Sr. Specialist, Functional Safety FuSa

Scout Motors • Novi, MI

12d • $140,000 - $170,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Functional Safety Lead is responsible for defining, developing, and governing safety strategies across High Voltage Energy and Drive. The role creates and maintains safety plans and tracks safety cases across the safety lifecycle, from concept through production release. This senior specialist provides deep functional safety expertise to ensure robust, compliant safety solutions aligned with industry standards and program objectives.

The successful candidate owns end-to-end safety case development for the assigned Energy and Drive scope, translates high-level safety objectives into structured engineering requirements, and advises cross-functional teams on complex system safety matters. The role collaborates across engineering and business functions through system development from concept to launch, supports system and component design and integration, and contributes to the evolution of Functional Safety practices and Safety Management System methods.

The role is based at Scout Motors’ Novi, Michigan location and requires 4–5 days per week in the office. In-person meetings and events are regular, and occasional travel to participate in company events is expected.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 8–12 years of practice in functional safety, system safety, or safety assurance within automotive, autonomous systems, robotics, or another safety-critical domain.
• Experience completing at least one full safety lifecycle for complex systems, from concept through production launch (SOP).
• Demonstrated expertise developing and maintaining structured safety cases, including claims, arguments, and evidence.
• Subject-matter expertise in Functional Safety and Systems Engineering for complex systems design with EE and software integration.
• Deep understanding of ISO 26262 and experience applying its principles.
• Hands-on experience with safety analysis methodologies such as HARA, FMEA, FTA, and STPA.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex safety concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong systems-thinking mindset and ability to translate high-level risk concepts into practical engineering solutions.
• Demonstrated leadership through influence and ability to drive alignment across cross-functional teams in ambiguous environments.
• AI/ML experience.
• Extensive experience with automotive systems or mechatronics products, particularly in Drive or Energy.
• Domain or working knowledge of software controls, EE, and electronics, and expertise in development, testing, and validation methods for mechatronic systems.
• Familiarity with A2B, CAN, Automotive Ethernet, LIN, and LVDS communication protocols and vehicle network tools such as CANalyzer and CANoe.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ADAS, SOTIF strategies, and automated driving features.
• Experience with ADAS Safety of the Intended Functionality (ISO 21448 SOTIF) and UL 4600.
• Experience with advanced ADAS and autonomous systems, including multi-sensor perception stacks using camera, radar, LiDAR, ultrasonic, GNSS/IMU, and HD maps.
• Ownership or significant contribution to UL 4600-aligned safety cases or equivalent autonomy safety frameworks.
• Familiarity with ISO 8800 and emerging safety standards.
• Knowledge of AI/ML safety considerations, including data pipeline validation, performance monitoring, and operational design domain (ODD) frameworks.
• Experience in fast-paced or startup environments and ability to balance rigor with execution speed.
• Exposure to external regulatory reviews, audits, or certification processes related to Safety Compliance.
• Expertise in functional safety of high-voltage energy systems.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Functional Safety teams to align Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA) and Safety Goals across high-voltage Energy and Drive.
• Lead the development, documentation, and maintenance of Technical Safety Concepts and Technical Safety Requirements, including allocation across system components, software, networks, and operational assets.
• Define safety concepts and requirements and support EE and Software architecture design and integration at system and component levels.
• Collaborate with stakeholders through System “V” development from concept to launch, including design reviews and cross-functional teams in R&D engineering, manufacturing, studio design, quality, and customer experience.
• Perform, support, and review impact analyses, HARA, FTA, DFA, DFMEA, and other safety analyses.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to develop component and system designs, functional and End of Line specifications, test methods, and system-level DFMEA, DV, and PV for complex mechatronic systems.
• Support analytical development using model-based design, MBSE/MBD simulation toolsets, and MIL/SIL/HIL.
• Apply first-principles design methodology and problem-solving methods to resolve issues.
• Develop, maintain, and improve Functional Safety practices, design standards, test procedures, and technical specifications; adapt methods for complex safety issues and guide their consistent application.
• Champion a strong safety culture across teams and disciplines.
• Translate high-level safety objectives into structured safety arguments, such as GSN, with clear claims, sub-claims, and traceable evidence.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert for assigned safety case topics in design reviews, program milestones, release gates, and change-control processes; advise stakeholders and provide decision-ready recommendations.
• Contribute technical expertise to scalable Safety Management System methods, metrics, and review mechanisms, and recommend improvements based on lessons learned and program needs.
• Build working relationships across Engineering, Software, EE, Manufacturing, Quality, and external partners; communicate safety conclusions, guide cross-functional resolution, and escalate material program risks with recommendations.
• Use judgment to select, evaluate, and adapt functional safety methods and evaluation criteria for complex, multi-variable safety issues within the assigned Energy and Drive scope.
• Travel from time to time to participate in events on behalf of the company.

Benefits

• Competitive insurance, including medical, dental, vision, and income protection plans.
• 401(k) program with an employer match and immediate vesting.
• 20 days of planned PTO, as accrued.
• 40 hours of unplanned PTO annually.
• 14 company or floating holidays annually.
• Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders.
• Paid leave for bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave.
• Annual performance bonus program.
• Competitive compensation and benefits supporting physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior