Director – Automotive Functional Safety

Ford Motor Company; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturer is seeking an Executive Director of Functional Safety in Albany, NY, to lead the development of safety standards and processes in automotive engineering. The ideal candidate has over 20 years of experience in functional safety, strong leadership skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams. This role offers excellent compensation and benefits, including generous PTO and professional growth opportunities.

Benefits

Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage

Flexible family care days

Vehicle discount program for employees

Tuition assistance

Paid time off for community service

Qualifications

• 20+ years of engineering experience in the automotive industry.
• Deep expertise in ISO 26262 Functional Safety.
• Proven leadership experience in setting standards and driving change.
• Strong ability to influence senior executives and engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement functional safety strategies and standards.
• Oversee the functional safety lifecycle and compliance.
• Develop and mentor a team of functional safety experts.
• Drive process improvements that enhance engineering efficiency.

Skills

20+ years of engineering experience

Expertise in ISO 26262

Proven leadership experience

Strong communication and strategic thinking

Ability to influence and collaborate

Experience with cross‑functional teams

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

In this position…

We are seeking an Executive Director of Functional Safety to lead the development and implementation of functional safety standards, processes, and strategies across our automotive engineering organization. This individual will be an influential leader, collaborating with cross‑functional directors and executives to ensure that functional safety is seamlessly integrated into all aspects of product development, meeting both regulatory and company objectives.

What you’ll do…

• Define and implement functional safety strategies, standards, and processes, ensuring alignment with ISO 26262 and industry best practices.
• Act as a thought leader and key influencer in driving a safety‑first culture across engineering disciplines.
• Partner with functional directors, senior leadership, and cross‑functional teams to ensure functional safety is considered in all product and system designs.
• Oversee the functional safety lifecycle, from concept and development to production and field operation, ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
• Establish and refine safety assessment and validation methodologies to improve early detection and mitigation of safety risks.
• Develop and mentor a team of functional safety experts, fostering technical excellence and leadership within the organization.
• Drive process improvements that enhance engineering efficiency while maintaining the highest safety standards.
• Serve as the company’s functional safety representative in discussions with regulatory bodies, suppliers, and industry organizations.
• Ensure that safety activities are well‑documented and traceable to meet compliance and audit requirements.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes related to functional safety in automotive software and systems.

You’ll have…

• 20+ years of engineering experience in the automotive industry, with a strong focus on functional safety, systems engineering, or software engineering.
• Deep expertise in ISO 26262 Functional Safety, including safety analysis, safety case development, and compliance strategies.
• Proven leadership experience in setting standards, defining processes, and driving organizational change.
• Strong ability to influence and collaborate with senior executives, directors, and engineering teams.
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams to integrate safety into complex software and hardware systems.
• Exceptional communication and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate safety requirements into business objectives.
• Track record of successfully managing and growing a high‑performing functional safety team.

You may also have…

• Experience with cybersecurity (ISO 21434), Swedish Standard (SS 7740), and safety‑critical embedded software development.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and global automotive safety standards.
• Experience working with autonomous systems, electric vehicles, or advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned functional safety leader to shape the future of safety in next‑generation automotive products. If you are passionate about driving functional safety excellence, setting industry‑leading standards, and collaborating at the highest levels, we encourage you to apply.

What you’ll receive in return…

As part of the Ford family, you’ll enjoy excellent compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous PTO, retirement, savings and stock investment plans, incentive compensation, and much more. You’ll also experience exciting opportunities for professional and personal growth and recognition.

Our benefits summary can be found Here (https://corporate.ford.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en-us/documents/careers/2025-new-hire-benefit-summary-LL4.pdf).

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp‑up programs, subsidized back‑up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is a leadership level 4.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

Onsite work of up to four days per week may be required for candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub location. #LI-Onsite #LI-MB3

Requisition ID: 48097