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Freelance Functional Safety Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rivian

Staff Functional Safety Engineer

Plymouth, MI

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 ...

Teachercool

Functional Safety Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Functional Safety Platform Systems Engineer * Client: Ford Motor Company * Implementation Partner: Sasken * Location: Dearborn, Michigan (Onsite) * Employment Type: Contract * Rate: Best in Market ...

Rivian

Staff Functional Safety Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

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 ...

Clarios, LLC

$110 - $160/hr

What you will do The Electronics Functional Safety Engineer (FSE) is a design and development role within the Advanced Battery Core Electronics Team that reports directly to the Global Electronics ...

New

Rivian

Staff Functional Safety Engineer

Carson, CA

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 ...

Jobtailor

Core Functional Safety Engineer

Dearborn, MO · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field. * 5+ years of experience or knowledge of ISO 26262 functional safety standard. * 3+ years ...

Rivian

Staff Functional Safety Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

Role Summary As a Software Functional Safety Engineer, you will be responsible for performing functional safety and low-level drivers, base and application software safety development for power ...

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Freelance Functional Safety Engineer information

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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.

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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?

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Freelance Functional Safety Engineer jobs near you
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

Dana Incorporated

Novi, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Dana Incorporated rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

453rd of 494 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains. Serving two primary markets - passenger vehicle and commercial truck - Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.
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 cross-functional engineering teams, suppliers, and customers to ensure safety requirements are defined, implemented, and verified throughout the development lifecycle.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
  • Support ISO 26262 activities through the full development lifecycle, including safety planning, hazard analysis, safety concepts, and requirements development.
  • Work with systems, hardware, and software engineering to ensure safety requirements are feasible, clearly understood, and properly traced and implemented.
  • Engage directly with customers during the request for quotation stage; on jointly reviewing functional safety objectives and specific requirements; and in the resolution of functional safety concerns.
  • Develop and maintain, either directly or indirectly, all necessary work products, including but not limited to:
    • Safety Plan
    • Safety Manual
    • Safety Concepts
    • ASIL rating/decomposition
    • DIA
    • HARA
    • Safety Requirements
    • FMEA & FTA
    • Safety Verification and Validation activities
    • Confirmation measures
    • Safety Case
  • Support consistency and continuous improvement of functional safety processes across teams.
  • Support issue resolution related to safety findings, requirement gaps, or test results.
  • Contribute to functional safety training and awareness sessions, helping teams across the organization understand roles, responsibilities, and process expectations.
  • Travel to key stakeholder meetings (domestic or international, as required).

Education and Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Automotive / Electrical / Systems Engineering or a related field of study
  • 7-10 years experience implementing ISO 26262; powertrain and/or electric vehicle applications preferred.
  • Expert knowledge and industry experience with safety concepts, hazard analysis and risk assessment, FMEA, FTA at both system and sub-system level.
  • Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles and ability to use this in a multi-disciplinary approach (electronics, software, mechanical hardware, hydraulics)
  • Experience in the implementation of functional safety standards like IEC 61508, EN 13849, ISO 26262, ISO 15998, ISO 25119, IEC 62061, and other related standards for systems, hardware and software development like CMMI, INCOSE, ASPICE.
  • Demonstrated progressive responsibility and hands-on experience with vehicle system architectures and control systems.

Skills and Competencies
  • Able to effectively build relationships with other disciplines to drive results in matrix organization
  • Strong communication skills: listening, speaking, and writing, at all levels
  • Proven excellent customer relationship management skills
  • Able to make decisions independently with appropriate level of consultation/communication.
  • Commitment to the highest standards of ethical behavior in self and others; commitment to inclusion and diversity
  • Both strategic and hands on; able to execute as well as proactively plan.
  • Excellent analytical skills
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required (10%)

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters
Please note that as per Dana policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters were engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Dana will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.
Join our team of 28,000 problem solvers who are fostering a culture of innovation by leveraging the diverse perspectives of our global team. We believe in facing challenges head-on by finding opportunity and uncovering possibility, where roadblocks and barriers become targets instead of obstacles. We are One Dana with limitless opportunity.
Our Values
  • Value Others
  • Inspire Innovation
  • Grow Responsibly
  • Win Together

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