Principal Engineer - Human Factors

  • Matchtech
  • Barrow-in-furness, Cumbria
  • Jan 12, 2026
Contractor Consultant

Job Description



Internal Description

Principal Engineer - Human Factors
1 position
Barrow
Hybrid - 2-3 days per week
66.14 PAYE
SC clearance


Our client, a prominent entity in the Defence & Security sector, is currently seeking a Principal Engineer - Human Factors to join their team on a contract basis. This role is based in Barrow with hybrid working arrangements (2-3 days per week). This is a unique opportunity to contribute to critical projects in the submarine solutions domain.



Human Factors Engineer

Location: Barrow
Contract Type: contract - hybrid working 2 days on site
12 month contract



About the Role

We are looking for a talented Human Factors Engineer to join our specialist Human Factors team. This team plays a vital role in ensuring that our products are designed around the people who operate them - improving performance, increasing safety, and minimising the potential for human error.

You will be involved in all major boat programmes as well as site redevelopment and site safety projects, contributing throughout the full product lifecycle.



Key Responsibilities

As a Human Factors Engineer, you will:

  • Provide Human Factors support to design and analysis activities across multiple programmes in line with the Human Factors Integration Plan (HFIP)

  • Conduct a range of human factors activities including:

    • Task, workload, situation awareness and human reliability analysis

    • Workspace analysis

    • Human-Machine Interface (HMI) / Human-Computer Interface (HCI) development

    • Manpower and target audience analysis

    • Health hazard assessments

  • Produce evidence to support qualification, legislative compliance and safety justifications

  • Identify and resolve issues across all product lifecycle stages and manage resulting design changes

  • Undertake peer reviews, verification and checking activities

  • Provide accurate programme status updates, identify risks and implement recovery plans

  • Support Certificate of Design activities within your discipline

  • Clearly communicate complex technical arguments to a range of stakeholders

  • Apply Quality and HS&E Management System processes and documentation



Key Deliverables

  • High-quality Human Factors analysis, assessment and user trials reports

  • Ongoing Human Factors advice to project teams

  • Representation at spatial reviews, technical reviews and decision panels

  • Strong working relationships with systems engineering teams



Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential Knowledge

  • Understanding of manufacturing, assembly, commissioning and testing processes

  • Awareness of environmental challenges affecting product performance

  • Knowledge of specialist analysis tools and relevant engineering standards

  • Understanding of safety and environmental regulations

  • Ability to recognise when specialist input is required

Key Skills & Experience

  • Proven experience working as a Human Factors practitioner

  • Strong ability to identify and manage complex technical issues

  • Clear understanding of how your work contributes to the wider product lifecycle

Qualifications

  • Degree (or equivalent) in a Human Factors-related discipline - Preferred

  • Capable of achieving appropriate Professional Institution membership level