Principal / Lead Robotics Safety Engineer

Qualcomm

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Santa Clara, CASan Diego, CA
Salary
$192,600–$330,400 / yr
Posted
2 days ago
Closes
Dec 13, 2026
Nearby
99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $200k
This role $262k
$144k most similar roles pay here $350k

This role pays more than 91% of similar roles. Most pay $163,787–$235,750 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $262k versus about $200k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About Qualcomm

Qualcomm is a leading American semiconductor and telecommunications company based in San Diego, CA.

Qualcomm currently has 757 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $151,900–$229,800 across 444 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Principal / Lead Robotics Safety Engineer

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Qualcomm Technologies is hiring a Principal/Lead Robotics Safety Engineer to lead the development of functional safety and SOTIF frameworks for advanced robotic systems. This role involves defining system-level safety architecture, engineering processes, and ensuring compliance with standards like ISO 26262 and IEC 61508. The engineer will work cross-functionally to integrate safety into robotics platforms, develop safety cases, and mentor teams on best practices. Key responsibilities include leading functional safety lifecycle activities, defining AI/ML-based safety strategies, and ensuring traceability in verification processes. Ideal candidates have a strong background in robotics systems engineering, experience with autonomous systems, and deep expertise in relevant safety standards. This position plays a critical role in enabling the safe deployment of next-generation robotic technologies at scale.

Skills

ISO_26262 IEC_61508 ISO_13849 ISO_21448 ISO_10218 ISO_13482 HARA RADAR LIDAR AI ML Simulation Scenario_Based_Testing Fault_Injection_Testing Hardware_in_the_Loop Cybersecurity_(ISO_21434) Safety_Cases SOTIF

What you'll do

  • Define and lead end-to-end safety architecture for robotics platforms.
  • Develop functional safety lifecycle activities including hazard analysis and risk assessment.
  • Ensure compliance with ISO 26262, IEC 61508, and other relevant standards.
  • Lead the development of safety cases demonstrating system meets acceptable safety targets.
  • Define safety validation strategies including scenario-based testing and simulation-based validation.

What we're looking for

  • 10+ years of experience in safety-critical systems engineering.
  • Deep expertise in functional safety standards (ISO 26262, IEC 61508).
  • Experience leading functional safety programs in robotics or automotive industries.
  • Strong understanding of robotics system architecture and AI/ML-based perception.
  • Ability to develop and maintain system safety cases for regulatory compliance.
  • Define and lead end-to-end safety architecture for robotic platforms.
  • Mentor engineers and drive integration of safety activities into development processes.

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