Principal Robotics Functional Safety Engineer (Robotics)

TL;DR

Principal Robotics Functional Safety Engineer (Robotics): Lead functional safety for complex mobile and humanoid robotic systems from architecture through deployment with an accent on risk reduction, safety-critical requirements, regulatory compliance, and AI/ML-enabled features. Focus on designing safety architectures, validating safety cases, coordinating verification activities, and solving complex compliance challenges across hardware, embedded software, controls, perception, and systems engineering.

Location: Hybrid position based out of the Fremont, California office; all roles are U.S.-based and current U.S. work authorization is required.

Salary: $207,000–$269,000 USD annually.

Company

Robotics and software company developing commercially deployed humanoid robots for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers.

What you will do

• Lead functional safety activities from concept through deployment across current and next-generation robotic platforms.
• Drive architecture-level safety decisions and define safety-critical requirements for hardware, embedded software, controls, and perception systems.
• Create and maintain risk assessments, safety requirement specifications, FMEDA, SISTEMA analyses, validation plans, and safety cases.
• Coordinate verification and validation activities with third-party vendors, laboratories, compliance teams, and regulatory certification partners.
• Support customer deployments through remote collaboration and on-site visits, ensuring safe integration in dynamic environments.
• Shape safety strategy across multiple programs, monitor standards developments, communicate risks, and mentor functional safety engineers.

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience in robotics or safety-critical engineering, including 7+ years focused on functional safety.
• BS in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Deep knowledge of functional safety lifecycle practices, risk reduction, and hierarchy-of-controls methods.
• Experience applying ISO 13849, IEC 61508, ANSI/RIA R15.08, ISO 10218, or similar robotics and safety standards.
• Hands-on experience designing safety for mobile, dynamic, collaborative, or industrial robotic systems and using tools such as SISTEMA.
• Current authorization to work in the United States is required.

Nice to have

• TUV Functional Safety Engineer certification or equivalent.
• Experience with safety firmware, safe-state logic, field deployment, CE marking, and regulatory certifications.
• Familiarity with SOTIF, AI functional safety, uncertainty quantification, and safety for AI/ML-enabled robotic systems.
• Experience with standards development, industry working groups, or mentoring senior engineering talent.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work environment with flexible work arrangements.
• 401(k) plan with a 6% company match and company stock options.
• Company-paid medical, dental, vision, and short- and long-term disability insurance starting on the first day.
• Paid parental leave, employee assistance support, professional development, and tuition reimbursement.
• Eligible roles may include relocation assistance and an annual discretionary bonus.
• Paid time off, company holidays, and a winter shutdown; catered lunches and refreshments are available at selected offices.