Overview
The Lead Human Factors Engineer applies human factors engineering principles and usability best practices to optimize clinical workflows, EHR interfaces, and health IT systems supporting VA's Electronic Health Record Modernization across 170+ VA Medical Centers. This role ensures systems are user-centered, safe, efficient, and aligned with clinician needs.
Responsibilities
Usability Assessment & Design
- Conduct usability evaluations of EHR systems (Oracle Health/Cerner and VistA/CPRS) using heuristic evaluations, cognitive walkthroughs, and user testing
- Lead user research including contextual inquiries, task analysis, workflow observations, and user interviews with clinicians
- Apply human-centered design methodologies to develop intuitive interfaces, workflows, and clinical informatics solutions
- Identify usability issues, safety risks, and workflow inefficiencies; develop evidence-based recommendations
- Design clinical decision support (CDS) alerts, order sets, and documentation templates following usability best practices to reduce alert fatigue and cognitive burden
Testing & Safety
- Plan and conduct usability testing sessions with representative end users (clinicians, nurses, pharmacists)
- Develop test protocols, scenarios, and metrics aligned with NIST and ISO human factors standards
- Analyze results using quantitative metrics (task completion, time-on-task, error rates) and qualitative feedback
- Document findings in usability reports with prioritized recommendations and impact assessments
- Support patient safety initiatives by identifying and mitigating use errors, workarounds, and safety hazards
Leadership & Collaboration
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior human factors specialists and UX designers
- Facilitate user-centered design workshops and design thinking sessions with multidisciplinary teams
- Present usability findings and recommendations to clinical leadership, informatics teams, and executives
- Participate in SAFe® Agile ceremonies supporting two-week iterations and quarterly Program Increments
- Create documentation including usability reports, design guidelines, standards, and best practices
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years in human factors engineering, usability engineering, or UX research
- Minimum 2 years in healthcare IT, clinical systems, or EHR usability
- Proven experience conducting usability evaluations, user research, and usability testing
- Experience with EHR systems, preferably Oracle Health (Cerner) and/or VistA/CPRS
- Healthcare industry experience required; federal healthcare or VA experience preferred
- Human Factors Methods: Heuristic evaluation, cognitive walkthroughs, task analysis, contextual inquiry, usability testing, survey design
- Standards: Knowledge of NIST, ISO 9241, IEC 62366, FDA human factors guidance, ONC usability requirements
- Design Tools: Proficiency with Figma, Sketch, Axure, Adobe XD, Balsamiq, or similar prototyping tools
- Data Analysis: Ability to analyze qualitative/quantitative usability data; experience with statistical analysis
- Healthcare Systems: Understanding of clinical workflows, EHR systems, and health IT safety principles
This position is contingent upon program award. We are proactively recruiting qualified candidates in advance of contract award.
About CVP
CVP is an award-winning healthcare and next-gen technology and consulting services firm solving critical problems for healthcare, national security, and public sector clients. We help organizations achieve lasting transformation.
CVP is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to actively recruiting individuals and providing advancement opportunities based on merit and legitimate job qualifications. We ensure that all associates receive equal opportunities based on their personal qualifications and job requirements. CVP strictly prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment.
At CVP, we cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all associated. We are committed to maintaining a workplace where everyone can grow both personally and professionally.
