Functional Safety Architect

Job Description

Functional Safety Architect

Location: Hasselt, Belgium
Contract Type: Freelance or Permanent Employment
Work Model: Hybrid
Start Date: ASAP

Drive Safety in Next-Generation Electrified Powertrains

At Verhaert Consulting, we connect engineering experts with innovative projects that shape the future of mobility. For a leading automotive technology program focused on electrified transmission systems, we are looking for an experienced Functional Safety Architect.

In this role, you will take ownership of the functional safety architecture of advanced e-drive and transmission technologies, ensuring compliance with ISO 26262 throughout the complete product lifecycle. You will operate at the intersection of systems engineering, embedded software, electronics and safety engineering, helping multidisciplinary teams develop safe, reliable and high-performance mobility solutions.

Your Mission

As Functional Safety Architect, you will be the technical authority for functional safety within the project. You will guide safety activities from concept definition through development, validation and production readiness.

Your responsibilities include:

• Defining and maintaining the functional safety concept for complex automotive systems.
• Ensuring compliance with ISO 26262 requirements across system, hardware and software domains.
• Supporting engineering teams in the execution of functional safety activities throughout the development lifecycle.
• Translating safety goals into technical requirements and ensuring correct allocation across the different engineering disciplines.
• Collaborating with suppliers to ensure alignment with safety requirements and development processes.
• Leading and reviewing key safety analyses, including:
  • Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA)
  • Functional Safety Concept (FSC)
  • Technical Safety Concept (TSC)
  • DFMEA
  • FTA
  • FMEDA
• Monitoring safety compliance and contributing to the development of robust safety cases.
• Supporting the continuous improvement of functional safety processes, methodologies and best practices.
• Acting as a trusted advisor for safety-related decisions and technical reviews.

Your Expertise

You combine deep functional safety knowledge with a strong engineering background and the ability to operate effectively in complex multidisciplinary environments.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Automotive Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in automotive systems engineering, embedded systems or functional safety.
• Extensive hands-on experience with ISO 26262 and its application within automotive product development.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Functional Safety Concepts
  • Safety Lifecycle Management
  • Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment
  • Safety Architecture Development
  • System, Hardware and Software Safety Engineering
• Experience translating requirements from concept through implementation and production.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Fluent in English.

Technical Skills

Experience with the following tools and methodologies is considered a strong asset:

• Requirements management tools such as Polarion, DOORS or Integrity.
• Safety analysis tools such as:
  • ANSYS Medini Analyze
  • Isograph FT+
  • IQ-RM
• Automotive SPICE, CMMI or similar development processes.
• Systems engineering and architecture modelling methodologies.
• Functional safety standards beyond ISO 26262, such as IEC 61508, ISO 25119 or EN 5012X.

Nice to Have

• Experience within electrified powertrain systems, electric vehicles or transmission technologies.
• Knowledge of vehicle control systems and powertrain architectures.
• Functional Safety certification from a recognised accreditation body.

Your Strengths

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on engineering mindset.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Able to make sound technical decisions and drive consensus across teams.
• Effective communicator and stakeholder manager.
• Passionate about quality, safety and engineering excellence.
• Results-driven and comfortable working in complex development environments.

Why Join Verhaert Consulting?

At Verhaert Consulting, you will contribute to innovative engineering projects in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.

We offer:

• Challenging projects involving cutting-edge technologies and complex systems.
• Opportunities to deepen your expertise in safety-critical product development.
• Access to a strong network of engineering specialists and technical communities.
• Continuous learning, coaching and career development support.
• Flexible employment options as a freelancer or permanent consultant.
• A collaborative culture built on innovation, entrepreneurship and technical excellence.

Join us and help shape the future of safe and sustainable mobility.