Sr. Specialist, Functional Safety FuSa

Here at Scout Motors, we're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history. A vehicle dating back to 1960. One that forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and trucks and will do so once again.

But Scout is more than just a brand, it’s a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work.

The Scout brand is all about respect. Respect for the past and the future by taking an iconic American brand that hasn’t been around for a while, electrifying it, digitizing it, and loading it with American innovation. Respect for communities by creating a company that stands for its people and its customers. Respect for both work and play, with vehicles that are equally at home at a camp site, a job site, or on a Tuesday commute. And respect for our customers by developing two powertrains that meet their requirements — an all-electric powertrain as well as the Harvester™ range extender powertrain which includes a built-in gas-powered generator with an estimated 500 miles of combined range.

At Scout Motors, we empower our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. What makes a Scout employee? Someone who is a visionary and a leader, who seeks new paths and shares lessons learned. A knowledgeable doer who collaborates across the company to build better. A go-getter with unrivaled passion.

Join us at Scout Motors and be part of shaping the future of transportation. If you're ready to drive change and make history, apply now!

What you’ll do

The Functional Safety (FuSa) Lead is responsible for defining, developing, and governing safety strategies across High Voltage Energy and Drive. This position is responsible for the creation and maintenance of safety plans and tracking the progress of safety cases across the safety lifecycle from the concept phase to release for production. This senior specialist role provides deep functional safety expertise, ensuring robust and compliant safety solutions aligned with industry standards and program objectives.

The successful candidate will own end-to-end safety case development for the assigned Energy and Drive scope, translate high-level safety objectives into structured engineering requirements, and advise cross-functional teams on complex system safety matters.

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

Partner with Functional Safety teams to align Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA), Safety Goals, across high voltage Energy and Drive. Experience in ADAS, SOTIF strategies and automated driving features is beneficial.

Lead the development, documentation, and maintenance of Technical Safety Concepts and Technical Safety Requirements, ensuring appropriate allocation across system components, including sensors, ECUs, software, actuators, networks, and operational assets.

Define safety concepts and requirements and support EE and Software architecture design and integration at system-level and at component-level.

Collaborate with stakeholders through System “V” development from concept to launch with design reviews and CFT including R&D engineering, manufacturing, studio design, quality, and customer experience teams.

Perform, support, and review impact analyses, HARA, FTA, DFA, DFMEA, and other safety analyses.

Collaborate with internal and external teams to develop component and system design, functional, End of Line specifications, detailed test methods and system level DFMEA, DV, PV for complex mechatronic systems.

Support analytical development using model-based design, MBSE/MBD simulation toolsets, MIL/SIL/HIL

Champion of first principles design methodology and use extensive problem-solving methods for issue resolution.

Develop, maintain, and improve Functional Safety practices, design standards, test procedures, and technical specifications; apply in-depth knowledge to adapt methods for complex safety issues and guide consistent application across the assigned scope.

Champion a strong safety culture across teams and disciplines.

Translate high-level safety objectives into structured safety arguments (e.g., GSN), including clear claims, sub-claims, and traceable evidence.

Serve as a subject-matter expert for assigned safety case topics in design reviews, program milestones, release gates, and change-control processes; frequently advise stakeholders on complex safety matters and provide decision-ready recommendations.

Contribute technical expertise to scalable Safety Management System (SMS) methods, metrics, and review mechanisms, recommending improvements based on lessons learned and program needs.

Network with key contacts across Engineering, Software, EE, Manufacturing, Quality, and external partners; communicate complex safety conclusions and guide cross-functional resolution while escalating material program risks with clear recommendations.

Exercise judgment in selecting, evaluating, and adapting functional safety methods and evaluation criteria to resolve complex, multi-variable safety issues within the assigned Energy and Drive scope.

Location & Travel Expectations:

This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan.

This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events.

Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.

What you’ll bring

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring:

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields.

8-12 years of practice in functional safety, system safety, or safety assurance within automotive, autonomous systems, robotics, or other safety-critical domains.

Proven experience completing at least one full safety lifecycle from concept through production launch (SOP) for complex systems.

Demonstrated expertise in developing and maintaining structured safety cases, including claims, arguments, and evidence. Subject matter expert in Functional Safety, Systems Engineering Complex systems design with EE, SW integration.

Deep understanding of ISO 26262 and experience in bringing its principles to practice

Hands-on experience with safety analysis methodologies such as HARA, FMEA, FTA, and STPA.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex safety concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Strong systems-thinking mindset, with the ability to translate high-level risk concepts into practical engineering solutions.

Demonstrated leadership through influence, with the ability to drive alignment across cross-functional teams in ambiguous environments.

AI/ML experience

ADAS Safety of the Intended Functionality (ISO 21448 SOTIF) and UL 4600 standard experience is beneficial.

Extensive experience working with Automotive Systems or Mechatronics Products, from Drive or Energy.

Domain/working knowledge of SW controls, EE, Electronics, and expertise in development, testing and validation methods of mechatronics systems.

Familiarity with A2B, CAN, Automotive Ethernet, LIN, LVDS communication protocols and Vehicle Network tools, such as CANalyzer, CANoe, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with advanced ADAS and autonomous systems, including multi-sensor perception stacks (camera, radar, LiDAR, ultrasonic, GNSS/IMU, HD maps).

Ownership or significant contribution to UL 4600-aligned safety cases or equivalent autonomy safety frameworks.

Familiarity with ISO 8800 and emerging safety standards.

Knowledge of AI/ML safety considerations, including data pipeline validation, performance monitoring, and operational design domain (ODD) frameworks.

Experience in fast-paced or startup environments, with the ability to balance rigor and execution speed.

Exposure with external regulatory reviews, audits, or certification processes related to Safety Compliance.

Expertise in functional safety of HV energy systems

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up. This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation. In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

Competitive insurance including:

Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans

401(k) program with:

An employer match and immediate vesting

Generous Paid Time Off including:

20 days planned PTO, as accrued

40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually

Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders

Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $140,000.00 - $170,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC8

Notice to applicants:

To be considered for career opportunities at Scout Motors, applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.

Equal Opportunity

Scout Motors is committed to employing a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristics protected by law. Scout Motors is committed to compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact ScoutAccommodations@scoutmotors.com.