Functional Safety Specialist

Job Summary:

Our client in Liberty, NC is looking for a Functional Safety Specialist. This is a contract position.

The Production Engineering Battery Department is seeking a highly experienced Functional Safety Specialist to support a critical safety compliance and validation group. The ideal candidate will bring over 10 years of experience in industrial safety engineering, with deep expertise in functional safety standards, circuit validation, and regulatory compliance. This role requires strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, regional-level coordination, and effective prioritization to meet project schedules.

What you’ll be doing:

• Develop detailed area project plans and schedules
• Audit Safety Control Systems (SCS) for compliance to ISO 13849 and ANSI B11
• Identify and document non-conformities within SCS designs
• Design and verify countermeasures to achieve target control category and performance levels
• Develop schedules with deliverables, milestones, concerns, and key performance indicators
• Manage an 3rd Party consultant group by milestones, concerns, and key performance indicators
• Lead cross-functional communication and collaboration to ensure issue resolution
• Provide written and verbal project status reports to management and stakeholders
• Audit SCS design modifications to ensure correlation with intended design
• Support the Control Reliability team through mentorship and technical coaching
• Perform hands-on troubleshooting and implementation as needed
• Demonstrate a positive, team-oriented attitude and contribute to cross-functional success

Basics:

• Functional Safety Certification, such as TÜV Functional Safety Engineer or equivalent
• Certification credentials included with resume
• 5+ years of experience in functional safety engineering within industrial or automation sectors and Technical Associate’s Degree or higher in a related discipline
• In-depth knowledge of ISO 13849-1, ANSI B11, and other relevant standards
• Demonstrated technical problem-solving and countermeasure implementation skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Safety PLC programming experience, including the ability to read, interpret, modify, and configure logic
• Experience with PLC/SPLC communication protocols and system integration
• Availability to support weekends, off-shifts, and holidays as required
• Ability to work during scheduled shutdowns (July and December)
• Willingness to travel up to 30% (domestic and international)
• Capability to navigate large industrial facilities: standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, and kneeling as needed
• Ability to safely lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds

Preferred:

• Experience with risk assessment tools
• FMEA/FMEDA methodologies
• Proficiency with one or more Safety PLC platforms, including:
• Allen-Bradley GuardLogix
• Omron - Sysmac (Safety)
• Keyence - GC Configurator
• Toyopuc – PCWin Safe
• Siemens TIA Portal / Step 7 (Safety)

How You Will Be Successful:

• Envision the Future
• Communicate Honestly and Broadly
• Seek Technology and Business “First”
• Embrace Diversity and Take Risks

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Comprehensive Benefit Package
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Discounts
• Free training on all Altair products