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Freelance Functional Safety Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$120 - $180/hr

Work with cross functional teams and hardware design engineers to implement hardware safety requirements. * Work with various functional safety analysis methods (FTA, FMEDA) supporting hardware ...

Title: Functional Safety Engineer Location: Atlanta, Georgia - onsite Duration: Long term Must Have Skills Skill 1 - 5 + years' experience in functional safety design and analysis Skill 2 - ...

Position - Functional Safety Engineer Location - Dearborn- Michigan Key Responsibilities: Verification & Validation & Requirement traceability -> experience & Knowhow of EGAS is (Entwicklergruppe ...

Functional Safety Engineer Atlanta, Georgia - onsite Duration: 6-12+ Months Must Have Skills Skill 1 - 5 + years' experience in functional safety design and analysis Skill 2 - Experience with safety ...

Staff Functional Safety Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$171.10 - $232.50/hr

Role Summary As a Hardware Functional Safety Engineer working in the Electric Power Conversion group, you will be responsible for performing functional safety development of internally designed power ...

The Functional Safety Engineer will be responsible for creating functional safety standards in accordance with ISO26262 and other relevant industry norms future EE/HW/SW systems must comply with.

Staff Functional Safety Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$171.10 - $232.50/hr

Role Summary As a Hardware Functional Safety Engineer working in the Electric Power Conversion group, you will be responsible for performing functional safety development of internally designed power ...

About the Role We are seeking a Senior Functional Safety Engineer to join our Systems Engineering team. This is a senior-level position that provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the ...

Staff Functional Safety Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$171.10 - $232.50/hr

Role Summary As a Hardware Functional Safety Engineer working in the Electric Power Conversion group, you will be responsible for performing functional safety development of internally designed power ...

$120 - $160/hr

TÜV Functional Safety Engineer (FSE) certification or equivalent is a strong plus * Track Record: 3+ years in functional safety engineering for safety-related systems at system, software, and ...

Functional Safety Engineer

Mchenry, MS · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB Anduril is looking for an experienced and highly skilled Functional Energetics Safety Engineer to lead and implement comprehensive safety programs specifically tailored for the design ...

About the Role We are seeking a Senior Functional Safety Engineer to join our Systems Engineering team. This is a senior-level position that provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the ...

Job Purpose The Sr. Functional Safety Engineer supports the delivery of ISO 26262 functional safety activities across electrified driveline products. This role works closely with crossfunctional ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Functional Safety Engineer information

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$53.5K

$131.3K

$193.5K

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance functional safety engineer in the United States is $131,349.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,500.00 and $147,500.00 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.

More about Freelance Functional Safety Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Functional Safety Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Functional Safety Engineer job openings:

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

The most popular types of Functional Safety Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Functional Safety Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Functional Safety Engineer jobs include:

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

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

Infographic showing various Freelance Functional Safety Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,349 per year, or $63.1 per hour.

Sr. Functional Safety Engineer

System Safety

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


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.

Role Summary

Join a motivating team of experts developing Electric Vehicle technology through innovative zonal architecture development. As a key contributor, you\'ll play a vital role in designing and implementing Electronic Control Units (ECUs) that balance safety & performance. Your expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the development of robust, fail-safe hardware systems that set new industry standards for reliability and performance.

Responsibilities
  • Design and implementation of technical safety requirements at the hardware level.

  • Work with cross functional teams and hardware design engineers to implement hardware safety requirements.

  • Work with various functional safety analysis methods (FTA, FMEDA) supporting hardware architectural design.

  • Apply essential experience in functional safety to derive Safety requirements, technical safety concepts, FMEDA (Failure Mode Effects & Diagnostic Analysis), FTA (Fault Tree Analysis), DFA (Dependent Failure Analysis) and PMHF (Probability Metric for Hardware Failure) to meet functional safety requirements.

  • Support the Reliability organization in deriving FIT rates for hardware components.

  • Develop verification and validation methods to support testing of hardware safety requirements.

  • Write test procedures and support testing of hardware sub-systems.

  • Document all relevant safety requirements, analysis, architecture implementation, verification, and validation events for each sub-system.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent engineering degree.

  • Have 3-5+ years of relevant experience with functional safety design in automotive, industrial or aerospace.

  • Develop Systems based on ISO 26262:2018 Part 5 and ISO 26262:2018 Part 11 or IEC 61508 Part 1, 2 & 3.

  • Handling advanced electronics design and analyzing advanced electrical circuits.

  • Use of deductive and inductive failure analysis tools including FTA and FMEDA.

  • Handling advanced electronics design and analyzing advanced electrical circuits.

  • Working within a cross-functional teams- hardware, software, mechanical, manufacturing, and proven record of working on multiple projects involving safety engineering.

  • Applying knowledge of advanced electrical systems and tools to meet functional safety requirements.

  • Driving functional safety design processes across the organization to meet regulatory requirements.

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. 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.

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