User Study and Data Operations Engineer at Apple in Sunnyvale

Job description

• Posted:
• Sep 16, 2026
• 200683598
• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Work with Algorithm, Machine Learning, Hardware, and Software teams to translate study research and data goals into data capture plans that balance data quality, sample size, and timeline constraints.
• Write detailed study protocols, task instructions, moderator scripts, consent forms, and subjective surveys.
• Set up and operate internal prototype test benches, including prototype hardware, cameras, specialized lighting, tracking sensors, and data logging hardware; troubleshoot technical and benchtop issues as they arise.
• Run participant sessions, keeping studies on schedule while strictly enforcing safety, privacy, and confidentiality guidelines.
• Draft Statements of Work (SOWs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for external data collection vendors; inspect incoming datasets and resolve field issues quickly.
• Document workflows, build checklists, and improve data-handling routines so studies run reliably and repeatably.
• Note: This role requires regular on-site lab presence for equipment bring-up and study execution, along with 5–15% domestic and/or international travel to study sites and vendor facilities.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Required

• User study operations
• Human factors testing
• Data operations
• Hardware/software QA
• Technical lab operations
• Writing test protocols
• Managing external vendors
• Drafting SOWs and SOPs

Preferred

• Prototype hardware setup
• Optical/sensor rigs
• Studio lighting
• Camera tracking systems
• Python
• Bash
• Shell scripting
• Human factors methods

Benefits

• At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $144,600 and $263,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
• Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
• Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.