Systems Safety Technical Lead

Ford Motor Company

Lead Systems Safety Technical practices across Ford's next-generation vehicle platforms. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to drive functional safety and compliance.

Posted 5/27/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $132,800 - $250,800 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drive functional safety, safety of the intended functionality (SOTIF), and AI-enabled safety practices across Ford's next-generation vehicle platforms.
Architect safety processes, methods, and tool chains for safe, cyber-resilient, software-intensive vehicles.
Partner with cross-disciplinary teams to embed "safety-by-design" into products.
Mentor engineers and represent Ford in industry standards bodies.
Transform how safety is delivered: faster, more accurate, and more efficient.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
8+ years of progressive experience in automotive or related safety-critical domains.
Deep, hands-on expertise with ISO 26262 (2nd edition) and ISO 21448; demonstrated track record of delivering safety-compliant products to production.
Working familiarity with ISO PAS 8800 (safe AI/machine-learning-based functions).
Strong analytical background in system architecture, control theory, embedded software, hardware design, and diagnostic strategies.
Proven ability to craft safety cases, perform advanced safety analyses (HAZOP, HARA, FMEA, DFA, FTA, FMEDA, STPA, quantitative risk assessment), and oversee verification/validation planning.
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder-management skills; comfortable briefing executives and mentoring cross-functional teams.
Eligible to work in the target region and travel (~10-20 %).
Master’s degree or PhD with focus on safety-critical systems, autonomy, or reliability engineering (even better!)
Functional Safety Certification.
Background in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), automated driving (SAE Level 2–4), or electrified propulsion systems.
Knowledge of ASPICE, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and lean/agile development frameworks.
Working familiarity with ISO 21434 (vehicle cybersecurity).
Experience building software systems and methodologies.
Familiarity and interest in applying AI/ML to accelerate safety validation techniques, scenario-based simulation, and data analytics for field safety monitoring.
Proficiency in Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and requirements management environments; able to define taxonomies, meta-models, and data integrations across hardware & software domains.
Familiarity with Risk Analysis and Assessment Modeling Language (RAAML).
Familiarity with SysML v2.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

ISO 26262ISO 21448ISO PAS 8800HAZOPHARAFMEADFAFTAFMEDASTPA

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationstakeholder managementmentoringanalytical skills

Certifications

Functional Safety Certification