Principal System Engineer - Human Factors & Ergonomics

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job ID: R

Date Posted: 2026-09-09

Company Name: HITACHI RAIL STS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science

Job Schedule: Full time

Remote: No

About Us

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there's something for everyone to get stuck into. And that's where you come in.

Job Description

System Engineer - Human Factors & Ergonomics

Mission

Performs Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) engineering activities throughout the full lifecycle of complex rail infrastructure and transportation projects. Ensures that human performance, user needs, operational effectiveness, safety, accessibility, and maintainability are integrated into system design, verification, validation, and operational acceptance. Applies systems engineering principles to optimize the interaction between people, technology, processes, and environments, supporting the delivery of safe, reliable, and user-centered rail systems.

Accountabilities

Lead Human Factors and Ergonomics studies and assessments across all project phases, from concept development through operation and maintenance.

Define and manage HFE requirements and ensure their integration into system, subsystem, and operational design.

Conduct task analyses, workload assessments, usability evaluations, human error analyses, and operational assessments.

Support the development of system architectures, operational concepts, procedures, control centers, driver-machine interfaces, passenger environments, and maintenance facilities.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, operators, maintainers, safety specialists, and stakeholders to ensure human-centered design principles are effectively implemented.

Contribute to hazard identification, safety assurance, and risk management activities, focusing on human performance and operational risks.

Develop and maintain Human Factors deliverables, including HFE plans, analyses, assessments, compliance reports, and verification and validation evidence.

Ensure compliance with applicable railway, human factors, accessibility, safety, and regulatory standards.

Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise on Human Factors and Ergonomics issues across projects and engineering disciplines.

Support design reviews, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness activities to verify that systems meet user and operational requirements.

Performance Criteria

Applies advanced Human Factors and Ergonomics knowledge to solve complex technical and operational challenges. Works independently with minimal supervision, managing HFE activities and interfaces across multidisciplinary project teams. Produces high-quality engineering deliverables that comply with project requirements, industry standards, and systems engineering processes. Identifies, assesses, and mitigates human performance risks through structured analysis and evidence-based recommendations. Effectively engages with stakeholders to balance operational, safety, technical, and user requirements. Provides guidance and mentoring to junior engineers and contributes to the continuous improvement of Human Factors and Systems Engineering practices. Demonstrates sound engineering judgement in resolving complex issues affecting usability, accessibility, safety, maintainability, and operational performance. Contributes to the successful delivery of projects through the application of human-centered design principles and lifecycle assurance activities.

Typical Areas of Expertise

• Human Factors Integration (HFI)
• Human Reliability Analysis (HRA)
• Task Analysis and Workload Assessment
• User-Centered Design
• Ergonomic Assessment
• Driver and Operator Interfaces
• Control Room and Workplace Design
• Accessibility and Inclusive Design
• Safety and Human Error Analysis
• Verification & Validation (V&V)
• Systems Integration and Operational Readiness
• Railway Operations and Maintenance
• Human Factors

Diversity & Inclusion

At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Hitachi brings together the world's greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities - and drive innovation for a better future. That's why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world's biggest challenges. Our people love technology - and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there's no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there's no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.