Freelance Functional Safety Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Summary Briefly describe the job’s primary purpose or contribution to the department or organization.

The Project Engineer is responsible for creating, maintaining, revising, and managing production and prototype harness CAD drawings and associated engineering documentation to support Marine Components' engineering and manufacturing operations. This role converts and develops designs across multiple formats while ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with engineering standards. In addition, the Project Engineer leads and supports cross-functional projects focused on improving manufacturing processes, product quality, safety, and operational efficiency. Working closely with engineering, production, and quality teams, this position drives continuous improvement initiatives that reduce manufacturing costs, optimize processes, and support the successful execution of new and existing products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities List the job’s essential or most important functions and responsibilities.  Include all important aspects for the job whether performed daily weekly, monthly, or annually and any that occur at irregular intervals.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety by promoting and following safe work practices in all activities.
• Create, maintain, revise, and manage CAD drawings, models, engineering databases, and label files for production and prototype wiring harness assemblies.
• Collaborate with Product Development teams across all internal and external customers to develop and update wiring harness designs that meet engineering specifications and manufacturing requirements.
• Convert and maintain engineering documentation across multiple CAD and data management platforms while ensuring accuracy, consistency, and revision control.
• Support prototype development by gaining hands-on knowledge of harness assembly processes and standard wire processing methods, including automated and manual cutting, crimping, splicing, labeling, and testing.
• Respond to engineering change requests and service needs by updating harness designs, documentation, databases, and related manufacturing information.
• Analyze technical issues and collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customers to develop practical solutions.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes and implement improvements that enhance safety, product quality, equipment reliability, throughput, and overall operational efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing manufacturing costs, eliminating waste, and improving productivity through Lean Manufacturing principles, Kaizen events, and 5S activities.
• Lead new product introductions by coordinating manufacturing readiness, process development, documentation, and production implementation.
• Develop, maintain, and revise work instructions, standard operating procedures, process documentation, and production time studies.
• Participate in design reviews to improve manufacturability and support engineering decisions throughout product development.
• Lead or participate in quality audits, production startup meetings, root cause investigations, and corrective action activities.
• Perform detailed self-checks and engineering reviews to verify drawing accuracy, documentation completeness, and compliance with company and customer standards.
• Support production supervisors and manufacturing personnel in resolving quality issues, implementing process improvements, and adopting best practices.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable engineering standards, manufacturing technologies, software, and company procedures through ongoing training and professional development.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

#MalibuElectronics

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, or a related engineering discipline; Three (3) years of experience in a related engineering and manufacturing environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations, process improvement initiatives, and new product introduction preferred.
• Experience with wire harness design, electrical assemblies, or related manufacturing processes preferred.

Language Skills:  

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents, engineering drawings, specifications, and procedures.
• Ability to prepare reports, work instructions, standard operating procedures, and other technical documentation.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information and lead discussions with cross-functional teams, management, customers, and suppliers.

Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations involving percentages, ratios, proportions, basic algebra, geometry, and measurement conversions.
• Ability to interpret engineering dimensions, tolerances, and manufacturing data.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to identify problems, analyze technical data, determine root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, diagrams, and written instructions while managing multiple priorities and projects.
• Ability to apply engineering judgment to both conceptual and practical manufacturing challenges.

Other Qualifications:

• Proficient in CAD software, Microsoft Office applications, and engineering database management.
• Demonstrated experience leading or participating in continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and 5S methodologies.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and wiring diagrams.
• Ability to use basic electrical test equipment, including a multimeter.
• Ability to accurately use standard measuring devices, including tape measures, rulers, and precision measuring tools.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Use the drop down boxes to select the appropriate response to each area.

Continuous/C = 67-100%, Frequent/F = 33-66%, Occasional/O = 33%, None/N

1. Sits             5 hours
2. Stands        4 hours
3. Walks         1 hours
4. Drives        0 hours

Employee Lifts and/or Carries:  type amount of weight in each area

Maximum: 50 (lbs)                    Frequently: 25 (lbs)                   Occasionally: 50 (lbs)

Employee uses Hands for repetitive activities: 

1. Simple Grasping:    Right,   Frequent                       Left, Frequent
2. Pushing/Pulling:      Right,   Frequent                       Left, Frequent
3. Fine Manipulation:  Right,   Frequent                       Left, Frequent

Employee uses Feet for repetitive activities: 

1. Right: None                        Left: None

Employee is required to perform these activities: 

1. Bending At Waist:              Occasional
2. Squatting:                           Occasional
3. Climbing Ladders, Stairs:    Occasional
4. Kneeling On Ground:          Occasional
5. Reaching Above Shoulder:  Occasional

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job (ie; heat/cold, dust/dampness, height; chemical; noise) PPE requirements are included. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Safety glasses required while in production areas

Other PPE may be required based on specific projects.

Typical __8-10___ hour workdays, occasional overtime required.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Teamwork:  Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Motivation:  Measures self against standard of excellence.

Quality:  Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Attendance/Punctuality:  Is consistently at work and on time.

Dependability:  Takes responsibility for own actions.JS_8.2.5,JS_8.2.5.1,JS_8.2.5.2,JS_8.2.5.3,JS_8.2.5.4,JS_8.2.5.5,JS_8.2.5.7,JS_8.5.7,JS_8.5.7.3,JS_8.5.10,JS_8.5.10.1,JS_8.5.10.3,JS_8.5.10.4,JS_8.5.2,JS_8.5.2.1,JS_8.5.3,JS_8.5.3.2