Senior Systems Safety Engineer

Who We Are:

PowerLight was co-founded by our CTO, Tom Nugent, and Dr. Jordin T. Kare to change how the world distributes power. Our team has set numerous world records for beaming power over light, and won two NASA project awards. We are the first to develop a viable technology platform that demonstrates the safe long-distance delivery of electric power, and we’re now developing products to meet the Kilowatts over Kilometers needs of multiple industries looking beyond 19th century copper wire solutions.

At PowerLight Technologies, we look for people who have three distinct characteristics: they are humble, hungry, and smart (not just in their area of expertise, but in common sense about people). All of these attributes are exhibited by the most successful members of our team, wrapped in real niceness and regard for others.

We value academic chops (especially for this position), people who are unfazed by equations, analysis, technical papers, and mastering something completely new. Our culture is one of urgency, accountability, and teamwork, with a healthy sense of fun and a passion for science. We show up prepared, engage in healthy debate, embrace deadlines, and make sure that our workplace feels energizing.

We hire hands-on tinkerers who love to make things work, and we give them a fantastic lab in which to explore ideas. In some cases, our technical contributors have previously invented products and have even launched their own successful companies. Successful team members are undeterred by extremely challenging, first-of-their-kind problems to solve. They experiment, fail-and-learn quickly, and lock in the mastery of their explorations.

We hire professionals who know their craft: those that can design boards, assemblies, optical chains, code and processes with an eye toward successful, field-ready, nicely documented products and systems.

PowerLight is building laser power beaming solutions to transform the way energy is delivered. From the depths of the ocean to craters on the moon, our team of applied scientists, engineers, and technicians are bringing science fiction to reality.

A career here means you will interact with the world's leading experts in laser power beaming. Join our team – bring your skills, experiences, and determination – to help us “make a dent in the universe.” Together we'll revolutionize energy distribution.

Job Description:

As a Senior Systems Safety Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of our next-generation complex multidisciplinary laser power beaming systems. Your responsibilities will include the modeling, analysis, optimization, and design of safety features through a novel safety-based approach for both free-space power beaming systems and power-over-fiber systems. This role requires a deep understanding of failure characteristics of system components, as well as expertise in formal system safety design and assessment methodologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead ongoing safety Concept of Operations and requirements development in a model based environment for advanced high energy laser power beaming systems.
• Multidisciplinary Design Analysis:
  • Collaborate and contribute across teams to analyze the design of complex systems spanning multiple disciplines, including mechanical and electronic hardware, optics, and software.
  • Assess potential safety risks associated with various design elements and propose mitigating solutions.
  • Perform safety analyses based on knowledge of standards such as ISO 26262 and MIL-STD-882E.
• Optimization of Safety Features:
  • Develop and implement strategies to optimize safety features within the system architecture, including algorithms, sensing layers, and components.
  • Collaborate with design and engineering teams to integrate safety considerations seamlessly into designs.
• Novel Safety-Based Approach:
  • Innovate and propose novel approaches to enhance the safety of systems, incorporating the latest industry best practices and emerging technologies.
  • Develop and propose hazard mitigation techniques.
  • Stay abreast of advancements in safety engineering and integrate relevant methodologies into the design process. Influence evolving standards for laser power beaming safety. Participate in standards organizations and industry alliances.
• Hazard and Failure Analysis:
  • Conduct in-depth analysis of failure characteristics of system components to identify potential failure modes and their impact on overall system safety.
  • Collaborate with reliability engineers to develop strategies for minimizing the likelihood of failures.
  • Ability to develop and perform HAZOP, FMECA, FTA and other related methods.
• Safety Assessment:
  • Lead and conduct safety assessments and audits to evaluate performance of systems.
  • Generate safety reports and documentation, providing clear and comprehensive insights into potential risks and recommended mitigations.
• Collaboration and Communication:
  • Work closely with colleagues on cross-functional teams, including engineering and quality assurance, to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to system safety. Facilitate discussions and progress toward addressing safety issues. Manage functional safety programs and activities.
  • Prepare detailed documentation, including safety analysis reports, feature tracking, hazard identification, and more.
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders, presenting safety analyses and recommendations in a clear and understandable manner.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering, physics, or a related field. Master's or PhD preferred.
• Proven experience in systems safety engineering, with a focus on multidisciplinary design analysis, optimization, and modeling.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and implement a System Safety Program Plan.
• Familiarity with IEC 61508, ISO 26262, SAE ARP4761, MIL-STD-882E, and other safety related standards, and ability to evaluate designed systems in accordance with, industry standards and regulations related to system safety, laser safety and range safety.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in safety-critical industries such as aerospace, automotive, or medical devices.
• Knowledge of software tools used in safety analysis and modeling.

This role requires a combination of technical expertise, creativity, and effective communication to drive the development of reliable and safe systems. The Senior Systems Safety Engineer will be at the forefront of ensuring that safety considerations continue to be integral to our design and development processes.

Benefits

• 401K
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits
• Additional voluntary benefits offered
• Flexible paid time off program and paid holidays
• Snacks/beverages
• Community giving programs and events
• Access to some of the coolest technology on/off the planet

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