Senior Safety Management System Engineer

Motional; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 125,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Motional is seeking a Senior Safety Engineer based in Pittsburgh to support our autonomous robotaxi's safety management systems. You will develop and enhance safety cases, collaborate with various teams to ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain documentation for audits.

The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in safety-critical systems, with strong knowledge of relevant safety standards. This position requires hands-on experience and the ability to communicate technical safety arguments effectively.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in technology development and safety-critical systems.
• 2+ years in safety engineering for autonomous or robotics systems.
• Strong background in hazard analysis, system reliability, and safety case development.

Responsibilities

• Execute safety case management tasks aligned with development partners.
• Support audits by maintaining safety documentation.
• Implement programs to improve safety culture.

Skills

Safety engineering

Hazard analysis

Regulatory compliance

AI/ML-based systems

Communication of technical arguments

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics

Tools

ISO 26262

ISO 21448 (SOTIF)

UL 4600

Job description

Mission Summary

The Senior Safety Engineer supports the management of our safety case and the execution of our safety management systems for our autonomous robotaxi organization. This role is responsible for the hands‑on application of safety assurance, functional safety, and regulatory compliance to ensure our technology meets industry standards. The position collaborates with cross‑functional engineering and operations teams to ensure “safety is our bedrock” values are integrated into every technical requirement.

What you’ll be doing

• Execute safety case management tasks in alignment with internal development partners.
• Support internal and external audits by maintaining safety documentation for 3rd‑party reviews.
• Implement strategic programs and initiatives designed to improve and develop our safety culture.
• Provide technical data and analysis for safety governance through risk assessment committees and safety review boards.

Safety Case Management

• Support the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the company‑wide Safety Case, including hazard identification, risk assessments, mitigations, and safety assurance arguments.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, operations, and validation teams to ensure safety evidence is complete, traceable and aligned with regulatory frameworks (e.g., NHTSA, ISO 26262, ISO 21448/SOTIF, UL 4600).
• Lead cross‑functional reviews of safety arguments and maintain governance structures for approval, change control, and release.
• Compile status reports on safety gaps and risks for review by the Senior Organizational Safety Manager.

Third‑Party Auditing & Compliance

• Prepare technical evidence and documentation for external safety audits and certification bodies.
• Participate in audit readiness programs to ensure consistent documentation and traceability across engineering teams.
• Execute corrective action plans from findings to drive systemic improvements.
• Stay current on evolving industry standards and regulatory expectations for AV safety.

Organizational Safety Culture Development

• Assist in implementing a safety management system to strengthen proactive safety behaviors.
• Collect and monitor behavioral safety metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.

What we’re looking for

• 5+ years relevant industry experience in technology development / safety critical systems, and 2+ years of experience in safety engineering for autonomous / robotics system in a leadership role.
• Experience with safety‑critical systems in automotive, aerospace, or autonomous vehicles.
• Working knowledge of safety standards such as ISO 26262, ISO 21448 (SOTIF), or UL 4600.
• Strong background in hazard analysis, system reliability, and safety case development.
• Experience or familiarity with AI/ML‑based perception or decision‑making systems.
• Familiarity with autonomous vehicle architectures, including perception, planning, and control.
• Ability to communicate technical safety arguments to a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience with machine learning safety challenges in autonomous vehicles.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and at times for long periods; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.

Working Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly exposed to the office environment, outside weather conditions, road conditions, and pedestrian traffic. The team member is regularly exposed to mechanical and computer parts. The team member is occasionally exposed to fumes and airborne particles. The noise level in the environment is low to moderate. When traveling, the team member will be exposed to airports, airplanes, hotels and public transportation environments.

This role is based in our Pittsburgh or Las Vegas office and requires in‑office days each week.

Salary Range: $125,000 USD - $167,000 USD

Motional AD Inc. is an EOE. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To comply with Federal Law, we participate in E‑Verify. All newly‑hired employees are queried through this electronic system established by the DHS and the SSA to verify their identity and employment eligibility.