DescriptionPosition OverviewWe are seeking a hands-on Functional Safety Engineer to support the development and certification of complex robotic construction systems. This engineer will own system-level safety activities, including hazard analysis, functional safety requirements, safety feature development, risk documentation, and certification readiness.The ideal candidate has experience applying functional safety principles to robotics, automation, industrial machinery, or similarly complex electromechanical systems. This is not an audit-only or compliance-monitoring position. The engineer must be able to identify hazards, develop practical solutions, implement safety improvements, and work across mechanical, electrical, controls, and software teams.Key Responsibilities-Lead functional safety activities for complex robotic and electromechanical systems.-Develop and maintain hazard analyses, risk assessments, and system safety documentation from the ground up.-Translate identified hazards into clear system, subsystem, and component-level safety requirements.-Support the transition from initial hazard analysis into the development and implementation of specific safety features.-Work with controls, robotics, mechanical, electrical, computer vision, and software teams to integrate safety into product design.-Develop safety functions that use sensors, controls, machine awareness, or computer vision to detect people and environmental hazards.-Define and implement appropriate machine responses, including controlled stops, reduced-speed operation, interlocks, and other risk-reduction measures.-Apply functional safety standards such as ISO 13849 and relevant transferable standards, including IEC 62061 and IEC 61508.-Support OSHA compliance and other applicable machinery and workplace safety requirements.-Partner with external certification consultants to advance products toward NRTL, UL, and other applicable certifications.-Review mechanical and electrical drawings and provide practical recommendations for safety-related design changes.-Oversee the implementation and verification of safety improvements rather than only documenting or flagging potential concerns.-Communicate safety risks, requirements, and recommended solutions clearly across multidisciplinary engineering teams.-Take ownership of safety initiatives and independently drive work forward in a fast-paced product-development environment.SkillsSafety, Hazard analysis, Engineering, machine safety, machine guards, ISO 13489, safety controlsTop Skills DetailsSafety,Hazard analysis,EngineeringAdditional Skills & QualificationsControls, robotics, or automation engineering experience with strong mechanical-system familiarity.Experience supporting NRTL or UL product certification.Experience working directly with certification laboratories or third-party certification consultants.Experience developing safety functions involving sensors, controls, machine perception, or computer vision.Familiarity with safety-rated controls, interlocks, emergency stops, guarding systems, presence detection, and controlled machine-stop functions.Experience with complex mobile, autonomous, industrial, or construction-related robotic equipment.Familiarity with SolidWorks, AutoCAD Electrical, or SolidWorks Electrical.Experience working in a startup, rapid product-development, or similarly fast-moving engineering environment.Experience LevelIntermediate Level Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $50.00 - $70.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 12, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.