User Study & Data Collection Engineer

Job Summary
Apple is seeking a detail-oriented and people-focused User Study & Data Collection Engineer to join the Human Engineering Validation team . This role supports cutting-edge technology development by facilitating in-person user studies, managing study devices, collecting high-quality data, and ensuring exceptional participant experiences. The ideal candidate combines strong interpersonal skills, technical troubleshooting ability, and a passion for conducting accurate, impactful research.
Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate and moderate in-person user studies using complex and dynamic protocols
• Provide a positive, high-energy experience for study participants
• Ensure participant compliance with study protocols and document deviations or issues
• Gather quantitative and system data from study devices and equipment
• Validate data accuracy and fidelity during and after collection
• Track study progress, participation metrics, and communicate daily status updates
• Proactively identify and raise study-related risks or challenges
• Prepare, troubleshoot, and maintain study devices and equipment
• Set up and break down study session environments daily
• Oversee study environment readiness and communicate maintenance needs
• Install software and enable systems using SSH, terminal, and command-line tools
• Perform basic troubleshooting on development and consumer electronics
• Manage participant recruitment, correspondence, and scheduling
• Collaborate with data consumers on data collection plans, issues, and next steps
• Support improvements to data collection workflows and processes
• Assist with basic data processing, analysis, and visualizations
• Distribute surveys, collect responses, and compile feedback
• Support additional user study and data collection efforts as required

Required Skills & Experience

• BS in Computer Science or related field (MS preferred)
• 2+ years of relevant professional experience
• Strong experience working in high-engagement, people-facing roles
• Experience facilitating or supporting user studies or research activities
• Ability to troubleshoot computers and/or consumer electronics
• Familiarity with command line, SSH, and basic system configuration
• High attention to detail and strong documentation skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in fast-paced, evolving environments
• Familiarity with Apple products (preferred)

Competencies

• Study Execution & Protocol Adherence
• Participant Engagement & Communication
• Data Collection & Validation
• Technical Troubleshooting
• Process Improvement & Collaboration

Preferred Skills

• Experience with data processing or visualization tools
• Exposure to UX research, human factors, or validation engineering
• Prior experience supporting large-scale or longitudinal studies