Equipment Safety Engineer

About the role

Join the Bastrop Environmental Health & Safety team at SpaceX to ensure the safety of automated machinery across various production projects. This role involves designing and implementing safety programs, conducting risk assessments, and interpreting industry standards to protect employees. You will collaborate with engineering teams and contribute to continuous improvement in safety practices.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Evaluate equipment designs by applying international and national safety standards, including OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212, ANSI B11.19, ANSI/RIA R15.06, ISO 13849-1, and ISO 14120.
• Create and install machine guarding solutions for automated equipment, such as fixed and adjustable guards and interlocking devices, to restrict access to dangerous zones.
• Validate and certify interlock systems for safety-related controls, confirming adherence to functional safety requirements and proper integration with machine operations.
• Develop and maintain internal safety standards for automated machinery, including company guidelines, risk assessment methods, and training based on industrial best practices.
• Perform hazard analyses, risk assessments (like HAZOP or FMEA), and safety audits on new and existing equipment to identify risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Work with design engineers, production teams, and external vendors to incorporate safety features into equipment from initial concept through commissioning and manufacturing.
• Lead investigations into machinery-related safety incidents, conduct root cause analysis, and ensure corrective actions are implemented to prevent recurrence.
• Stay informed about current safety regulations and standards, offering training and guidance to internal teams on compliance needs.
• Assist in preparing technical documents such as safety manuals, validation reports, and compliance certifications for regulatory audits.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related engineering field.
• 5 or more years of experience in equipment safety engineering, specifically with automated machinery in a manufacturing or industrial setting.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree.
• Experience designing machine guarding systems, including selecting and fabricating guards that meet ANSI and ISO standards.
• Practical experience with interlock validation for electrical and mechanical systems, and familiarity with safety PLC programming (e.g., IEC 61131-3).
• Demonstrated skill in interpreting and applying safety standards like ANSI B11 series, ISO 13849, ISO 14120, OSHA 1910 Subpart O, and NFPA 79, with the ability to reference specific clauses in design reviews.
• Experience creating internal safety standards for automated systems.
• Proficiency with safety risk assessment tools and software.
• Strong understanding of functional safety concepts (e.g., SIL/PL ratings) and related standards.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and capacity to work in a fast-paced, team-focused environment.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments, such as aerospace, automotive, or robotics.
• Professional certifications like Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Professional Engineer (PE) in a relevant discipline, or TÜV Functional Safety Engineer.
• Familiarity with simulation tools for safety validation (e.g., ANSYS or MATLAB for hazard modeling).
• Strong communication skills for presenting safety findings to non-technical stakeholders and leading safety workshops.

Skills & tools

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212
• ANSI B11.19
• ANSI/RIA R15.06
• ISO 13849-1
• ISO 14120
• HAZOP
• FMEA
• IEC 61131-3
• ANSI B11 series
• OSHA 1910 Subpart O
• NFPA 79
• SIL/PL ratings
• ANSYS
• MATLAB

Practical notes

• This is an on-site position in Bastrop, TX, requiring relocation if not already local.
• Occasional extended hours and weekend work may be necessary.
• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful permanent resident, a Refugee, or an Asylee to comply with U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR).