Vehicle Safety Engineer- KION Mobile Automation

Dematic; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career Development

Competitive Compensation

Pay Transparency

Global Opportunities

Job summary

Dematic seeks a seasoned Risk Assessment professional to join the Robotic Systems Development Safety Team. You will lead risk assessments for mobile robots and AGV systems, define safety requirements, and support design teams across regions to ensure regulatory compliance (OSHA, ANSI, UL, FCC).

Responsibilities include DFMEA, documenting safety analyses, and coordinating safety validation with operating units on customer-site deployments. Occasional national and international travel is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field is required.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in product risk assessment processes.
• Experience with FMEA methodology and safety standards.
• Knowledge of US regulatory frameworks such as OSHA, ANSI, UL, FCC.

Responsibilities

• Perform and/or support Risk Assessments for mobile robots and AGV systems.
• Execute system-level Risk Assessments for mobile robotics solutions.
• Identify Safety Functions and required Performance Levels.
• Conduct DFMEA and document safety compliance.
• Travel to customer sites for on-site Risk Assessments.

Skills

Risk assessment

FMEA

Regulatory knowledge

MS Office

English fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Safexpert

SISTEMA

ISO standards knowledge

Job description

Dematic is a leading supplier of integrated automated technology, software, and services to optimize supply chain. Dematic employs over 9,000 skilled logistics professionals to serve its customers globally, with engineering centers and manufacturing facilities located around the world. Dematic is one brand under the KION Group of companies and has implemented more than 6,000 integrated systems for a customer base that includes small, medium, and large companies doing business in a variety of market sectors.

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 ofmobile robotics, robotic fleet controllersand 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.

We Offer

• Career Development
• Competitive Compensation and Benefits
• Pay Transparency
• Global Opportunities

Learn More Here: https://www.dematic.com/en-us/about/careers/what-we-offer/

Dematic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

The base pay range for this role is estimated to be $X-Y at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined by various factors such as work location, education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Tasks and Qualifications

What You Will do in This Role

Core 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.
• ravel to customer sites to perform on-site system Risk Assessments.

Additional Responsibilities

• 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.

What We're Looking For

• 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

Preferred Qualifications and skills

• 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

Travel Requirements

• Occasional national and international travel to customer sites.
• Occasional national and international travel to KION locations.