Mark A. Vernacchia is a GM Technical Fellow and is the Principal System Safety Engineer for all GM propulsion systems worldwide. Mark received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and an MS in Engineering Sciences from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). He has been listed on 24 control system based patents as an inventor. Mark is a Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan and is recognized as an Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP) by the International Council of Systems Engineers (INCOSE).
In this episode, Mark talked about SAE J3187, a recommended practice for evaluations of automotive related safety-critical systems using the system-theoretic process analysis STPA. Goal of this document is to provide both educational materials and lessons-learned gained by STPA practitioners. Further, Mark talked about his experiences using STPA and being a task force leader developing the recommened practice.
There will be a major update of SAE J3187 in the first quarter of 2023.