Functional Safety Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

1497070

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 QualificationsEducation & 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.