Systems Safety Technical Lead

In this position...

Drive functional safety safety of the intended functionality (SOTIF) and AI-enabled safety practices across Fords next-generation vehicle platforms. As our company-wide focal point for ISO 26262 ISO 21448 and ISO PAS 8800 youll 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 youll 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.

Youll have...

• Bachelors 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...

• Masters 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 24) 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 weve 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 builderor 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 Years Day
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is leadership level 6 and ranges from $132800-$250800.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidates 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: 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 the United States if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability please call 1-.

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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