Senior Specialist - Functional Safety FuSa

What you’ll do

The Functional Safety (FuSa) Lead is responsible for defining, developing, and governing safety strategies across High Voltage Energy and Drive. This position is responsible for the creation and maintenance of safety plans and tracking the progress of safety cases across the safety lifecycle from the concept phase to release for production.  This senior specialist role provides deep functional safety expertise, ensuring robust and compliant safety solutions aligned with industry standards and program objectives. 

The successful candidate will own end-to-end safety case development for the assigned Energy and Drive scope, translate high-level safety objectives into structured engineering requirements, and advise cross-functional teams on complex system safety matters. 

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

• Partner with Functional Safety teams to align Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA), Safety Goals, across high voltage Energy and Drive.  Experience in ADAS, SOTIF strategies and automated driving features is beneficial.
• Lead the development, documentation, and maintenance of Technical Safety Concepts and Technical Safety Requirements, ensuring appropriate allocation across system components, including sensors, ECUs, software, actuators, networks, and operational assets.  
• Define safety concepts and requirements and support EE and Software architecture design and integration at system-level and at component-level.
• Collaborate with stakeholders through System “V” development from concept to launch with design reviews and CFT including R&D engineering, manufacturing, studio design, quality, and customer experience teams.  
• Perform, support, and review impact analyses, HARA, FTA, DFA, DFMEA, and other safety analyses.  
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to develop component and system design, functional, End of Line specifications, detailed test methods and system level DFMEA, DV, PV for complex mechatronic systems.
• Support analytical development using model-based design, MBSE/MBD simulation toolsets, MIL/SIL/HIL  
• Champion of first principles design methodology and use extensive problem-solving methods for issue resolution. 
• Develop, maintain, and improve Functional Safety practices, design standards, test procedures, and technical specifications; apply in-depth knowledge to adapt methods for complex safety issues and guide consistent application across the assigned scope. 
• Champion a strong safety culture across teams and disciplines.
• Translate high-level safety objectives into structured safety arguments (e.g., GSN), including clear claims, sub-claims, and traceable evidence.  
• Serve as a subject-matter expert for assigned safety case topics in design reviews, program milestones, release gates, and change-control processes; frequently advise stakeholders on complex safety matters and provide decision-ready recommendations. 
• Contribute technical expertise to scalable Safety Management System (SMS) methods, metrics, and review mechanisms, recommending improvements based on lessons learned and program needs.  
• Network with key contacts across Engineering, Software, EE, Manufacturing, Quality, and external partners; communicate complex safety conclusions and guide cross-functional resolution while escalating material program risks with clear recommendations.
• Exercise judgment in selecting, evaluating, and adapting functional safety methods and evaluation criteria to resolve complex, multi-variable safety issues within the assigned Energy and Drive scope.

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan.
• This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events. 
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring: 

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields.  
• 8-12 years of practice in functional safety, system safety, or safety assurance within automotive, autonomous systems, robotics, or other safety-critical domains.  
• Proven experience completing at least one full safety lifecycle from concept through production launch (SOP) for complex systems.  
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and maintaining structured safety cases, including claims, arguments, and evidence. Subject matter expert in Functional Safety, Systems Engineering Complex systems design with EE, SW integration.
• Deep understanding of ISO 26262 and experience in bringing its principles to practice
• Hands-on experience with safety analysis methodologies such as HARA, FMEA, FTA, and STPA.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex safety concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.  
• Strong systems-thinking mindset, with the ability to translate high-level risk concepts into practical engineering solutions.  
• Demonstrated leadership through influence, with the ability to drive alignment across cross-functional teams in ambiguous environments. 
• AI/ML experience
• ADAS Safety of the Intended Functionality (ISO 21448 SOTIF) and UL 4600 standard experience is beneficial.
• Extensive experience working with Automotive Systems or Mechatronics Products, from Drive or Energy. 
• Domain/working knowledge of SW controls, EE, Electronics, and expertise in development, testing and validation methods of mechatronics systems. 
• Familiarity with A2B, CAN, Automotive Ethernet, LIN, LVDS communication protocols and Vehicle Network tools, such as CANalyzer, CANoe, etc.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with advanced ADAS and autonomous systems, including multi-sensor perception stacks (camera, radar, LiDAR, ultrasonic, GNSS/IMU, HD maps).  
• Ownership or significant contribution to UL 4600-aligned safety cases or equivalent autonomy safety frameworks.  
• Familiarity with ISO 8800 and emerging safety standards.  
• Knowledge of AI/ML safety considerations, including data pipeline validation, performance monitoring, and operational design domain (ODD) frameworks.  
• Experience in fast-paced or startup environments, with the ability to balance rigor and execution speed.  
• Exposure with external regulatory reviews, audits, or certification processes related to Safety Compliance.  
• Expertise in functional safety of HV energy systems

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $140,000.00 - $170,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC8