Using their training and knowledge to improve the way people interact with machines and other technology, engineering psychologists put their understanding of the human mind and behavior to good use to influence the engineering designs of various products and devices. The work they do plays an important role in the improvement of technology and consumer products, as well as job settings and residential environments. Most engineering psychologists find employment in the private sector, but as technology becomes a more significant part of everyday life, the need for these types of psychologists will continue to increase in other areas.
What Type of Positions Can an Engineering Psychologist Hold?
Professionals who enter this career field typically undergo a certain amount of training that combines both engineering and psychology, including coursework that concentrates on how to integrate the two disciplines. Because of this, engineering psychologists can find work related to nearly any engineering- and industrial-related profession that includes a wide range of fields, such as medical, aviation, the government, and even the computer software industry.
Learn more about how to become an engineering psychologist.
Jobs Settings That Provide Positions for Engineering Psychologists
Industry Setting: Wendy A. Rogers, Ph.D., who is a professor at the Human Factors and Aging Laboratory at the Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Psychology, says engineering psychologists work in industry settings where they concentrate on "formative and summative evaluations of new products and systems." She says they hold job titles, such as User Experience Researcher, Usability Testing Manager, and User Experience Architect.
Government Setting: Employed ingovernment settings (such as the Department of Defense), engineering psychologists may assume the role of a 'human factors specialist.' Job positions are found in various government offices, such as the Department of Transportation, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Association, NASA, and all branches of the military.
Business-Related Setting: Engineering psychologists are hired to consult with architects and designers regarding consumer products, such as GPS systems, telephones, cameras, and home appliances.
Medical-Related Setting: Working towards minimizing the risks of accidents and errors regarding medical technology, engineering psychologists help save lives by making medical products, medical equipment, and hospitals safer.
Aviation-Related Setting: Engineering psychologists complete research and projects that help improve aviation technology, such as air traffic control equipment and making a new piece of airplane equipment easier for a pilot to learn and use.
College and University Setting: In academia, those with a doctorate degree often assume the role of professor, and teach courses, including those that deal with "applied cognitive' or 'applied experimental psychology.' According to Rogers, some graduates also find work outside of psychology departments, and may teach courses in computer science, information systems, and industrial engineering. Some academia-related professionals may assume the role of researcher within an institution of higher education – conducting experiments and working towards advancing the overall understanding of the field.
"…jobs are available in all sectors including information/communication technology, education, health, transportation, etc."- Wendy A. Rogers, Ph.D.
Ways for Engineering Psychologists to Increase Desirability as a Job Candidate
According to Rogers, "developing the tools of the trade" helps mold a more desirable job candidate for an engineering psychologist position – one who is able to fulfill the attributes that an employer typically looks for in an employee, such as:
- demonstrating the ability to do task analysis and heuristic analysis
- developing function flow diagrams
- conducting strong research
- clear communication skills regarding statistical knowledge
- working on interdisciplinary teams
- communicating well with designers and programmers
- possessing excellent writing and presentation skills
