Human Factors Consultant

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Lead the Future of Human Factors in Safety-Critical Design

Are you ready to shape safer, smarter systems in some of the most complex and high-hazard industries? Join Tetra Tech RPS as a Human Factors Consultant and bring your expertise to projects that matter across nuclear, defence and COMAH sectors. This is your opportunity to influence design, enhance human performance and make a tangible impact on safety and operational excellence.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As a Human Factors Consultant, you’ll deliver high-quality consultancy services that integrate human performance into safety-critical systems. From early design stages through to operational reviews, you’ll provide expert assessments, actionable recommendations and strategic guidance to clients. Your work will span site walkdowns, design evaluations, and collaboration with engineers, safety case specialists and operations teams. This role combines technical depth with stakeholder engagement, ensuring Human Factors principles are embedded throughout the project lifecycle.

Your Impact in This Position

In your first year, you’ll gain hands‑on experience across diverse projects, undertaking Human Factors assessment, implementing aspects of the Human Factors Integration Plans and contributing to technical proposals. By year two, you’ll manage your own portfolio of discrete manageable assessments, driving improvements in safety and performance while building trusted client relationships.

Success in this role means delivering exceptional technical quality, supporting profitable project outcomes and helping shape safer environments for high‑hazard industries.

With clear pathways for growth and mentorship from experienced consultants, your expertise will make a measurable difference.

Your Toolkit for Success at Tetra Tech RPS

We recruit using core capabilities – the toolkit of essential skills, experience, competencies and responsibilities required to perform the role effectively. We are looking for individuals that meet a benchmark level of expertise; however, if you feel you meet 75% of the requirements, we would love to hear from you.

Site‑Based Assessments

You’ll take ownership of structured Human Factors assessments at client sites, applying standard techniques such as hierarchical and tabular task analysis, task walkdowns and talk‑throughs. Your expertise will be critical in identifying potential human error types and ensuring robust safety measures are in place. You’ll participate in HAZOP and LOPA sessions, design reviews and operational trials to bring a human‑centred perspective to environments where precision and reliability are paramount.

Technical Reporting

Your ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable insights will set you apart. You’ll produce comprehensive reports that justify recommendations and demonstrate compliance with UK regulations and industry standards. From qualitative and quantitative task assessments to reviewing safety claims on operator performance, your work will provide the foundation for safer, more efficient operations.

Human‑Centred Systems Design

You’ll contribute to the design and optimisation of critical systems, including control rooms, alarm systems and operational equipment. This involves evaluating human‑machine interfaces, workspace layouts and equipment design to ensure systems are intuitive and resilient. You’ll also support safe systems of work, maintenance and recovery strategies, and environmental ergonomics to help clients solve complex technical and Human Factors challenges.

Human Factors Expertise

Your understanding of risk assessment, safety assurance, and safety case development will be applied to projects in nuclear, defence and other high‑hazard sectors. You’ll bring proven experience in integrating Human Factors into safety‑critical systems, potentially expanding into other sectors. Your insights will influence design decisions and operational strategies at the highest level.

Stakeholder Engagement & Management

You’ll work closely with clients, engineers and safety specialists, building strong relationships and ensuring alignment on project objectives. Your ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and confidently will be key to driving collaboration and identifying new opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

Degree in Psychology or a related discipline, ideally supported by a Master’s in Human Factors or Ergonomics.

Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) and progression toward chartership is preferred.

Experience delivering Human Factors projects in nuclear or other high‑hazard sectors is essential. Additional certifications such as NEBOSH or ILM Level 4 are desirable.

Working Environment

This is a hybrid role, typically involving three days per week at a Tetra Tech RPS office (Warrington or London), client site, or client office and two days working remotely. Ideally travel will be no more than 1.5 hours from your home to our offices.

Our Warrington office is based at Birchwood Park, offering a modern workspace with complimentary on‑site parking and a fully equipped gym. The team enjoys a vibrant community atmosphere with regular social activities. Our London office on Farringdon Street offers contemporary, collaborative workspace and excellent transport connections.

Rewarding Your Expertise

We aim to offer a competitive market‑rate salary aligned with the level and responsibilities of the role. The total reward package reflects the seniority and impact of the position and includes benefits that support professional growth and personal wellbeing.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners. We do not acknowledge speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Please refer to the careers page on our website for further information.

Equal Opportunities

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day‑to‑day role.

Flexible Working Options

Flexible working options are available in this role, with patterns agreed collaboratively between employees and line managers to support individual wellbeing and optimal performance.

Why Join Tetra Tech RPS?

We thrive on solving the problems that matter – whether in urbanisation, natural resources, or sustainability – with a collaborative culture, agile working and access to some of the brightest minds in the industry. We empower our teams to deliver exceptional outcomes while building fulfilling careers.

In 2023, RPS became part of Tetra Tech, a global leader in consulting and engineering with 30,000 employees across 550 offices in 120+ countries. Together, we combine deep local expertise with global reach to deliver science‑led solutions to complex challenges.