Staff Safety Data Scientist, Safety Analysis

About the role

The Aurora Driver is seeking a Staff Safety Data Scientist to join the Safety Analysis team. This role is a technical leader and go-to expert for risk and safety guidance, leveraging deep expertise in data science to lead critical safety research.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of novel quantitative data analytics using both proprietary (Aurora-logged, sensor, system, integration testing data) and publicly available data (CRSS, FARS, state-level information).
• Author and present technical analyses and findings to diverse internal and external audiences, including stakeholders, authoritative bodies, and industry forums.
• Design and automate data collection and analysis to support ongoing safety programs.
• Extract insights from historical system safety performance to develop leading indicators for future performance forecasting.
• Analyze safety data from operational vehicles, crash metrics, and near-miss incidents to inform safety strategies and decision-making.
• Develop statistical models and algorithms to predict potential risks and prevent incidents, improving the safety performance of autonomous systems.
• Model self-driving vehicle behaviors at the system and subsystem levels.
• Develop and maintain reports and expressions of baseline risk coverage and application in operations.
• Create dashboards and reports for communicating risk, ranking, and anomalies.
• Present safety research findings to senior leadership and recommend actionable improvements to safety protocols and operational systems.
• Mentor and lead junior team members, fostering their professional growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent applicable technical experience.
• 7+ years of progressive experience solving large-scale complex problems.
• Demonstrated experience in a safety related domain (e.g., transportation, aerospace, robotics, medical devices).
• Strong understanding of safety principles and risk assessment methodologies; with a proven track record of using data science techniques to solve safety challenges and mitigate risks in a dynamic environment.
• Deep command of statistical methods, probabilistic modeling, and performing rapid exploratory data analysis.
• Expertise in data science tools (e.g., Python, SQL, R), statistical modeling, machine learning, predictive analytics, and visualization software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Adept at querying, analyzing, and visualizing large datasets.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information to various audiences.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to provide guidance and mentorship.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a cross-functional team, or as a project lead.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent applicable technical experience.
• Experience working in safety and risk, ideally complemented by a portfolio of publications, reports, or conference presentations.
• Familiarity with rapidly scaling operational environments.
• Proficiency in working with advanced data transformation tools such as DBT.
• Skilled in building and deploying using Amazon Web Services (AWS) tools.
• Background in the Autonomous Vehicles, Aerospace, or Robotics domains.

Skills

• Advanced statistical methods and probabilistic modeling.
• Data science tools (Python, SQL, R, Tableau, Power BI).
• Data analysis and visualization.
• Communication and presentation skills.
• Leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Experience with AWS tools.

Benefits

At Aurora, you will have the opportunity to work in a hybrid work environment where employees are in the office at least 3 days per week. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. Aurora is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy status, parent or caregiver status, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran and/or military status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by federal or state law.

Pay

The base salary range for this position is $171,000 - $247,000 per year. Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.