Why this role is exciting

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Operational Safety Engineer to take a leading role in shaping and driving operational safety at Vay.

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of operational safety for Vay’s remote driving operations globally, while building on an existing foundation and working closely with a strong cross-functional team across Operations, Engineering, Training, and Safety Management. You will partner closely with the broader Operational Safety function to translate strategy into real-world execution on the ground in Las Vegas.

In this role, you will own safety investigations, drive process improvements, and ensure that safety principles are deeply embedded in daily operations as well as future scaling efforts. You’ll play a key role in adapting and evolving Vay’s global safety framework to meet the needs of a fast-growing US operation.

This role can be based in Berlin, Germany (with frequent travel to the US) or in Las Vegas, NV. We are open to supporting relocation to the US, including visa sponsorship where applicable.

What you'll be driving

In this role, you will own and evolve the operational safety framework for Vay’s remote driving operations, while defining the safety KPIs, thresholds, and data-driven improvements that guide how we measure and scale safety across the business.

• Own the operational safety framework for Vay’s remote driving operations globally
• Define safety KPIs, thresholds, and data-driven safety improvements
• Lead and continuously improve operational safety processes, procedures, and standards
• Drive root cause analyses and oversee the implementation of corrective and preventive actions
• Act as the key contact for all operational safety topics within the Las Vegas operations
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to building a safety-focused culture across the organization
• Develop and optimize data-driven tools and methods for incident tracking and risk analysis
• Represent Operational Safety in cross-functional reviews, audits, and compliance initiatives

What are we looking for

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Safety, Automotive, Systems, Mechanical, or equivalent).
• 3+ years of experience in operational safety, safety engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Proven experience leading incident investigations and safety process improvements.
• Strong analytical and communication skills with a structured and proactive work style.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence without authority.
• Willingness to travel

Why choose Vay

💪 A global team of smart, motivated people from 30+ countries who love tackling hard problems and turning bold ideas into reality

🌍 Huge scope for impact in a fast paced environment

💰 ESOP stock options: A stake in Vay’s future - not just a salary

🌴 Unlimited Paid Vacation Days

🎫 Subsidised Deutschland ticket (Berlin)

🏋️‍♂️ Subsidised Urban Sports Club or FitX Membership 

🚗 All Vay team members receive 30% off their Vay rides

🛍️ Exclusive external discounts

💼 €350 Home Office Set-up 

✈️ Relocation financial assistance when relocating to Berlin 

📚 Fully funded German Lessons 

🎊 Regular team events throughout the year

Why this role is exciting

This is not a traditional CAD desk job. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will be a technical owner of mechanical systems that are designed, built, installed, and validated on real vehicles and remote drive station platforms used in live operations.

You will shape next-generation hardware from clean-sheet design through on-vehicle validation, with direct responsibility for turning ideas into robust, production-ready components. This role combines deep mechanical design expertise with hands-on execution and real-world impact.

You will also own the Engineering Change Order process for your systems, ensuring that improvements move efficiently from concept to release as the product and fleet scale.

If you’re looking for a role that combines deep design expertise with hands-on engineering impact, this is it.

What you'll be driving

Ownership and Delivery

• Act as the technical owner of mechanical components: concept freeze through vehicle-level validation and release..
• Lead hardware change initiatives end-to-end, from change request initiation through ECO closure and release.
• Make design trade-offs independently while aligning stakeholders across engineering, testing, and operations.

Hands-on build and validation

• Design new mechanical parts and assemblies in CAD, with a strong focus on manufacturability, durability, and integration into complex systems.
• Coordinate or fabricate first prototypes, perform hands-on vehicle-level installation, and execute functional and environmental testing..
• Partner with test and validation teams to define, execute, and iterate on validation plans based on real-world results.

Cross-functional execution and scale

• Work closely with procurement and supply chain to create and manage BOMs, source components, and support suppliers during early builds and iteration phases.
• Drive and participate in rigorous design reviews, ensuring technical excellence and cross-functional alignment.
• Release hardware configurations for engineering and commercial use with accurate documentation, GD&T, and PLM data.

What are we looking for

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Several years experience in Mechanical Design, owning mechanical systems end to end, from concept through on-vehicle or system-level validation.
• Deep expertise in CAD-based component and assembly design, including production-grade documentation.
• Strong fundamentals in mechanical design, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience building, installing, and testing real hardware such as vehicles, robots, or complex machinery.
• Experience working with PLM systems, GD&T, and formal release processes.
• Comfortable operating with high autonomy in a fast-paced, cross-functional engineering environment..

Why choose Vay

💪 A global team of smart, motivated people from 30+ countries who love tackling hard problems and turning bold ideas into reality

🌍 Huge scope for impact in a fast paced environment

💰 ESOP virtual stock options: A stake in Vay’s future - not just a salary

🌴 Unlimited Paid Vacation Days

🎫 Subsidized Deutschland ticket (Berlin)

🏋️‍♂️ Subsidized Urban Sports Club or FitX Membership 

🚗 All Vay team members receive 30% off their Vay rides

🛍️ Exclusive external discounts

💼 €350 Home Office Set-up 

✈️ Relocation financial assistance when relocating to Berlin 

📚 Fully funded German Lessons 

🎊 Regular team events throughout the year