Vehicle Safety Engineer- KION Mobile Automation

KION Group•Grand Rapids, MI

73d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is part of the KION Group Robotic Systems Development (RSD) Safety Team, a global organization with team members in Belgium, the United States, and China. Robotic Systems Development (RSD) is the KION-leading, fast-growing, innovative frontrunner in the development of mobile robotics, robotic fleet controllers and cloud-based fleet logistics management systems. RSD has a focus on Automated driverless Product and solutions, with main focus on Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems. AGVs are fully autonomous robots that move and transport items in production, warehouse, and distribution centers without manual intervention or permanent conveying systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical field.
Minimum 5 years’ experience in product Risk Assessment processes.
Experience with FMEA methodology.
Knowledge of US regulatory frameworks, including: OSHA 1910.178, ANSI B11.0, B11.19, B11.26, ANSI B56.5, UL583, FCC regulations.
Proven ability to lead and facilitate risk assessment workshops and meetings.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant engineering or integration-related applications.
Strong understanding of machinery and system safety standards, with the ability to translate technical requirements into clear, actionable guidance for stakeholders.
Fluent in English; additional language skills are an advantage.
Solution-oriented leadership mindset
Proactive communicator to enable effective work across regions

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical field.
B11 LMSS or CMSE® (Certified Machinery Safety Expert) or CECE® certifications.
Experience with IBF “Safexpert” software.
Knowledge of European Standard frameworks (e.g. Machine Directive, ISO 12100:2012, ISO 13849-1:2023)
Knowledge ISO 3691-4:2020 and related ISO 3691 standards.
Proficiency in functional safety tools and techniques.
Understanding of electrical and hydraulic control systems.
Knowledge of European regulatory and standards frameworks, such as: Machinery Directive / applicable machinery legislation, ISO 12100, ISO 13849-1.

Responsibilities

Perform and/or support Risk Assessments (RA) for mobile robots, with a particular focus on AGV systems, and related products.
Execute system-level Risk Assessments for Mobile Robotics solutions.
Identify Safety Functions and required Performance Levels for both the AGV and the overall system.
Conduct Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA).
Gather and maintain safety documentation to demonstrate compliance with applicable regulations and standards, including, for example: EU Machinery regulation, ISO standards such as ISO 3691-4, ANSI standards such as ANSI B56.5, UL standards such as UL 583.
Provide safety and compliance support to Operating Units during project execution.
Travel to customer sites to perform on-site system Risk Assessments.
Define the standard safety framework for products developed within the organization and verify product compliance with that framework.
Define and document Safety Requirements Specifications (SRS).
Verify Performance Levels for safety functions, particularly hardware-related functions, using the BGIA SISTEMA tool.
Prepare safety-related technical content for technical writers and supporting documentation teams.
Review evolving safety standards and recommend improvements to products, processes, and documentation.
Develop, update, and improve internal KION safety instructions, procedures, and guidelines.