Shape the future of public safety technology by designing cutting-edge virtual reality solutions that will train and equip first responders to save lives. We are seeking an experienced Scientist/Engineer III to lead systematic research in the human factors and usability of virtual reality (VR) technologies for public safety applications. Working with the Public Safety Communications Research Division (PSCR) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), you will provide leadership in applying best practices and domain knowledge to investigate critical usability and human factors issues around public safety user interfaces. This role encompasses PSCR's objective to leverage the growing accessibility of VR technology to develop a state-of-the-art VR environment for public safety first responders. You will oversee the overall planning, direction, and timely execution of research efforts including development and assignment of goals and objectives, while disseminating research methodology, solutions, and results that provide potential policy changes to existing outputs, processes, techniques, or practices.

FWI has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post in 2024 and 2025, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Work Schedule and Location:

• Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Local Time, excluding Federal holidays and NIST closures.
• Remote position with primary support to NIST-Boulder facilities
• Up to 4 domestic trips during the contract period (December 2025 – November 2026) to Boulder, CO for NIST testing and development activities. Each trip is expected to be less than a week in duration. NIST will provide at least three weeks' notice before each trip. Prior approval from the Contracting Officer is required for lodging exceeding government rates, airline/rental car upgrades, medical accommodations, driving instead of flying to destinations outside local travel, multiple destinations in a single trip, or trips longer than a week in duration

• Experiment Design: Assist in the design of experiments for assessing technology interventions and future user interfaces for first responders using PSCR virtual and augmented reality systems
• VR Content Development: Develop comprehensive VR content to support PSCR studies, utilizing game engines and programming languages including Unity, Unreal, C++, and C# to create realistic public safety scenarios and training environments
• Data Collection and Field Research: Conduct data collection from first responders to identify public safety use cases supporting user experience research. This includes participating in and contributing to first responder user studies, interviews, surveys, and documentation review (e.g., procedures, trainings) at NIST facilities and field locations
• Data Analysis and Documentation: Document research designs and outcomes to support NIST publications regarding the applications of VR technologies in public safety use cases, ensuring sufficient detail for reproducibility and dissemination to the research community
• Research Administration: Assist in purchasing, tracking, and issuing up to $5,000 in incentives to users participating in NIST PSCR research activities, maintaining accurate records and compliance with federal procurement requirements
• Collaborative Engagement: Work closely with NIST research staff, first responders, and stakeholders to ensure research objectives align with real-world public safety needs and contribute technical insights during project planning and execution

Required: 

• The ability to obtain a public trust
• Education: A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field appropriate for the work required. OR a demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training, and experience can be used to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 4 years' experience in research and development in virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or related fields
• Required skills:
  • Experience in study design and analysis for human factors research
  • Proficiency with programming languages and game engines for VR development (e.g., C++, C#, Unreal, Unity)
  • Experience working collaboratively on VR research projects
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders including first responders and policy maker

Desired: 

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology, or related field
• Prior experience working with public safety organizations or first responders
• Knowledge of human factors principles and usability testing methodologies
• Experience with data analysis tools and statistical software
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals or conferences related to VR, human factors, or public safety technology

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

$60/hour