Head of Autonomous Safety Engineering

Gatik; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Gatik is seeking a Head of Systems and Safety Engineering in Santa Clara, CA to own the safety architecture and risk management for its AV platform. You will build and lead a high-performing team, drive safety governance with clients, OEMs, and Tier 1 suppliers, and oversee safety verification across hardware, compute, and software stacks.

You will define system-level safety requirements, lead hazard analyses, and ensure regulatory compliance with NHTSA/CA DMV and standards such as ISO 26262,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of systems safety engineering experience in safety-critical domains (AV/automotive/aerospace).
• 4+ years of direct engineering management experience leading teams and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety architecture, risk management, and system safety lifecycle for AV platform.
• Own safety program governance across clients, OEMs, and suppliers.
• Define safety requirements, hazard mitigations, and fail-operational paths.
• Oversee risk analyses (HARA, FMEA, FTA, STPA) and traceability matrices.
• Coordinate with regulatory bodies (NHTSA, CA DMV, DOT) and auditors.
• Interface with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to align safety frameworks.
• Engage with customers to explain safety concepts and mitigations.
• Lead safety verification through HIL testing, simulations, and validation.

Skills

Team Leadership

Safety Case Leadership

AI/ML Safety

Systems Safety Architecture

Risk Management

Regulatory Engagement

OEM & Tier 1 Collaboration

Customer Safety Liaison

HIL Testing & Validation

V&V Integration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering/Robotics/Electrical Engineering/CS

Tools

Jama

Polarion

DOORS

Job description

Gatik is seeking a Head of Systems and Safety Engineering in Santa Clara, CA to own the safety architecture and risk management for its AV platform. You will build and lead a high-performing team, drive safety governance with clients, OEMs, and Tier 1 suppliers, and oversee safety verification across hardware, compute, and software stacks.

You will define system-level safety requirements, lead hazard analyses, and ensure regulatory compliance with NHTSA/CA DMV and standards such as ISO 26262,