Staff Functional Systems Safety Engineer, Robot Safety
Palo Alto, CA (on-site)
About 1X
We build humanoid robots that work alongside people to solve labor shortages and create abundance.
The Role
As a Staff Functional Systems Safety Engineer at 1X, you will own functional system safety across the robot lifecycle. You will ensure hazards are identified early, risks are reduced to acceptable levels, and safety arguments remain valid as autonomy, learning, and embodiment evolve. You’ll guide system‑level safety architecture, ensuring appropriate safety mechanisms, redundancy, monitoring, and fault-handling strategies are embedded across the robot design. This is a mission‑critical role with broad technical authority that directly influences robot architecture and deployment readiness. You will report to the Director of Robot Safety.
You Will
Define and own the functional safety concept for humanoid robotic systems
Lead and execute system‑level hazard analyses, including HARA, FMEA, and FTA
Derive and manage safety requirements across the system architecture
Define safety mechanisms such as limits, monitors, and graceful degradation
Develop and contribute technically towards safety cases and assurance arguments
Partner cross‑functionally to influence architecture and design decisions
Support operational safety and continuous risk reassessment throughout the product lifecycle
Requirements
Must Have
B.S. or higher in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
10+ years of functional safety experience delivering complex, safety‑critical products (robotics, autonomous vehicles, medical devices, aerospace, or industrial automation)
Deep expertise leading complex system safety analysis (HARA, FMEA, FTA)
Expert understanding of safety critical system design systems and safety implications
Demonstrated ability to translate hazards into testable safety requirements
Experience authoring and managing safety requirements in a requirements management tool (e.g., Polarion, DOORS, Jama)
Proven cross‑functional technical leadership
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated application of robotics and autonomy safety standards (e.g. IEC 61508, ISO 26262, ISO 12100, ISO 15066)
Background in simulation, fault injection, and system‑level validation
Knowledge of human injury biomechanics and human‑robot interaction (HRI) safety
Experience supporting external audits, certification reviews, or safety assessments
Benefits & Compensation
Salary Range: $170k-$259k+ Equity
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and holidays
Equal Opportunity Employer
1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.