Lead Safety Engineer, Robotics

About the Role

As a key member of the robotics team, the Lead Safety Engineer will partner with engineering teams to translate safety requirements into product architecture, design decisions, and engineering requirements. This role requires a deep understanding of safety engineering principles, as well as the ability to communicate complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Openai's robotics team is focused on unlocking general-purpose robotics and pushing towards AGI-level intelligence in dynamic, real-world settings. The team integrates cutting-edge hardware and software to explore a broad range of robotic form factors, striving to seamlessly blend high-level AI capabilities with the constraints of physical systems to improve people's lives.

What You Will Do

• Define and lead the product safety strategy for robotic systems across the development lifecycle
• Monitor and influence emerging regulatory frameworks, industry standards, and policy developments relevant to robotics and autonomous systems
• Partner with engineering teams to translate safety requirements into product architecture, design decisions, and engineering requirements
• Develop and maintain system-level hazard analyses, risk assessments, and safety cases for robotic products
• Establish safety requirements, verification strategies, and evidence-generation plans to support product development and future certification activities
• Collaborate with legal, policy, and leadership teams to assess regulatory risks and inform long-term product strategy
• Partner with hardware, software, controls, and research teams to identify hazards and develop mitigations throughout the development process
• Lead system-level hazard analyses, HARA activities, FMEAs, and other structured risk assessment processes to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and drive mitigation strategies throughout product development
• Represent the company in discussions with standards bodies, industry groups, regulators, and external safety experts when appropriate
• Help build and scale the safety engineering function as the robotics organization grows

What We Are Looking For

• Deep expertise in product safety, functional safety, systems safety, robotics safety, or related disciplines
• Experience working with safety and regulatory frameworks such as ISO 10218, ISO 13849, IEC 61508, ISO 12100, ANSI/RIA standards, or comparable safety standards
• Experience developing hazard analyses, risk assessments, safety cases, or certification strategies for complex electromechanical systems
• Familiarity with robotics, autonomous systems, industrial equipment, consumer products, medical devices, automotive systems, aerospace systems, or other safety-critical technologies
• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple stakeholders and priorities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Ability to balance technical, regulatory, operational, and business considerations when making recommendations
• Passion for building products that are both innovative and demonstrably safe

Nice to Have

• Experience with risk management and mitigation strategies in complex systems
• Knowledge of machine learning and AI principles, and their application in robotics and autonomous systems
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and version control systems
• Experience with safety engineering tools and software, such as hazard analysis and risk assessment tools

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work with a leading company in the field of AI and robotics
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced professionals
• Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools
• Recognition and reward for outstanding performance and contributions
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs, including mental health support

• tip: Highlight your experience with safety engineering principles and regulatory frameworks in your application, as these are critical requirements for the role.
• tip: Be prepared to provide specific examples of how you have applied safety engineering principles in previous roles, and how you have managed complex technical projects.
• tip: Show a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies, as the field of robotics and AI is constantly evolving.
• tip: Emphasize your ability to communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders, as this is a key aspect of the role.
• tip: Consider including a portfolio or examples of your work in safety engineering, such as hazard analyses or risk assessments, to demonstrate your expertise.
• tip: Prepare to discuss your approach to risk management and mitigation strategies in complex systems, and how you have applied these principles in previous roles.