Director of Human Factors Engineering – Wearable Devices
Are you a forward-thinking leader passionate about designing user-centric technology? We are seeking a Director of Human Factors Engineering to join an innovative wearable devices company in Miami, FL. This pivotal role will shape how cutting-edge health and wellness technologies interact with users, ensuring optimal comfort, functionality, and usability. If you excel at bridging design, engineering, and human behavior, this leadership opportunity is tailored for you.
Drive User-Centered Innovation in Next-Gen Wearables
A fast-growing wearable technology firm based in Miami, FL is looking for a Director of Human Factors Engineering to lead the development of intuitive and ergonomic device experiences. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in human factors, UX research, and product design—especially in wearable or medical devices. If you’re passionate about enhancing user experience through data-driven insights and multidisciplinary collaboration, this role offers the chance to influence the next generation of wearable tech.
Key Responsibilities of the Director of Human Factors Engineering – Wearable Devices
Human-Centered Design Leadership: Lead the strategic vision and execution of human factors engineering across product development. Ensure all wearable devices are designed with usability, safety, comfort, and user satisfaction as core priorities.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with product managers, industrial designers, hardware/software engineers, and clinical experts to align product design with user needs and technical constraints. Serve as a key liaison between engineering and end-user insights.
User Research & Data Analysis: Direct qualitative and quantitative user research, usability testing, and field studies to gather actionable insights. Translate complex user data into design recommendations that enhance user experience and product adoption.
Product Development & Innovation: Guide the design and validation of prototypes with a focus on ergonomics, cognitive load, and real-world user interaction. Contribute to early concept ideation, iterative design, and post-market improvements.
Regulatory & Standards Compliance: Ensure human factors processes meet FDA and ISO regulatory requirements for medical and wearable devices. Prepare documentation and testing protocols in support of regulatory submissions and risk management.
Mentorship & Team Development: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing human factors team. Foster a culture of innovation, curiosity, and continuous improvement within the department.
Strategic Influence: Advocate for user-centered design principles across the organization. Influence product strategy through compelling research findings and alignment with business goals.
Technology Integration: Stay abreast of emerging trends in wearables, sensor technologies, and behavioral sciences. Leverage cutting-edge tools and methodologies to continuously improve the human-machine interface.
Quality & Safety Advocacy: Champion the role of human factors in minimizing user error, improving device usability, and enhancing overall safety and satisfaction in consumer-facing health tech.
Project & Resource Management: Oversee project timelines, budgets, and resources for the human factors function. Ensure timely execution of deliverables within cross-disciplinary product teams.
What the Client is Looking for in You
As the Director of Human Factors Engineering – Wearable Devices, the client seeks an experienced and visionary leader who can transform user research and design into exceptional wearable experiences. You should be a data-driven, collaborative, and empathetic professional capable of integrating human-centered design into the core of product innovation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in human factors, a passion for enhancing user interaction, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams in a high-growth, tech-forward environment.
Expertise in Human Factors & User-Centered Design
The client is looking for a senior-level expert with a deep understanding of human factors engineering, usability testing, and user research methodologies—ideally within wearable or medical device industries. Your ability to identify user needs, minimize cognitive load, and translate insights into intuitive product designs is critical to success in this role.
Strategic Vision for Product Experience
You should bring a strategic mindset to human factors, capable of aligning user-centered design principles with long-term business and product goals. The client values individuals who can anticipate user challenges, influence product direction early in the development cycle, and contribute to innovative solutions that enhance comfort, safety, and performance.
Strong Cross-Functional Communication
Collaboration is key. The ideal candidate must excel in partnering with multidisciplinary teams, including product management, hardware/software engineering, industrial design, and marketing. Your ability to advocate for the user voice, while balancing technical constraints and business priorities, is highly valued.
Regulatory Knowledge & Industry Standards
A solid understanding of regulatory requirements—particularly FDA human factors guidance, IEC 62366, or ISO usability standards—is essential. Experience supporting documentation and testing for regulatory submissions in the medical or health technology space is a strong asset.
Leadership & Team Development
You will be expected to lead and inspire a growing team of human factors professionals. The client seeks someone who can mentor junior researchers, scale team capabilities, and build a culture rooted in empathy, experimentation, and excellence.
Analytical & Research-Driven Mindset
Your ability to design and interpret usability studies, gather behavioral insights, and make data-informed design recommendations will be key to optimizing the user experience. The ideal candidate is curious, methodical, and always looking to refine and evolve products through research.
Passion for Innovation in Wearable Tech
Finally, the client values professionals who are excited about the future of wearable devices and human augmentation. A strong interest in how technology enhances everyday human life—and a drive to push boundaries through design—is essential for success in this role.
FAQs About the Role – Director of Human Factors Engineering – Wearable Devices
1. What are the key responsibilities of the Director of Human Factors Engineering?
As the Director of Human Factors Engineering, you will lead the design and implementation of human-centered solutions for wearable devices. This includes overseeing user research, usability testing, ergonomics, and product interaction design. You will work cross-functionally with engineering, product management, and design teams to ensure products are intuitive, safe, and optimized for user comfort. You will also guide compliance efforts related to usability standards and mentor a team of human factors professionals.
2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have a degree in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Cognitive Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field, with 10+ years of experience in human factors or user experience roles—preferably within the medical device, wearable tech, or consumer electronics space. Demonstrated expertise in usability research, human-machine interaction, and regulatory documentation (e.g., FDA, ISO 9241, IEC 62366) is essential. Leadership experience in scaling human factors functions is highly desirable.
3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client seeks a strategic, empathetic, and collaborative leader who can build high-performing teams and integrate human factors into product development from concept to launch. You should be a strong communicator, an advocate for the user, and able to influence cross-functional teams with data-driven insights. A passion for innovation and continuous improvement is critical to success in this role.
4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
You may encounter challenges such as balancing user needs with engineering constraints, aligning usability with regulatory requirements, and scaling research methodologies in fast-paced product cycles. Navigating cross-functional priorities and securing buy-in for human-centered design initiatives will also require strategic influence and stakeholder management.
5. How does this role impact product development and business success?
Your work will be instrumental in creating safe, effective, and user-friendly wearable devices. By embedding human factors into the product lifecycle, you’ll help reduce design risks, enhance user satisfaction, and increase product adoption—ultimately contributing to business growth, brand reputation, and regulatory success.
6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company thrives on innovation, collaboration, and a user-first mindset. It fosters a fast-paced, multidisciplinary work environment where diverse perspectives are valued. As a senior leader, you’ll help shape a culture that embraces creativity, experimentation, and continuous learning.
What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?
As the Director of Human Factors Engineering – Wearable Devices, you can expect a highly competitive compensation package that reflects your specialized expertise, leadership capabilities, and the strategic importance of your role in driving innovation and user-centered product design. The compensation typically includes the following components:
1. Base Salary
The base salary for this role varies depending on company size, location, and candidate experience. For a senior-level Director in the wearable tech or medical device industry, the annual base salary typically ranges from $180,000 to $250,000, with some high-profile firms offering even more for top-tier talent.
2. Performance-Based Bonuses
In addition to the base salary, most compensation packages include annual performance bonuses linked to product success, team performance, user satisfaction metrics, and organizational impact. Bonuses generally range from 15% to 30% of the base salary, with top performers earning higher percentages.
3. Equity & Stock Options
For roles at high-growth or innovative tech companies, equity participation is often a key part of total compensation. You may receive stock options, RSUs (Restricted Stock Units), or performance shares, aligning your contributions with long-term company success and shareholder value.
4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Some employers offer LTIPs to reward consistent leadership and product innovation over time. These plans may be tied to key milestones in product development, market penetration, or regulatory success.
5. Executive Benefits & Perks
You’ll be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
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Health, dental, and vision insurance
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401(k) or retirement savings plans with company match
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Life and disability insurance
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Paid time off, parental leave, and wellness days
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Professional development stipends
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Flexible work arrangements or hybrid schedules
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Relocation support (if applicable)
6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
To attract the right candidate, companies may offer signing bonuses ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, and relocation assistance for out-of-state or international hires.
Total Compensation Potential
When including base salary, performance incentives, and equity, total annual compensation for this role can range from $200,000 to $400,000+, depending on company stage, location, and your qualifications. In venture-backed or public companies, equity may significantly enhance the long-term value of your compensation package.
How to Apply
If you are a passionate, user-centered design leader with a strong background in human factors engineering and a deep understanding of wearable or medical device technologies, we encourage you to apply for the Director of Human Factors Engineering – Wearable Devices role. This is a high-impact opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary team and shape the future of next-generation wearable health technologies.
To apply, please submit your updated resume along with a cover letter that highlights your experience in human factors research, usability testing, regulatory compliance (such as FDA or ISO standards), and cross-functional leadership. Be sure to showcase your contributions to successful product launches, design validation processes, and innovations that enhanced user safety, comfort, and engagement.
This role offers the chance to directly influence product strategy, lead cutting-edge research, and play a pivotal role in delivering intuitive and clinically impactful wearable solutions. Take the next step in your career and join a company where your insights drive better outcomes for users and patients alike.
Apply today to shape the next generation of human-centric wearable devices!
For more information or to explore related leadership roles in design and engineering, visit our Wearable Technology & MedTech Executive Search page.
Tags:
Director Human Factors | Wearable Technology Jobs | MedTech Executive Jobs | Human-Centered Design | Usability Engineering | Medical Devices | UX Leadership | FDA Human Factors Compliance | Design Innovation | Cross-Functional Leadership