The Vehicle Operations Safety Engineer supports the safe, compliant, and risk-informed execution of vehicle operations through operational safety oversight, risk assessment and mitigation as well as ensuring regulatory requirements are met. This role works closely with operations, engineering, quality, and safety teams to assess operational readiness, identify hazards, and support data-driven, risk-based decision-making for vehicle deployment and testing activities. The position plays a key role in evaluating operational safety risks, supporting safety release case development and review, and ensuring regulatory/industry standard requirements are translated into clearly defined, project requirements that are validated and documented.
Key Responsibilities- Conduct vehicle operations safety patrols, inspections, and operational assessments to identify unsafe conditions, process gaps, and operational risks.
- Review and support safety release cases, operational safety cases, and supporting evidence to evaluate operational readiness and risk acceptance decisions.
- Support project team in identifying and complying with safety and regulatory requirements.
- Support data-driven and risk-based operational decision-making using operational metrics, incident trends, audit findings, and safety performance data.
- Conduct operational risk assessments for vehicle testing, deployment activities, route changes, environmental conditions, and procedural modifications.
- Identify hazards, evaluate risk severity and likelihood, and recommend mitigations and operational controls to reduce safety exposure.
- Collaborate with engineering, operations, and safety stakeholders to ensure operational assumptions, constraints, and mitigations are adequately documented and maintained.
- Track, investigate, and follow up on audit findings, safety concerns, incidents, and corrective actions to ensure timely resolution and continuous improvement.
- Support incident investigations, root cause analysis, and development of corrective and preventive actions.
- Assist in developing, reviewing, and improving operational processes and procedures aligned with the organization's Quality Management System (QMS) and operational safety objectives.
- Monitor compliance with internal and external safety standards and operational procedures.
- Maintain safety documentation, risk registers, operational readiness records, audit documentation, and safety assessment reports.
- Promote a proactive safety culture through operational guidance, risk awareness, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Safety, Engineering, Operations Management, Quality, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- 5+ years experience in vehicle operations, fleet safety, autonomous vehicle operations, transportation safety, manufacturing safety, or a related operational environment.
- Experience conducting operational risk assessments and implementing risk mitigation strategies.
- Knowledge of U.S. AD/ADAS vehicle safety regulations and applicable industry standards.
- Experience supporting data-driven operational decisions using safety metrics, operational trends, or risk analysis.
- Understanding of mission constraints, operational design domains (ODD), or operational safety limitations in vehicle testing or deployment environments.
- Familiarity with audit processes, corrective actions, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced operational environment.
Preferred Qualifications- Familiarity with safety case frameworks, safety assurance methodologies, operational safety evaluations, or functional safety principles.
- Experience with Safety Management Systems (SMS).
- Knowledge of ISO standards, functional safety, or Safety of the Intended Functionality (SOTIF) principles.
- Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and process/procedure development.
- Experience supporting operational readiness reviews, safety validation activities, or safety governance boards.
- Proficiency with reporting tools, documentation systems, data analysis tools, and risk tracking platforms.
The base pay for this position ranges from $94,500 - $155,250 a year.
Your base salary is one part of your total compensation. We offer a base salary, short term and long term incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package. The total compensation offered to an employee will be dependent upon the individual's skills, experience, qualifications, location, and level.
WHAT WE OFFERWe are committed to creating a modern work environment that supports our employees and their loved ones. We offer many options of the best programs to allow you to do your most meaningful work and to help you shape the future of mobility.
• Excellent health, wellness, dental and vision coverage
• A rewarding 401k program
• Flexible vacation policy
• Family planning and care benefits
