Gravis Robotics is a startup turning heavy construction machines into intelligent and autonomous robots.
Our unique combination of learning-based automation and augmented remote control enables a single
operator to safely manage a fleet of earthmoving machines in a gamified environment. With over a
decade of academic experience at the cutting edge of large-scale robotics, our team is rapidly translating
this expertise into real-world deployments with industry leaders in a trillion-dollar market.
At Gravis, we operate at the intersection of hardware, software, and real-world deployment. Our Rooftop
Autonomous Control Kit (RACK) integrates sensing, compute, communication, and networking into a
manufacturer-agnostic solution deployable across a wide range of construction machines.
As a Functional Safety Engineer at Gravis, you will own the safety lifecycle for our robotic and automated
systems — from initial hazard analysis through to validation and regulatory submission. Working at the
intersection of systems, hardware, and software engineering, you will translate safety requirements into
robust designs and ensure our products are safe by design, whether they're operating on a Swiss quarry
or a live construction site in Manchester. This role puts you at the heart of some of the most technically
demanding and consequential work in autonomous machinery.
Safety Analysis & Design
- Lead hazard identification and risk assessment activities (HARA, HAZOP, FMEA/FMEDA) for new
and existing products
- Define safety requirements and safety integrity levels (SIL/PLr) in accordance with ISO 13849
- Design and verify safety functions, including safety-related control systems and protective
measures
- Review and approve safety-critical hardware and software designs; conduct safety architecture
reviews
Standards & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure products comply with ISO 13849, ISO 19014, Machinery Directive/Regulation, and other
applicable standards
- Prepare and maintain the safety case and technical file, including all required evidence for
conformity assessment and CE marking
- Liaise with Notified Bodies and external safety assessors throughout the certification process
- Monitor evolving safety standards and regulatory requirements; assess impact on existing and
future products
Safety Processes & Tooling
- Define and embed functional safety processes within the product development lifecycle (V-model, agile safety workflows)
- Use safety analysis tooling (e.g. SISTEMA, SafexI, or equivalent) and PLC/safety controller
environments such as CODESYS or equivalent IEC 61131-3 platforms
- Establish and maintain functional safety plans, verification and validation plans, and associated
records
- Support or lead functional safety audits, both internal and external
Collaboration & Mentoring
- Collaborate with hardware, software, systems, and product teams to integrate safety requirements throughout the design process
- Mentor engineers on functional safety principles and best practices; facilitate safety workshops and training
- Produce clear, high-quality deliverables: safety reports, analysis results, verification records, and certification documentation
- Engage with customers, suppliers, and regulators on safety-related matters as required
- 3+ years of functional safety engineering experience in an industrial, robotics, or automation
environment
- Deep knowledge of ISO 13849; proven experience applying safety standards through full product
development cycles
- Hands-on experience with hazard analysis techniques: HARA, HAZOP, FMEA/FMEDA
- Experience preparing technical documentation and safety cases for Notified Body review and CE
marking
- Familiarity with IEC 61131-3 safety PLC environments (CODESYS or equivalent: Siemens TIA
Portal, Studio 5000, etc.)
- Strong understanding of the Machinery Directive/Regulation and its practical application to product design
- Experience working within structured development lifecycles (V-model or equivalent) with safety
processes embedded
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to present safety arguments to technical
and non-technical audiences
- Relevant functional safety certifications: TÜV Functional Safety Engineer, IEC 62061 or ISO 13849
specialist, or equivalent
- Experience with cybersecurity-safety interaction and combined security/safety risk assessments
- Familiarity with IEC 61508 as the parent standard underpinning sector-specific functional safety
norms
- Experience in safety-critical development across any of the following domains:
- Autonomous robotics and mobile robotic platforms
- Advanced perception-based or visual safety solutions
- Heavy earthmoving equipment or related sectors like agricultural automation
- Experience using model-based design or formal methods for safety-critical system development
Don't meet every requirement? If you're enthusiastic about this role but your experience doesn't match
every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be the perfect candidate for this or other
positions.
This is an opportunity to join a dynamic and versatile team, and to be part of a young startup that will
revolutionize heavy construction. Gravis Robotics offers a fair market salary and a working location in the vibrant city of Zurich. As a forward-facing startup, we understand that work-life balance and flexibility are important considerations for many professionals: If you are a highly qualified candidate with the requisite skills and experience, we encourage you to apply and discuss your preferred working arrangement during the interview process.
Gravis is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team, and do not discriminate based upon race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
We are an international team that is working to solve problems with a global impact: to facilitate efficient
communication and collaboration, proficiency in English is a requirement for all roles.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
