Functional Safety Engineer

What to Expect

This position is responsible for cultivating a functional safety culture at Zero Motorcycles. The function will own compliance with Functional Safety standards (e.g. ISO 26262) as it applies to motorcycles and powertrain applications. The function will advise mechanical, electrical, and software/firmware engineering development teams to achieve compliant electric motorcycle, powertrain, and battery systems. Furthermore, this position has the responsibility to align engineering program development methods and processes with Functional Safety principles. This position is full time in Scotts Valley, CA and reports to the Homologation Manager of Validation and Regulatory Engineering.

Key Responsibilities

•       Brings Zero into full ISO 26262 compliance by September 2029. Oversees the alignment of product development processes and management of resources to deliver compliance to ISO 26262.

•       Delivers compliance of relevant motorcycle and powertrain applications to Functional Safety requirements and standards.

•       Owns, coordinates, and schedules implementation of Functional Safety in new product development programs.

•       Performs and guides the team in performing HARAs to identify safety hazards and define safety goals and safety requirements.

•       Creates and maintains additional relevant Functional Safety documentation, and generates applicable and relevant internal test reports, executive summaries, official submissions, etc.

•       Works with development departments to review hardware and firmware architectures to align on requirements, assess impact, and support follow-through including engaging to generate input and revisions to Functional Safety analysis.

•       Prepares and presents Functional Safety materials within Zero and with customers and suppliers, supporting tool usage with focused training.

•       Owns the identification and champions support for Functional Safety tool sets through the organization.

•       Stays abreast of future changes to regulations affecting vehicle Functional Safety. Advises on changes in scope in transportation and stationary power markets.

•       Measures and reports on KPIs toward ISO 26262 compliance goal.

•       Completes other assignments as appropriate given the skillset and ambition of the team member.

Skills and Attributes

•       Bachelor's degree in Engineering such as Systems, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent applied experience.

•       Minimum of 3 years of relevant regulatory & standards use including applied knowledge of: ISO 26262, IEC 61508, UL, CE, SAE, CPSC.

•       Experience with product lifecycle verification and validation tools.

•       Functional Safety template document generation, data input and validation, publishing, and team support.

Preferred Experience/Training

•       Multiple relevant Industrial powertrain, Automotive, or Powersports development project contributions.

•       Knowledge of: FMVSS, EU 168/2013, ADR, ECE regulations.

Skills and Character Attributes

•       Positive attitude and willingness to help.

•       Communication skills including making open-minded approaches with a touch of humor, humility, and stating opinions concisely and clearly.

•       Calm, pragmatic approach to workload.

•       Solid sense of ownership.

•       Passionate about personnel and product safety, and mobility solutions.

•       Excellent follow-through and documentation of work.

•       Task scheduling including use of time-management systems.

•       Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

•       Organized, superior attention to detail.

•       Diligent, reliable, and tenacious.

•       Ability to relate software and firmware development process and terminology knowledge to functional safety concepts.

Other

•       Licensed motorcycle rider a plus.

•       Occasional domestic or international travel may be required.

•       May represent Zero in regulatory rule making committees.

Why Zero Motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles, a leader and innovator in electric motorcycles and commercial powertrains, incorporates advanced technology, stunning design and commitment to environmental benefits. The EV space is growing dramatically, with Zero a leader in the two-wheel category and a rising star in powertrain applications to other OEMs electrifying sport and utility vehicles for powersport and industrial applications.

At Zero Motorcycles, you’ll join a passionate, fast-growing global team with a truly international spirit. While our roots in the United States, have branched-out to Europe and stablished in The Netherlands, our team now spans across more than 10 countries, representing over 15 nationalities—and counting! We thrive in a multicultural, multilingual environment where fresh ideas are welcomed, big dreams are encouraged, and success is celebrated together.

Our team is united by a shared mission and a love for what we do. Whether we're collaborating across time zones or catching up in the office, you'll find a group that’s driven, committed, and always ready to share a laugh.

We value connection beyond the work itself. From office lunches and Friday drinks to spontaneous barbecues when the sun’s out, and legendary Xmas parties and team-building days, we believe in having fun while we work hard.

Working with Zero Motorcycles, you’ll also have opportunities to represent us at events and trade shows—locally and internationally—if that’s something you enjoy. And as we continue to grow, so can you. We’re invested in your development and success, and we can’t wait to see where your journey with us will take you.

Additionally

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Inclusive and open-door culture with driven, fun colleagues.
• Work in a dynamic, innovative environment leading the EV revolution.