Systems Safety Technical Lead

In this position...

Drive functional safety, safety of the intended functionality (SOTIF), and AI-enabled safety practices across Ford's next-generation vehicle platforms. As our company-wide focal point for ISO 26262, ISO 21448, and ISO PAS 8800, you'll architect safety processes, methods, and tool chains that enable safe, cyber-resilient, software-intensive vehicles. Partner with cross-disciplinary teams (systems, hardware, software, ADAS/AD, cybersecurity, manufacturing) to embed "safety-by-design" into our products, mentor engineers, and represent Ford in industry standards bodies. Bring your 8+ years of automotive safety expertise to transform how we deliver safety: faster, more accurate, and more efficient.

We are seeking a seasoned Systems Safety Technical Lead (≥8 years’ experience) to drive functional safety, safety of the intended functionality (SOTIF), and emerging safety practices across our next-generation vehicle platforms. You will serve as the company-wide focal point for ISO 26262, ISO 21448, ISO PAS 8800 and other relevant standards. You will architect fit-for-purpose processes, methods, and tool chains that enable safe, cyber-resilient, software-intensive vehicle systems. Working with cross-disciplinary teams (systems, hardware, software, controls, ADAS/AD, cybersecurity, manufacturing) you will translate safety concepts into robust product and process direction, realizations, mentor engineers, and represent the company in industry standards bodies. The ideal candidate will bring experience and thirst to bring modern technologies (experience building software and using AI) to transform the way we drive safety into our vehicles that is more accurate, faster and takes less time.  

What you'll do...

1. Technical Leadership & Strategy
   • Define and maintain the corporate safety lifecycle framework aligned with ISO 26262 (all parts) and ISO 21448, integrating ISO PAS 8800 guidance for ADAS/AD-enabled features and coordinating with ISO 21434 cybersecurity requirements.
   • Champion a “safety-by-design” culture; influence product roadmaps, architecture selections, and trade studies to ensure safety goals are achieved with feasible, cost-effective solutions.
   • Establish leading indicators, KPIs, and audit mechanisms to measure safety performance and compliance maturity.
2. Process, Methods, & Tool Development
   • Architect and continuously improve end-to-end safety processes (HAZOP, item definition, HARA, concept & technical safety, verification/validation, confirmation reviews).
   • Lead selection, customization, and deployment of model-based systems engineering (MBSE), safety analysis, and lifecycle tools 
   • Develop templates, guidelines, and automation scripts that streamline safety work products and ensure consistent traceability from requirements to verification evidence.
3. Program Execution & Governance
   • Coordinate cross-functional safety reviews, resolve technical disagreements, and escalate critical risks to executive leadership.
4. Mentorship & Capability Building
   • Coach and develop a community of practice across systems, hardware, and software engineering groups; deliver internal training on ISO 26262, ISO 21448, and supporting standards.
   • Guide junior safety engineers in applying HARA, STPA, FTA, DFA, FMEA, ASIL decomposition, dependent failure analyses, and SOTIF scenario-based testing.
5. External Engagement
   • Represent the company in SAE, ISO, and other industry working groups; influence future standardization activities and bring back best practices.
   • Support customer and supplier negotiations on safety allocations, technical safety agreements, and audit readiness.

You'll have...

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in automotive or related safety-critical domains.
• Deep, hands-on expertise with ISO 26262 (2nd edition) and ISO 21448; demonstrated track record of delivering safety-compliant products to production.
• Working familiarity with ISO PAS 8800 (safe AI/machine-learning-based functions).
• Strong analytical background in system architecture, control theory, embedded software, hardware design, and diagnostic strategies.
• Proven ability to craft safety cases, perform advanced safety analyses (HAZOP, HARA, FMEA, DFA, FTA, FMEDA, STPA, quantitative risk assessment), and oversee verification/validation planning.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder-management skills; comfortable briefing executives and mentoring cross-functional teams.
• Eligible to work in the target region and travel (~10-20 %).

Even better, you may have...

• Master’s degree or PhD with focus on safety-critical systems, autonomy, or reliability engineering.
• Functional Safety Certification
• Background in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), automated driving (SAE Level 2–4), or electrified propulsion systems.
• Knowledge of ASPICE, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and lean/agile development frameworks.
• Working familiarity with ISO 21434 (vehicle cybersecurity).
• Experience building software systems and mythologies 
• Familiarity and interest in applying AI/ML to accelerate safety validation techniques, scenario-based simulation, and data analytics for field safety monitoring.
• Proficiency in Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and requirements management environments; able to define taxonomies, meta-models, and data integrations across hardware & software domains.
• Familiarity with Risk Analysis and Assessment Modeling Language (RAAML)
• Familiarity with SysML v2 

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
• 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 leadership level 6 and ranges from $132,800-$250,800. 
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL6

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.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. 

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