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Freelance Functional Safety Engineer Jobs in Utah

What You Will Do As a Principal Software Safety Engineer, your responsibilities will include ... Establish on-going feedback loop with functional and program management. * Lead & coordinate System ...

PLC Engineer

Ogden, UT · On-site

$85K - $99K/yr

As an Automation Controls Engineer, you will be at the forefront of designing and optimizing ... Knowledge of safety systems including functional safety, risk assessments, and safety PLCs (e.g ...

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Freelance Functional Safety Engineer information

What is a freelance functional safety engineer?

Freelance Functional Safety Engineers are independent professionals who specialize in ensuring that systems and products—such as those used in automotive, industrial, or electronics sectors—meet established safety standards. They assess risks, develop safety requirements, and help clients comply with regulations like ISO 26262 or IEC 61508. Unlike full-time employees, these engineers work on a contract basis, offering flexibility and expertise on specific projects. Their role includes conducting safety analyses, reviewing designs, and supporting safety certification processes. Clients often hire freelance functional safety engineers for their specialized knowledge and ability to address short-term or project-based safety needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance functional safety engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Functional Safety Engineer, you need a robust background in safety engineering, risk assessment, and relevant standards like ISO 26262 or IEC 61508, often supported by an engineering degree and industry certifications. Familiarity with safety analysis tools (e.g., FMEA, FTA), requirements management software, and safety lifecycle management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, project management, and problem-solving skills help you liaise with clients and ensure successful project delivery. These competencies are vital for ensuring compliance, mitigating risks, and delivering high-quality safety solutions in dynamic work environments.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance functional safety engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance functional safety engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to diverse project requirements, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of evolving safety standards, and effectively communicating with multidisciplinary teams. Since each client or project may operate within different industry frameworks (like IEC 61508 or ISO 26262), staying organized and proactive in learning is crucial. Building a network of industry contacts and joining professional communities can also help freelancers stay informed and supported. Clear communication and documentation skills are essential to ensure alignment with clients and efficient project delivery.

What is the difference between Freelance Functional Safety Engineer vs Freelance Safety Consultant?

AspectFreelance Functional Safety EngineerFreelance Safety Consultant
CertificationsISO 26262, IEC 61508, TÜV certificationsVaries; often includes ISO 45001, ISO 9001, or industry-specific safety standards
Work EnvironmentDesign and assess safety systems in automotive, industrial, or machinery sectorsProvide safety assessments, audits, and compliance advice across various industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by automotive, manufacturing, and automation companiesEngaged by multiple industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and construction

While both roles focus on safety, Freelance Functional Safety Engineers specialize in designing and validating safety systems based on specific standards like ISO 26262, primarily in automotive and industrial sectors. Freelance Safety Consultants offer broader safety advisory services across industries, focusing on compliance and risk management. The choice depends on whether you need technical safety system development or general safety consulting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Functional Safety Engineer jobs in Utah?

The most popular types of Functional Safety Engineer jobs in Utah are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Functional Safety Engineer jobs in Utah?

For Freelance Functional Safety Engineer jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Functional Safety Engineer jobs in Utah look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Functional Safety Engineer jobs in Utah are:

What cities in Utah are hiring for Freelance Functional Safety Engineer jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Freelance Functional Safety Engineer job openings:

Principal Advisor Functional Safety

Rio Tinto

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Rio Tinto rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 41 rated mining


Job description

Principal Advisor Functional Safety (Rio Tinto Services Inc., South Jordan, UT):
Guiding the global deployment of the Rio Tinto D7 Functional Safety Standard across all product groups. Developing plans for developed and execution of FS within product groups, ensuring alignment with corporate and international standards. Provide strategic guidance to senior leaders and the Global Practice Lead on emerging FS risks, trends, and performance. Act as a global FS advisor, reviewing complex system architectures, safety functions, and SIL assessments across mining and processing operations. Lead and participate in Functional Safety Assessments (FSA 1-5), management of change reviews, and validation audits. Review FS lifecycle implementation across Rio Tinto operations and major capital projects in North America and Europe. Develop corporate tools, guidance documents, training, and audit protocols to support consistent with FS lifecycle execution. Build internal FS capability through structured programs, coaching, and compliance gap closure. Develop corporate training program and tailored trainings to engineering and operational teams. Mentor Principal and Senior Advisors across product groups. Facilitate cross-discipline collaboration between electrical, control systems, and asset management engineering teams. Represent Rio Tinto in industry forums and external engagements related to FS development and compliance. Monitor and report FS performance indicators, incident investigations, and lessons learned at the global level. Lead FS community-of-practice initiatives to drive knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across the business.
Telecommuting permitted up to 1 day per week.
Full time employment, Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computing, Management Information Systems, or a related field, and 8 years of related work experience.
Must have 8 years of experience in:
  • Functional Safety Engineering in Mining and/or Mineral Processing;
  • Functional Safety Engineering and Operation; and
  • HazOp and LOPA risk assessment.

Must have 5 years of experience in:
  • Control System Engineering;
  • Functional Safety Governance and Audits; and
  • Incident investigation for Functional Safety.

Must have 3 years of experience in training engineers and operators in functional safety.
Certification: Functional Safety Qualification from Exida or TUV.
International travel required up to 35%; Domestic travel required up to 10%.
To Apply: Interested applicants must apply through https://jobs.riotinto.com and search for requisition number R62052. Should you have any difficulty in applying for this position through our website, please contact us.recruitment@riotinto.com for assistance in the application process.
#NB
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs - striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can't do it on our own, so we're focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Respect and Inclusion
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.

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