Rockwell Automation is a global technology leader focused on helping the world’s manufacturers be more productive, sustainable, and agile. With more than 28,000 employees who make the world better every day, we know we have something special. Behind our customers - amazing companies that help feed the world, provide life-saving medicine on a global scale, and focus on clean water and green mobility - our people are energized problem solvers that take pride in how the work we do changes the world for the better.

We welcome all makers, forward thinkers, and problem solvers who are looking for a place to do their best work. And if that’s you we would love to have you join us!

Job Description

The Safety System Architect will define and drive the functional safety architecture strategy across Rockwell Automation's advanced industrial automation platforms. This role focuses on translating safety requirements into scalable, robust system-level architectures that enable compliance with global standards while supporting innovation in dynamic safety technologies. The position requires close collaboration with senior leadership, product development teams, and research groups to ensure safety is embedded in system design from concept through deployment.

You will report to the Hiring Manager and will work in a hybrid schedule in Prague, Czech Republic.

Your Responsibilities:

• Architectural Leadership:
  • Define and maintain system-level functional safety architecture for industrial automation platforms, ensuring alignment with IEC 61508 and related standards.
  • Develop safety concepts and allocate safety requirements across hardware, firmware, and software components.
• Strategic Influence:
  • Partner with CTO leadership and business units to shape technology roadmaps for functional and dynamic safety.
  • Provide architectural guidance for new product development and enhancements to existing products.
• Standards & Compliance:
  • Ensure adherence to international functional safety standards (IEC 61508, IEC 62061, ISO 26262, etc.).
  • Represent Rockwell Automation in standards committees and industry forums.
• Innovation & Integration:
  • Incorporate emerging technologies such as dynamic safety, AI/ML-based safety, and collaborative robotics into architectural frameworks.
  • Evaluate and integrate deterministic protocols (e.g., EtherNet/IP Safety, PROFIsafe, OPC UA Safety).
• Collaboration & Mentorship:
  • Act as a subject matter expert for functional safety architecture within the System Architecture team.
  • Mentor engineers and researchers on safety design principles and best practices.

The Essentials - You Will Have:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in functional safety design and architecture for industrial automation or related domains.
• Proven expertise in IEC 61508 and related standards.
• Legal authorization to work in Prague, Czech Republic.
• Proficient in technical English (written and spoken).

The Preferred - You Might Also Have:

• Experience with safety protocols (CIP Safety, PROFIsafe, FSoE, OPC UA Safety).
• Strong understanding of Ethernet/IP-based deterministic communication.
• Familiarity with safety RTOS, software-based safety encoding, and PLC programming (IEC 61131-3).
• Knowledge of emerging safety technologies (dynamic safety, AI/ML safety applications, autonomous systems).
• Demonstrated lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.
• Strong communication skills: published papers, conference presentations, and stakeholder engagement.

What We Offer:

Our benefits package includes …

• Volunteer Paid Time off available after 6 months of employment for eligible employees.
• Company volunteer and donation matching program – Your volunteer hours or personal cash donations to an eligible charity can be matched with a charitable donation.
• On-demand digital course library for professional development.
• Comprehensive mindfulness programs with a premium membership to Calm
• Employee Assistance Program
• Personalized wellbeing programs through our OnTrack program

... and other local benefits!

At Rockwell Automation we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this or other roles.

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Rockwell Automation’s hybrid policy aligns that employees are expected to work at a Rockwell location at least Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays unless they have a business obligation out of the office.