Senior Functional Safety Engineer

Senior Functional Safety EngineerSalary: £58,346 per annumHours: Full timeContract Type: Open EndedLocation: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, OxfordshireClosing date: 7th June 2026
As one of the world’s leading science facilities, the ISIS Neutron and Muon source provides and service for academic researchers and industrial users to probe the atomic and molecular structure of some of the most advanced materials on the planet. The facility is underpinned by team of highly skilled and dedicated technical staff, designing, delivering and maintaining the bespoke and innovative equipment used by the facility.
Within the ISIS Design Division, the Functional Safety team is responsible for the design, analysis and delivery of specific interlock systems protecting personnel against ISIS facility hazards, including ionising radiation, machinery, high voltage and lasers. This involves the application of a broad range of engineering expertise including both relay based and programmable technologies, in collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and project design and operational teams.
Key Duties

• Lead the design and delivery of bespoke, optimised safety interlock systems protecting personnel from hazards including ionising radiation, machinery, high voltage‑ systems, and lasers.
• Support risk assessments of existing equipment and systems, identifying improvements and ensuring alignment with functional safety standards.
• Deliver modifications to operational systems as well as clean sheet designs that meet customer specifications and comply with‑ internal and international published standards.
• Lead project and design review meetings in line with the facility Interlock Management Plan, ensuring full engagement and buy in‑ from all partners throughout the design process.
• Apply structured project management methodologies across the complete engineering lifecycle — concept, detailed design, procurement, manufacture, installation, commissioning, operation and eventual decommissioning.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels to ensure system designs fulfil both customer expectations and safety requirements.
• Provide leadership and line management to technical staff, contributing to team development and to the wider processes for system design and delivery.
• Bring a strong engineering background with hands-on experience in safety control system implementation and participation across the functional safety lifecycle within process, machinery or other high hazard sectors.

• Personal SpecificationThe below criteria will be assessed via Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I) criteria.
  • Degree or HND in a relevant engineering field, or substantial relevant experience in safety system development, electrical design and safety project management. (S&I)
  • Demonstrable formal functional safety qualifications and proficiency with electrical CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN). (S)
  • Demonstrable experience addressing complex functional safety challenges, including SIL determination, development of Safety Requirements Specifications (SRS) and engineering of safety related systems. (S&I)
  • Proven track record, of delivering fit-for-purpose functional safety systems from concept through to commissioning, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and operational requirements. (S&I)
  • Significant experience leading the design and development of PLC-based (using ladder logic and/or function block) and relay-based safety interlock systems compliant with IEC 62061 or equivalent standards. (S&I)
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and confidently with personnel at all organisational levels, and to work in a structured, methodical and organised manner. (I)
  • Experience managing and mentoring technical engineers, supporting professional development and contributing to the wider capability of the team. (S&I)
  
  
  What we have to offerWe are offering a permanent position with a whole host of employee benefits including:
  • 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
  • Flexible working hours.
  • An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
  • Easy access to public transport / Free parking.
  • Learning and development opportunities.
  
  
  Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/
  Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after becoming an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact careers@ukri.org.
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