Functional Safety Engineer

Switzerland·ZürichFull timemid

OtherFunctional Safety Engineer

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Quick Summary

Overview

Gravis Robotics is a startup turning heavy construction machines into intelligent and autonomous robots.

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OtherFunctional Safety Engineer

Gravis Robotics is a startup turning heavy construction machines into intelligent and autonomous robots.
Our unique combination of learning-based automation and augmented remote control enables a single
operator to safely manage a fleet of earthmoving machines in a gamified environment. With over a
decade of academic experience at the cutting edge of large-scale robotics, our team is rapidly translating
this expertise into real-world deployments with industry leaders in a trillion-dollar market.

About the Role

~4 min read

At Gravis, we operate at the intersection of hardware, software, and real-world deployment. Our Rooftop
Autonomous Control Kit (RACK) integrates sensing, compute, communication, and networking into a
manufacturer-agnostic solution deployable across a wide range of construction machines.

As a Functional Safety Engineer at Gravis, you will own the safety lifecycle for our robotic and automated
systems — from initial hazard analysis through to validation and regulatory submission. Working at the
intersection of systems, hardware, and software engineering, you will translate safety requirements into
robust designs and ensure our products are safe by design, whether they're operating on a Swiss quarry
or a live construction site in Manchester. This role puts you at the heart of some of the most technically
demanding and consequential work in autonomous machinery.

Safety Analysis & Design

Lead hazard identification and risk assessment activities (HARA, HAZOP, FMEA/FMEDA) for new
and existing products

Define safety requirements and safety integrity levels (SIL/PLr) in accordance with ISO 13849

Design and verify safety functions, including safety-related control systems and protective
measures

Review and approve safety-critical hardware and software designs; conduct safety architecture
reviews

Standards & Regulatory Compliance

Ensure products comply with ISO 13849, ISO 19014, Machinery Directive/Regulation, and other
applicable standards

Prepare and maintain the safety case and technical file, including all required evidence for
conformity assessment and CE marking

Liaise with Notified Bodies and external safety assessors throughout the certification process

Monitor evolving safety standards and regulatory requirements; assess impact on existing and
future products

Safety Processes & Tooling

Define and embed functional safety processes within the product development lifecycle (V-model, agile safety workflows)

Use safety analysis tooling (e.g. SISTEMA, SafexI, or equivalent) and PLC/safety controller
environments such as CODESYS or equivalent IEC 61131-3 platforms

Establish and maintain functional safety plans, verification and validation plans, and associated
records

Support or lead functional safety audits, both internal and external

Collaboration & Mentoring

Collaborate with hardware, software, systems, and product teams to integrate safety requirements throughout the design process

Mentor engineers on functional safety principles and best practices; facilitate safety workshops and training

Produce clear, high-quality deliverables: safety reports, analysis results, verification records, and certification documentation

Engage with customers, suppliers, and regulators on safety-related matters as required

3+ years of functional safety engineering experience in an industrial, robotics, or automation
environment

Deep knowledge of ISO 13849; proven experience applying safety standards through full product
development cycles

Hands-on experience with hazard analysis techniques: HARA, HAZOP, FMEA/FMEDA

Experience preparing technical documentation and safety cases for Notified Body review and CE
marking

Familiarity with IEC 61131-3 safety PLC environments (CODESYS or equivalent: Siemens TIA
Portal, Studio 5000, etc.)

Strong understanding of the Machinery Directive/Regulation and its practical application to product design

Experience working within structured development lifecycles (V-model or equivalent) with safety
processes embedded

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to present safety arguments to technical
and non-technical audiences

Relevant functional safety certifications: TÜV Functional Safety Engineer, IEC 62061 or ISO 13849
specialist, or equivalent

Experience with cybersecurity-safety interaction and combined security/safety risk assessments

Familiarity with IEC 61508 as the parent standard underpinning sector-specific functional safety
norms

Experience in safety-critical development across any of the following domains:
○ Autonomous robotics and mobile robotic platforms
○ Advanced perception-based or visual safety solutions
○ Heavy earthmoving equipment or related sectors like agricultural automation

Experience using model-based design or formal methods for safety-critical system development

Don't meet every requirement? If you're enthusiastic about this role but your experience doesn't match
every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be the perfect candidate for this or other
positions.

This is an opportunity to join a dynamic and versatile team, and to be part of a young startup that will
revolutionize heavy construction. Gravis Robotics offers a fair market salary and a working location in the vibrant city of Zurich. As a forward-facing startup, we understand that work-life balance and flexibility are important considerations for many professionals: If you are a highly qualified candidate with the requisite skills and experience, we encourage you to apply and discuss your preferred working arrangement during the interview process.

Gravis is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team, and do not discriminate based upon race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

We are an international team that is working to solve problems with a global impact: to facilitate efficient
communication and collaboration, proficiency in English is a requirement for all roles.