, leadership, and communications in small team/squad level mission task performance (i.e., a marksmanship task, react to contact drill, or urban operations).
• Understanding the impact of individual characteristics on mission and marksmanship performance, via the utilization of a simulated weapons system to measure lethality, movement/stability and decision-making.
• Iterative design assessment of clothing items (e.g., chemical/biological protective ensemble) for improved usability and mission performance.

BENEFITS -

• Annual and sick leave — 11 paid federal holidays, 13 days of sick leave and 13 days paid vacation time
• Flexible work environment and alternate work schedules
• Paid employment related training and education
• Possible student loan repayment
• Payment of licenses, certification, and academic degrees as applicable
• Bonuses, incentives, and awards as appropriate for the job
• Flexible Spending Accounts — Health Care (HCFSA)
• Comprehensive health benefits (FEHB)
• Life insurance (FEGLI)
• Generous retirement programs (FERS)
• Possible Recruitment Incentive up to $10,000

- Must be a U.S. citizen and provide proof of citizenship at time of hire

- Business travel required 10% of the time

- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance