User Study and Data Operations Engineer

At Apple, we build products that help people live better, healthier, and more

productive lives. Our team designs and runs human-centered data collections to

test, train, and validate emerging hardware and software technologies.

DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a User Study & Data Operations Engineer to lead end-to-end

data collection programs.

In this role, you will

• work directly with algorithm
• scientists, machine learning researchers, and engineering leads to turn raw
• research questions into clear study designs, practical test protocols, and
• reliable lab operations. You will oversee testing across internal prototype labs
• and external data collection vendors.

In this role, you will

• run human-subject
• studies from initial scoping through protocol design and multi-site execution.
• MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Human Factors, Cognitive Science, Computer
• Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Life/Physical Sciences, or equivalent
• job-related experience. 3+ years of experience running user study operations,
• human factors tests, data operations, hardware/software QA, or technical lab
• operations. Experience writing, piloting, and running human-subject test
• protocols, task sequences, moderator guidelines, or standard operating
• procedures (SOPs). Experience working directly with technical teams (such as
• algorithms, machine learning, or systems engineering) to turn technical
• requirements into operational study plans. Experience managing external data
• collection vendors, including drafting Statements of Work (SOWs), auditing data
• deliverables, and holding partners to quality criteria.
• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Hands-on experience setting up prototype hardware, optical/sensor rigs, studio
• lighting, or camera tracking systems. Experience using Python, Bash, or shell
• scripts to verify, check, and process collected data. Background in human
• factors methods, psychophysical scaling, survey design, and qualitative
• debriefs. Experience using modern AI-assisted development tools and agentic
• coding workflows to quickly build scripts, internal dashboards, and operational
• tools that automate repetitive tasks. Track record of creating clear operational
• processes and reference documentation where none previously existed. Clear
• communicator who can align priorities across research scientists, engineers,
• legal, privacy, and operations teams. Experience guiding study moderators and
• communicating clearly and respectfully with study participants during sensitive
• prototype tests.