Staff Functional Safety Engineer, ESS Compliance

Redwood Materials is pioneering a sustainable circular economy for lithium-ion batteries by transforming recycled materials into critical inputs for energy storage and next-generation battery technologies. We are seeking a motivated and experienced Functional Safety Engineer to join our team and play a key role in ensuring compliance with functional safety standards and advancing the safe deployment of new energy storage system (ESS) technologies.

Responsibilities will include:

• Functional Safety & Compliance: Lead compliance activities for ESS functional safety with a focus on UL 1998 (Software in Programmable Components), UL 991 (Tests for Safety-Related Controls Employing Solid-State Devices), and UL 5500 (Remote Software Updates). Support certification efforts and align product development with functional safety requirements.
• Standards Application & Development: Apply safety principles and methodologies to ESS hardware and software. Facilitate and lead the development of FMEA’s, hazard analyses, safety cases, and test strategies. Represent Redwood in standards development activities to help shape emerging requirements for ESS functional safety.
• Certification Management: Work with certification bodies (NRTLs) to establish and manage compliance programs for new technologies, ensuring timely approvals to support product introduction milestones. Partner closely with engineering and product teams to integrate safety requirements into development cycles.
• Team Support & Alignment: Translate complex safety standards into actionable requirements for cross-functional teams. Provide technical guidance on functional safety practices and address feedback to align product designs with compliance needs.
• Risk Management: Develop, document, and execute hazard mitigation and validation strategies. Support testing and verification activities to ensure system safety performance. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve compliance and safety issues proactively.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and product design teams to streamline compliance and safety processes for ESS. Maintain strong relationships with certification bodies and industry partners to stay ahead of evolving safety requirements.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.

• Strong background in UL 1998, UL 991, and UL 5500.

• Familiarity with international functional safety standards such as IEC 61508, ISO 26262, or ISO 13849 (preferred).

• Experience working with Energy Storage Systems, power electronics, or safety-critical systems.

• Demonstrated ability to apply functional safety methodologies (e.g., hazard analysis, safety cases, V&V planning).

• Experience managing compliance or certification processes with third-party testing/certification bodies.

• Strong organizational skills, with high attention to detail.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical requirements to diverse stakeholders.

• Passion for sustainability and advancing safe, innovative energy storage technologies.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform the essential job functions safely and successfully in accordance with ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting productivity requirements.

• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.

Working Conditions:

• Work environment includes office, lab, and manufacturing settings.

• Ability to work in challenging conditions, which may include exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes, while protected by PPE, for extended periods of time.

• Essential physical requirements such as climbing, standing, stooping, or typing.

• Occasional work on weekends, nights, or on-call responsibilities as part of the role.

• Occasional travel may be required.