System Safety Consultant

Charge Robotics is a startup building large-scale robotic systems to install utility-scale solar. We're seeking an experienced safety professional to help us develop comprehensive, efficient workplace safety programs for our robotic construction system operating in our East Bay HQ. This is a part-time consulting engagement combining onsite safety support with protocol development and validation.

The work

Phase 1: Initial Safety System Development

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessment of our robotic construction system including conveyor systems, autonomous robotic arms, pneumatic actuators, high-voltage systems, and material handling operations
• Review and improve existing safety infrastructure (E-stop zones, pressure pad systems, gate interlocks, fall protection, barriers/guarding)
• Design end-to-end safety protocols for multi-zone E-stop system, lockout/tagout procedures for complex mechanical/electrical/pneumatic systems, and loading/unloading operations with heavy equipment
• Develop Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) templates and task-based risk assessment methodology for routine and non-routine operations
• Create training materials and conduct initial team safety training

Phase 2: Safety Monitoring & Protocol Updates (~5 hrs/week ongoing)

• Weekly onsite visits to observe operations, identify new hazards, and verify protocol compliance
• Update safety protocols as system evolves and new equipment/processes added
• Investigate incidents and near-misses, provide recommendations
• Conduct quarterly safety system audits and documentation reviews
• Support team with incident response and OSHA compliance questions
• Review design changes for safety implications before implementation

You bring

• CSP (Certified Safety Professional) certification with 8+ years experience in manufacturing or industrial automation environments - ideally with robotic systems, automated manufacturing, or large-scale material handling
• Familiarity with machine guarding, lockout/tagout for complex systems, OSHA standards, and industrial robot safety
• Understanding of pinch points, crush hazards, automated machinery risks, and other functional safety concepts
• Proven ability to design and implement practical processes for fast-moving, resource-constrained environments

What success looks like in ~3 months

• Safety systems and protocols that enable safe work with minimal disruption to rapid pace of building + testing
• Team members who are comfortable communicating about hazards, know the safety system in detail, follow protocols consistently, and feel empowered to speak up
• Clear documentation for a compliant, scalable safety framework that grows with our product and team
• A strong and high-agency culture of safety and safety communication

Logistics

• Part-time consulting arrangement: heavier lift for first 4 weeks, then ~5 hrs/week ongoing
• At least some regular onsite time at our San Leandro, CA facility
• Compensation: $200+/hour depending on safety + robotics expertise and relevant experience