Functional Safety Specialist

Functional Safety Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Functional Safety Engineer to support machine and equipment safety compliance within a large manufacturing environment. This role will focus on auditing, evaluating, and improving Safety Control Systems (SCS) to ensure compliance with industry safety standards including ISO 13849 and ANSI B11.

The successful candidate will serve as the technical lead for safety system reviews, working closely with third-party validation consultants, engineering teams, and operations personnel to identify non-conformities, develop corrective actions, and implement safety improvements.

This position requires extensive hands-on experience with Safety PLCs, machine safety systems, functional safety standards, and industrial automation controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Audit Safety Control Systems (SCS) for compliance with ISO 13849, ANSI B11, and related safety standards.
• Review electrical schematics, safety circuits, and Safety PLC programs to identify compliance gaps and risks.
• Document safety system deficiencies and develop corrective action plans.
• Design, implement, and verify safety countermeasures to achieve required Performance Levels (PL) and Control Categories.
• Modify, configure, and validate Safety PLC logic and safety circuitry.
• Perform spot audits and verification activities throughout project execution.
• Lead technical reviews and collaborate with third-party safety validation consultants.
• Manage project milestones, deliverables, KPIs, schedules, and issue resolution activities.
• Provide written and verbal project updates to management and stakeholders.
• Verify that design modifications align with approved safety requirements.
• Support troubleshooting, commissioning, and implementation activities as needed.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to controls and reliability team members.
• Participate in cross-functional problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• Technical Associate Degree or higher in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Automation, Electrical Technology, or a related field.
• Functional Safety Certification required, such as:
  • TÜV Functional Safety Engineer (FSE)
  • TÜV Functional Safety Expert
  • Equivalent Functional Safety certification

Certification credentials must be included with resume submission.

Experience

• 5+ years of Functional Safety Engineering experience within industrial automation or manufacturing environments.
• Strong experience with machine safety systems and safety control architecture.
• Proven experience auditing and validating machine safety systems.
• Hands-on Safety PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Ability to read, interpret, modify, and configure safety logic and electrical schematics.

Technical Skills

• In-depth knowledge of:
  • ISO 13849-1
  • ANSI B11 Standards
  • Machine Safety Design Principles
  • Performance Level (PL) calculations
  • Control Category requirements
• Experience with Safety PLC communications and system integration.
• Strong technical problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting machine risk assessments.
• Knowledge of FMEA and FMEDA methodologies.
• Automotive manufacturing experience.
• Experience managing external safety validation consultants.

Preferred Safety PLC Platforms

Experience with one or more of the following:

• Allen-Bradley GuardLogix
• Omron Sysmac Safety
• Keyence GC Configurator
• Toyopuc PCWin Safe
• Siemens TIA Portal / Step 7 Safety

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a large industrial manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, bend, kneel, and navigate production areas.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds.
• Availability to support plant shutdown activities, including July and December shutdown periods.