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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and validation of safety-critical control systems for innovative projects.
- Company: SCX, a pioneering UK engineering firm with a focus on precision and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, pension scheme, 25 days holiday, and long service awards.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in safety engineering across diverse sectors.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical or Control Engineering and experience in safety-critical systems.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and enhance your professional development.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
SCX is a UK-based engineering business with a reputation for innovation, precision, and delivery in complex mechanical handling and kinetic architecture systems. With a portfolio spanning world-class projects in Defence, Aerospace, Nuclear, Sports & Entertainment and Infrastructure sectors, SCX continues to invest in its people, processes, and operational capability to meet growing demand and exceed customer expectations.
Purpose of the Role
The Senior Functional Safety Engineer will lead the specification, design, and validation of safety-related control systems, ensuring compliance with international safety standards and project-specific requirements. As a senior member of the EC&I department, this role will act as a technical authority for functional and machinery safety, supporting both project delivery and internal capability development.
You will work closely with clients, project teams, and external partners to ensure that safety requirements are fully understood, documented, and integrated into robust, reliable, and verifiable control system designs.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of safety-critical control systems in accordance with applicable standards (e.g. BS EN 13849-1, BS EN 62061, BS EN 61508).
- Act as the technical authority on functional and machinery safety across multiple concurrent projects.
- Specify and validate safety functions and safety integrity levels using tools such as SISTEMA and SIL verification methods.
- Produce and approve detailed technical documentation including:
- Functional and Safety Design Specifications (FDS/SDS)
- Basis of Design documents
- Safety Reliability Reports and SIL calculations
- Review and approve safety-related hardware and software designs produced by internal engineers and subcontractors.
- Conduct formal Design Risk Assessments and ensure mitigation measures are implemented throughout the design process.
- Engage directly with clients to define scope, confirm compliance, and lead technical discussions around safety system design.
- Lead and support Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), with a focus on safety-critical functionality.
- Manage and mentor junior engineers, promoting knowledge transfer and supporting their development toward formal Functional Safety certification.
- Deliver internal training on safety standards, tools, and design best practices to enhance organisational capability.
- Support the preparation and review of bids, providing technical insight on safety design feasibility, scope, and compliance.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safety legislation, standards, and industry trends, ensuring SCX remains at the forefront of control system safety.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of safety processes, documentation, and quality assurance practices within the EC&I department.
Skills & Experience Required
- Degree-qualified in Electrical, Control, or a related engineering discipline.
- Significant industry experience delivering safety-critical control systems.
- Proven expertise in applying safety standards including BS EN 13849, BS EN 61508, and BS EN 62061.
- Strong working knowledge of PLC/HMI platforms (e.g. Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider) and control system design principles.
- Proficiency with SISTEMA, Amtech, and other safety verification tools.
- Demonstrable experience in leading risk assessments and design assurance activities.
- Ability to manage and mentor engineering teams, and provide clear technical direction.
- Effective communicator with the ability to engage clients, manage expectations, and influence decision-making.
- Full UK driving licence (travel between offices and client sites required).
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or actively working toward professional registration.
- Formal certification in Functional Safety (e.g. TÃœV Rheinland, CFSE, or equivalent).
- Experience in high-integrity or regulated sectors such as Defence, Aerospace, or Nuclear.
- Background in the design of Overhead Electrical Travelling Cranes (OHETCs) or similar large-scale machinery.
- Hands-on experience in PLC/HMI programming, commissioning, and fault-finding.
Location
Sheffield
Benefits
- Flexible Start and Finish Times: Shape your day with flexible start and finish times around our core working hours.
- Pension Scheme: We operate a salary sacrifice pension scheme, reinvesting our savings directly into your pension.
- Annual Leave: 25 days of holiday plus statutory bank holidays.
- Need a Few More Days? Buy up to 3 extra holidays annually through our purchase scheme.
- Long Service Awards: Receive additional leave at 5 and 10 years of service.
- Employee Referral Scheme: Help us grow our team and get rewarded.
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Senior Functional Safety Engineer employer: SCX
Contact Detail:
SCX Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Functional Safety Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work in safety-critical systems. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of safety standards like BS EN 13849 and BS EN 61508. We want you to showcase your expertise and confidence when discussing technical details with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to tailor your approach! When applying through our website, highlight your experience with PLC/HMI platforms and safety verification tools. Make it clear how your skills align with the role of a Senior Functional Safety Engineer.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in the interviewer’s mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the company, which we love to see!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Functional Safety Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Functional Safety Engineer role. Highlight your experience with safety-critical control systems and relevant standards like BS EN 13849 and BS EN 61508. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about functional safety and how your background makes you a perfect fit for SCX. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects or experiences that relate to our work.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your technical expertise, especially with tools like SISTEMA and your experience in leading risk assessments. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge and practical skills in safety design.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to upload all your documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application better!
How to prepare for a job interview at SCX
✨Know Your Standards
Make sure you’re well-versed in the safety standards relevant to the role, like BS EN 13849 and BS EN 61508. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these standards in your previous projects, as this will show your expertise and understanding of compliance.
✨Showcase Your Technical Authority
Prepare examples that highlight your experience as a technical authority on functional and machinery safety. Discuss specific projects where you led safety-critical control systems, detailing your role in specification, design, and validation.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Be prepared to engage in technical discussions about safety system design. Think of scenarios where you had to define scope or lead risk assessments, and be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Mentorship Skills
Since the role involves managing and mentoring junior engineers, come equipped with examples of how you've supported others in their development. Highlight any training sessions you've conducted or how you've promoted knowledge transfer within your team.
