Job Title: Senior Functional Safety Engineer (Robotics & AI)
Hiring Mode: Contract -TP
Location: Mountain View, CA [Onsite]
Note: ISO 26262 Certified is required
Job Description:
We are looking for a highly experienced Senior Functional Safety Engineer to join our Robotics team. In this role, you will lead the technical safety analysis for advanced humanoid robotics platforms that combine complex dynamic actuation (e.g., hydraulic or high-performance electric systems) with next-generation AI control (LLMs, VLAs, World Models).
You will partner closely with the GDM Safety team, who sets the overall safety strategy and architecture. Your primary focus will be applying that strategy to specific subsystems, conducting the deep-dive risk assessments, calculations, and validation steps necessary to identify risks, mitigations and prove our robots are safe for the real world.
Key Responsibilities
Robotics Risk Assessment (ISO 13849 / ISO 12100/ ISO 10218)
Review mechanical 3D CAD models and electrical schematics during the concept phase to identify hazards early and recommend ""Safety by Design"" improvements.
Facilitate and document Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessments (HARA) for high-complexity humanoid robots, focusing on hazards like stability, impact, and crushing.
Perform rigorous Performance Level (PL) calculations and SIL determinations to validate that safety functions (e.g., E-stops, interlocks) meet the required reliability standards.
AI & SOTIF Analysis (ISO 21448)
Apply SOTIF (Safety of the Intended Functionality) methodologies to the robot s AI systems. Analyze potential failures caused by environmental limitations, sensor noise, or AI decision-making errors (e.g., hallucinations).
Translate abstract safety goals into concrete validation scenarios. For example, determining what specific edge cases (lighting, weather, occlusion) must be tested to validate the perception system.
Document and track ""Unknown Unsafe"" scenarios and work with the GDM safety and engineering teams to reduce residual risk in the AI stack.
Lab Operations & Prototype Safety
Help develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for high-risk lab activities, such as High-Voltage (HV) testing, Li-ion battery handling, and hydraulic system operation.
Perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations for any lab incidents or equipment failures to prevent recurrence.
Conduct hands-on inspections of custom-built robotic prototypes to ensure compliance with industrial standards (ISO 10218, ANSI/RIA R15.06) before they are deployed.
Safety Case Management
Maintain the Hazard Log and Safety Requirements Traceability Matrix, ensuring that every identified risk is linked to a verified mitigation.
Ensure all safety artifacts are professionally formatted, accurate, and ready for internal reviews or external audits.
Experience:
Masters in relevant fields like computer science, electrical and electronics engineering, robotics engineering, mechanical engineering/similar fields.
5+ years in Functional Safety (Automotive, Robotics, or Aerospace) with a strong portfolio of technical risk assessments.
Standards Proficiency:
ISO 26262 (Certified), ISO 13849, ISO 10218 & ISO 12100: Strong practical experience and should be comfortable calculating Performance Levels and assessing machinery risks.
ISO 21448 (SOTIF): Experience analyzing systems where hazards arise from performance limitations rather than just hardware failures.
Technical Knowledge:
Experience with Robotics Hardware (mobile robots, manipulators, or legged systems). Understanding the physics of balance and dynamic motion is essential.
Familiarity with AI Systems (Neural Networks, Computer Vision). You do not need to be an AI developer, but you must understand how these models function and fail.
Tools: Proficiency in safety management software and PL calculation tools etc.,
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with highly dynamic robots (e.g., legged locomotion, high-speed manipulators) and fast-paced environments.
Background in Battery Management Systems (BMS).
Experience with UL 4600 (Evaluation of Autonomous Products), STPA/STAMP process knowledge and experience.
Certified Functional Safety Engineer (TV Rheinland or equivalent).
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