Safety & Compliance Lead - Maritime Autonomy
WFA Digital Insight
Stark’s Safety & Compliance Lead sits at the crossroads of cutting‑edge maritime autonomy and the heavy‑weight regulatory world that governs it. Unlike a generic safety engineer role, this position is tasked with translating IMO MASS Code and related naval authority rules into concrete software‑integrity policies that will be baked into every line of code and hardware component from day one. The job is a bridge between engineers who build unmanned surface vessels and the external auditors who certify them, meaning candidates must be comfortable speaking the language of both technical specs and international law. Success hinges on the ability to craft evidence packages and V&V processes that satisfy regulators while keeping development agile. If you thrive on turning abstract standards into actionable safety‑by‑design practices, Stark offers a rare chance to shape the compliance backbone of next‑generation naval autonomy.
Job Description
About Us STARK is bringing its expertise in software-defined unmanned systems to the maritime domain. Traditional fleets alone cannot safeguard this vast, critical space. Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) extend naval reach at lower cost and reduced risk to personnel. Our maritime family of systems is AI-enabled and built for reliable performance in the harshest seas, delivering NATO a fully integrated hardware–software capability for scalable ISR and strike operations ]]> Your mission As the maritime industry shifts toward full autonomy, the barrier to entry isn't just technical capability it is regulatory trust. While Work Boat Code 3 and Secure by Design initiatives protect us from external threats and provide the standard that must be achieved, the Safety & Compliance Lead ensures our systems are Safe by Design to deliver those standards. This role is the critical bridge between high level international standards (IMO) and our internal engineering output. You will be the architect of our IMO/Naval Authority compliance and Software Integrity Policy (SIP), ensuring that every line of code and physical system we deploy is stable, reliable, and legally compliant within the evolving global maritime domain. ]]> Responsibilities Act as the primary interface with the Naval Authority and international regulators. Interpret and apply complex standards (e.g., IMO MASS Code, ISO/IEC standards, DEFSTA) across different jurisdictions. Stay ahead of shifting international standards to ensure long term alignment of our autonomous platforms. Establish and lead the framework for proving system integrity from day one. Develop the Software Integrity Policy (SIP) to satisfy Naval Authority and IMO requirements. Mitigate the risk of "retrospective engineering" by embedding safety requirements into the early stages of the SDLC. Construct comprehensive "Evidence Packages" that prove systems are safe for operational use. Oversee validation and verification (V&V) processes specifically geared toward autonomous control systems. Manage the variations in software and hardware development standards required for different global markets. Work alongside the Security Lead to form a "Compliance and Assurance" powerhouse. Collaborate with engineering teams to translate abstract regulatory text into actionable technical requirements. ]]> Qualifications Proven experience as a Safety Engineer within the Maritime, Aerospace, or Defense sectors. Deep understanding of Software Integrity Levels (SIL) and their application in autonomous systems. Familiarity with Naval Authority Rules and the eemerging IMO MASS (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships) regulatory landscape. Ability to balance rigorous safety requirements with the agility needed for project delivery. A "systems thinking" approach, understanding how software safety impacts hardware performance and environmental risk. Exceptional ability to synthesise technical data into clear compliance reports for external auditors. Experience in a "Lead" or "Head of" capacity, capable of fostering a robust safety culture across a multi disciplinary team. For this position you must be eligiable for UK Secuirty Clearance and travelling to south Devon on a regular basis. Please contact Sally Grütte-Pad, Interim Lead TA Partner for any questions via talent@stark-defence.com]]>
How to Stand Out
- Highlight any direct experience with IMO, MASS Code, or naval authority regulations in your CV and cover letter.
- Prepare a short case study showing how you embedded safety requirements early in a software development lifecycle.
- Bring concrete examples of evidence packages or compliance reports you authored to the interview.
- Familiarise yourself with SIL concepts and be ready to discuss their practical application on autonomous systems.
- Emphasise your eligibility for UK Security Clearance and willingness to travel for on‑site audits.
- Ask about the interaction between the Safety & Compliance Lead and the Security Lead to show strategic thinking.
- When negotiating, focus on professional development opportunities that deepen regulatory expertise.
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