Safety Engineering Lead

ABOUT FUTURAIL

Futurail is a deeptech startup building the autonomy stack for self‑driving trains. Our mission is to make rail the most attractive form of transport, by enabling frequent, reliable, low‑carbon services powered by autonomous technology.

With our AI‑based software stack, we help rail operators and manufacturers run safer and more efficient services, starting in depots and on branch lines, and expanding to mainline operations. Founded by experts in autonomous systems, we’re rethinking how millions of people and goods move every day.

We’re backed by leading European investors and already working with mobility players across Europe and the US. As we enter our next phase of growth, this is your opportunity to join a high‑trust, high‑talent team that’s reshaping rail.

DESCRIPTION

As our Safety Engineering Lead based in our Munich, Lyon or Strasbourg office, you will be responsible for developing the safety case for our autonomous train technology, including safe obstacle detection, localization, and control. With no existing commercial rail‑certified GoA4 systems in the market, you must tackle this challenge with a highly creative and forward‑thinking mindset. This role requires you to revisit the core principles of safety, extract valuable insights from other industries, and seamlessly integrate them while navigating the unique constraints of the rail environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct standard safety steps of Risk Analysis, Fault Tree Analysis, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, potentially with the help of external consultants
• Elaborate a safety argumentation for an autonomy system running on an embedded platform using classical and later AI algorithms
• Collaborate with engineers and architects to ensure that all failure modes are handled properly and that our software and hardware architecture meets our safety goals
• Implement processes, methods and tools needed to develop SIL software
• Write a railway safety case that will be accepted by Independent Safety Assessors and approval bodies like ERA, EPSF, EBA, and others
• Promote a safety culture to all parts of our company

REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 5 years of proven work experience with safety

Successful completion of homologation process of a software‑heavy commercial product

Strong experience in either :

• Perception algorithms and sensors such as LiDAR, camera, and radar, along with knowledge of computer specifications
• Railway safety certification especially related to CENELEC 50716, 50126, 50128, 50129 norms

Analytic and structured working mode and good communication skills to explain our safety argumentation to internal engineers and external assessors

Fluent in English and at least one of French or German

Openness to learn, pragmatism, ambition and fun to work with

BENEFITS

• High‑impact role : Have real ownership and visibility from Day 1
• Learning & development : We are committed to your continuous development and offer support tailored to your role and growth path
• Competitive compensation package : We offer a competitive salary, including a virtual stock option program for full‑time employees
• Office in Werk1 - the most startup friendly space in Munich : A cool and modern office in Munich's Werksviertel, with regular community events like weekly team lunches, monthly breakfasts, after‑work events, and much more
• Gym Club membership : We cover part of your Egym Wellpass subscription - for when your brain needs a cooldown and your legs need a warm‑up.

Join us as Safety Engineering Lead on our journey, and contribute to sustainable transportation for the future. If you are interested, please submit your application through this.

We look forward to hearing from you