Principal Software Safety Engineer
Job reference : 59801174
Job Type : Full-time
Pay : $100000 - $140000 per annum
Location : Lower Hutt, Wellington
Posted on : 29-04-2026
Join a globally focused engineering team to lead the design of safety-critical systems, combining deep IEC 61508 expertise with real-world software and architectural experience
We’re working with a highly specialised, international engineering organisation building systems where failure simply isn’t an option — from life-critical environments to highly sensitive, secure technologies.
This is a rare opportunity for a hands-on technical specialist who combines deep functional safety expertise with real software and architectural credibility.
This isn’t a box-ticking compliance role. We’re looking for someone who has been close to the code, understands how robust systems are actually built — and can guide a team on what “good” truly looks like in safety-critical software.
What You’ll Be Doing
We’re after someone who sits comfortably between architect, engineer, and safety authority.
You’ll bring:
This is a rare opportunity for a hands-on technical specialist who combines deep functional safety expertise with real software and architectural credibility.
This isn’t a box-ticking compliance role. We’re looking for someone who has been close to the code, understands how robust systems are actually built — and can guide a team on what “good” truly looks like in safety-critical software.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Act as the technical authority for software & system safety (IEC 615)
- Define and stand behind architectures that can demonstrably not fail
- Lead hazard & risk analysis (FMEA / FMEDA / FTA / HAZID / HARA)
- Own SIL allocation, verification, and safety case development
- Translate safety requirements into practical, implementable software design
- Guide engineers on:
- Code structure
- Fault tolerance
- Diagnostics & recovery
- Safe-state behaviour
- Work closely with teams to ensure what is designed is actually buildable, testable, and defensible
We’re after someone who sits comfortably between architect, engineer, and safety authority.
You’ll bring:
- Deep experience with IEC 61508/88
- A background in developing or working close to code (C#, Python, embedded or similar)
- Strong understanding of software/system architecture in high-reliability environments
- Proven experience with:
- FMEA / FMEDA
- Fault Tree Analysis
- Hazard analysis
- The ability to challenge designs and prove system integrity to stakeholders
- Your experience could come from mining, space, government/ secure information, or defence.
- Be part of team developing and driving “first of its kind” products that will be used across the globe.
- Be the go-to expert
- Influence architecture and design, not just documentation
- Work on critical safety systems that genuinely matter
- Join an international team that values engineering depth and precision