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Freelance Functional Safety Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Battery Systems / Pack Engineering Reports to: Head of Battery Systems Engineering (or Pack ... Support functional safety testing and requirements across chemistries (e.g. NCM, LFP) * Assess the ...

... cross-functional teams to drive improvements in vehicle safety design. Operating with growing ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field. * 5+ years experience in automotive safety ...

... cross-functional teams to drive improvements in vehicle safety design. Operating with growing ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field. * 5+ years experience in automotive safety ...

... cross-functional teams to drive improvements in vehicle safety design. Operating with growing ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field. * 5+ years experience in automotive safety ...

... cross-functional teams to drive improvements in vehicle safety design. Operating with growing ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field. * 5+ years experience in automotive safety ...

Ensure effective cross-functional integration of safety requirements and risk mitigations with ... Applies safety engineering principles to support investigation, analysis, planning, design ...

Ensure effective cross-functional integration of safety requirements and risk mitigations with ... Applies safety engineering principles to support investigation, analysis, planning, design ...

As our Robotics Autonomy Engineer - Safety, you'll own and advance the independent safety layer ... Functional safety experience in autonomous vehicles, industrial robots, or aerospace * Experience ...

As our Robotics Autonomy Engineer - Safety, you'll own and advance the independent safety layer ... Functional safety experience in autonomous vehicles, industrial robots, or aerospace * Experience ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Functional Safety Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$55.8K

$137K

$201.9K

How much do freelance functional safety engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance functional safety engineer in Riverside, CA is $137,032.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,200.00 and $153,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Functional Safety Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Functional Safety Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Freelance Functional Safety Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Functional Safety Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Freelance Functional Safety Engineer jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Freelance Functional Safety Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Functional Safety Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $137,032 per year, or $65.9 per hour.

Electromechanical Design Engineering Intern (January - August 2027)

Irvine, CA • On-site

$18 - $23.25/hr

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

About Us
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive's next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we're addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world.
The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we'll map a new way forward. Working together, we'll create a future that's more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.
This is a general application used to fill multiple internship openings across our Electrical Hardware teams. If selected, you will be matched to a specific team based on your background and interests during the interview process.
  • Electrical Design Engineering Intern
  • Electrical Engineering Design Intern
  • Electrical Functional Safety Engineering Intern
  • Embedded Software Engineering Intern
  • Mechanical Design Engineering Intern
  • Product Launch Engineering Intern
  • Reliability Engineering Intern
  • Software Engineering Intern - Vehicle Lab
  • Supplier Excellence Engineering Intern
  • Test Automation Systems Engineering Intern

Role Summary
Every Electronic Control Unit goes through a full lifecycle of design, validation, manufacturing readiness, and release. As an Electromechanical Design Engineering intern, you will be involved in one part of that lifecycle, which may include circuit design, mechanical packaging, hardware validation and test, reliability and functional safety analysis, or supplier and manufacturing readiness work.
Specific project areas vary by team and may include:
  • Designing and developing analog, digital, or mixed signal circuits, including schematic capture and component selection
  • Supporting mechanical packaging design or structural and thermal simulation for ECU enclosures
  • Building or running hardware validation tests and test automation systems
  • Contributing to hardware functional safety analyses such as FMEA or FMEDA
  • Supporting supplier quality, product launch, or manufacturing readiness activities for ECU programs
Responsibilities
  • Support proof of concept, design, or validation work for an assigned hardware project
  • Debug and troubleshoot hardware issues at the board or system level
  • Document component release information and maintain accurate design records
  • Collaborate with cross functional engineering and design teams to understand requirements
  • Communicate progress and findings to your team throughout the internship
Qualifications
Minimum:
  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program at an accredited US university
  • Proficient in electrical engineering fundamentals

Preferred:
  • Actively pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Hardware Engineering, or a closely related field, with intent to return to school after the internship
  • Understanding of electronics, packaging, and hardware design
  • Familiarity with communication protocols such as CAN, Ethernet, USB, I2C, or SPI
  • Coursework or project experience with PCB design tools, CAD tools, or simulation software
  • Familiarity with product lifecycle management and component release processes
Total Rewards
We build the exceptional - and we believe the people doing that work should be rewarded accordingly. In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in our annual company performance bonus program.
Payments are discretionary and not guaranteed; actual amounts depend on company results and the terms of the plan in effect, and require active employment at the time of payout. This role is also eligible for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and the terms of our equity incentive plans, including applicable vesting requirements.
In addition to our compensation programs, we invest in our people with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial future for full-time employees - including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs. Offerings vary by country. Learn more about our global benefit programs.
External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Candidate Data Privacy
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies" may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) record keeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies' service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
If you provide a mobile telephone number as part of your application or during the recruitment process, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use that number to contact you via SMS text message for recruitment-related purposes, including scheduling, logistics, and status updates. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any text message you receive from us. Consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of applying for or being considered for employment.
Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English)and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information.
Please note this job posting represents an open, active vacancy. Additionally, we are not currently accepting applications from third party application services.