Sr. Safety Engineer, Investigations & Assurance

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. We’re searching for a Senior Safety Engineer, Investigations & Assurance.
You will lead and manage technical investigations where a strong foundation in engineering is essential for success. You will leverage your technical knowledge to identify safety risks, conduct in-depth root cause analyses, and develop effective corrective actions. Your engineering expertise will allow you to thoroughly understand complex technical issues, enabling you to propose meaningful improvements that enhance safety practices across the organization. While program management skills will be valuable in coordinating safety projects and cross-functional initiatives, your engineering background will be the foundation for driving impactful, data-driven safety improvements.

In this role, you will

• Lead technical safety investigations, including conducting Safety Risk Assessments, analyzing complex data, performing root cause analyses, and developing comprehensive corrective actions.
• Collaborate across Engineering, Product, and Operations teams to identify and implement safety improvements that align with organizational goals, using engineering insights to inform technical safety solutions.
• Drive safety improvement initiatives by proactively identifying trends from investigation findings and working with stakeholders to address root causes through technical solutions.
• Develop and manage technical safety reports, detailing software, hardware, and operational safety risks, and leverage these findings to influence strategic decisions.
• Provide subject matter expertise to the Safety Management System team, continuously improving safety assurance processes and strategy based on technical insights.
• Support program management aspects of safety projects, including tracking progress, evaluating risks, and coordinating cross-functional communication, using your technical understanding to ensure effective project alignment.
• Optimize Safety Assurance databases and dashboards, ensuring accurate tracking of Safety Concerns, Safety Actions, and Investigations, and use engineering-based insights to enhance data accuracy and utility.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives based on investigation findings to advance Aurora’s safety practices and support a culture of ongoing safety excellence.
• Utilize safety analysis tools (e.g., Medini, Ansys, or similar software) and data visualization techniques to support data-driven decision-making and enhance the interpretation of safety investigation findings.

 Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a safety engineer in a regulated environment (e.g., autonomous systems, robotics, automotive, or a related technical field).
• Strong technical foundation in safety engineering processes, including investigations, root cause analysis, and safety risk assessment models.
• Proficient understanding of safety standards such as ISO 26262, ISO 21488, and UL4600, with experience applying these to safety-critical systems.
• Hands-on experience with functional safety analysis methodologies (e.g., FMEA, FTA, HARA) and the ability to interpret and utilize complex technical data.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance standards and guidelines from bodies such as the NHTSA or similar agencies.
• Strong communication skills to present safety findings clearly and collaborate across various project teams, with an ability to translate engineering concepts for diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in program management tasks, including planning, milestone tracking, and project reporting, with a focus on leveraging engineering expertise to ensure project success.
• Familiarity with Agile and Waterfall methodologies and exposure to a wide variety of program management techniques.
• Proficiency in the Atlassian product suite (Jira, Confluence).
• Demonstrated commitment to working in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment, with a proactive approach to continuous learning and safety improvement.

 Desirable Qualifications

• Certifications in ISO 26262, ISO 21488, and UL4600.
• Experience in operations within a safety-critical field (e.g., aerospace, automotive, nuclear, oil).
• Proficient use of data visualization and business intelligence tools (e.g., Jira, Smartsheet, Holistics, Mode) and ability to create technical safety dashboards.
• Proficient understanding of Safety Management System structure and processes, and strong decision-making skills for evaluating and prioritizing risks.

The base salary range for this position is $152,000 - $227,000 per year.  Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

#LI-JM3

#Mid-Senior