Safety Engineer

About the role

In this hybrid role you will architect best practices for risk assessment methodologies and publish internal guidance on risk models data sources and computation methods. You will collaborate with domain experts to build robust risk assessments with sustainable overhead for execution and flexibility in the face of an expanding product scope. You will work with domain experts to define what test coverage is needed to support ongoing risk assessments with regression protection and field monitoring. You will connect with stakeholders learn their pain points and work to unblock barriers to scale by streamlining rate limiting processes automating repetitive tasks and developing tools to enable future projects. You will familiarize yourself with tools available inside and outside the team company and industry to unlock increased scale without compromising on rigor. You will champion and promote a robust safety culture and the continuous improvement of the Waymo safety program across the engineering and operations organizations.

Key facts

What you'll do

• You will architect best practices for risk assessment methodologies including publishing internal guidance on risk models data sources and computation methods.
• You will collaborate with domain experts to build robust risk assessments with sustainable overhead for execution and flexibility in the face of an expanding product scope.
• You will work with domain experts to define what test coverage is needed to support ongoing risk assessments with regression protection and field monitoring.
• You will connect with stakeholders learn their pain points and work to unblock barriers to scale streamlining rate limiting processes automating repetitive tasks and developing tools to enable future projects.
• You will familiarize yourself with tools available inside and outside the team company and industry to unlock increased scale without compromising on rigor.
• You will champion and promote a robust safety culture and the continuous improvement of the Waymo safety program across the engineering and operations organizations.
• You will define and maintain traceability between risk models data sources and regulatory requirements to ensure auditability and defensibility.
• You will support the integration of safety risk assessments into product development workflows ensuring early consideration of safety across the design and delivery lifecycle.
• You will partner with simulation validation and field operations teams to align test plans with risk models and performance targets.
• You will synthesize complex safety data into clear actionable insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• You will contribute to the development of safety cases and compliance documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• You will identify opportunities for automation and process improvements to increase team efficiency and scalability.
• You will mentor junior engineers and stakeholders on risk assessment methods and safety best practices.
• You will track emerging standards and regulatory expectations and incorporate relevant updates into Waymo's safety framework.

Requirements

• You have an advanced degree in Computer Science Robotics Engineering or other relevant technical field OR 4 years of practical experience involving safety risk assessments and quantitative statistical methods.
• You have experience in software engineering for simulation and data evaluation using Python or other high level language such as SQL R or C++.
• You have direct experience developing risk models sourcing and validating data and using findings to make decisions or recommendations.
• You have a strong foundation in the process of risk management including the end-to-end lifecycle of risk identification assessment mitigation and acceptance following standards such as ISO 31000 or equivalent.
• You have comprehensive understanding of safety critical system design and the systems engineering Verification and Validation process.
• You have demonstrated technical project management skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple parallel cross-functional safety-critical projects and teams.
• You are able to thrive in ambiguity navigate competing priorities and maintain rigor under tight timelines.
• You are comfortable working with regulatory authorities lawmakers law enforcement and public and non-profit organizations.
• You have strong written and verbal communication skills to advise on compliance with applicable environmental health and safety regulations.
• You have a proven track record of influencing engineering culture and ensuring safety is a first-class citizen in every design discussion.

Nice to have

• You have advanced skills in data science and statistics with a focus on analyzing large data sets for quantitative risk reduction safety insights and performance assessment.
• You have experience building automated scalable data pipelines and working in production software environments.
• You have experience in the role of Trainer of quantitative risk assessment methods for a variety of engineering backgrounds.
• You have experience with C++ and Python.
• You have success as a safety culture champion influencing engineering culture ensuring safety is a first-class citizen in every design discussion.
• You have proven leadership experience in working with external partners contractors suppliers and regulatory bodies/auditors.

Practical notes

Waymo is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Compensation for this position is competitive and varies based on role location and candidate qualifications. Benefits may include health insurance retirement plans and other perks as permitted by law. This role may require occasional travel within the designated work location regions. Employment authorization is required and only candidates authorized to work in the United States will be considered for employment.