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Functional Safety Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Safety Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$104K - $135K/yr

The Safety Engineer is responsible for ensuring the safe operation, integration, and compliance of ... Knowledge of functional safety standards (ISO 26262, IEC 61508, etc.) * Experience with industrial ...

Consolidate functional safety status reporting across domains (requirements, analyses, tests ... Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace ...

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace ... functional safety. * Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Electrical ...

Safety Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$104K - $135K/yr

The Safety Engineer is responsible for ensuring the safe operation, integration, and compliance of ... Knowledge of functional safety standards (ISO 26262, IEC 61508, etc.) * Experience with industrial ...

... functional safety-critical projects and teams. Ability to thrive in ambiguity. We prefer ... Success as a safety culture champion, influencing engineering culture, ensuring safety is a first ...

Functional Safety Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$149K - $215K/yr

About the Role Altera is seeking a Functional Safety Architect to lead and oversee the functional ... As a technical leader, you will drive engineering teams toward the successful delivery of safety ...

About the Role Altera is seeking a Functional Safety Architect to lead and oversee the functional ... As a technical leader, you will drive engineering teams toward the successful delivery of safety ...

Safety Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$204K - $252K/yr

... functional safety-critical projects and teams. Ability to thrive in ambiguity. We prefer ... Success as a safety culture champion, influencing engineering culture, ensuring safety is a first ...

Plus is looking for a functional safety manager specializing in vehicle embedded control software ... Work in coordination with global engineering teams to define vehicle-level self-driving ...

Be Seen First

Familiarity with functional safety and autonomy standards (ISO 26262, UL 4600, SOTIF). Hands-on ... Support engineering to assess the impact of stack or system changes, aligning with industry ...

Showing results 41-60

Functional Safety Engineer information

See California salary details

$71.5K

$115.5K

$190K

How much do functional safety engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for functional safety engineer in California is $115,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,412.00 and $130,237.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a functional safety engineer?

A Functional Safety Engineer is responsible for ensuring that products and systems comply with safety standards to prevent hazards, particularly in industries like automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation. They analyze risks, define safety requirements, and oversee implementation to meet functional safety standards such as ISO 26262 or IEC 61508. Their role includes performing hazard analysis, failure mode analysis, and verification of safety mechanisms. They often collaborate with design, software, and testing teams to ensure compliance.

What does a functional safety engineer do?

A typical day for a Functional Safety Engineer involves conducting safety analyses, such as FMEA and hazard identification, creating or reviewing safety documentation, and collaborating closely with design, hardware, and software engineering teams to ensure compliance with safety standards. You may participate in project meetings, support verification and validation activities, and interface with customers or regulatory bodies on safety matters. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the role, effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders is essential. Balancing technical detail with regulatory guidelines is a common and rewarding challenge you can expect in this position.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a functional safety engineer?

To thrive as a Functional Safety Engineer, you need strong analytical skills in risk assessment, a solid engineering background (typically in electrical, electronic, or automotive engineering), and familiarity with relevant safety standards. Expertise in tools like ISO 26262, FMEA, FMEDA, and industry certifications such as TÜV Functional Safety are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving ability, clear communication, and teamwork skills distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies ensure that critical systems meet safety requirements, regulatory standards, and facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration.

Is a functional safety engineer in high demand?

Yes, functional safety engineers are in high demand across industries such as automotive, manufacturing, and industrial automation due to increasing safety standards and the need for compliance with regulations like ISO 26262 and IEC 61508. Their expertise in risk assessment, safety lifecycle management, and safety-critical system design makes them valuable in ensuring product safety and regulatory adherence.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Functional Safety Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Functional Safety Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Functional Safety Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,530 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Safety Engineer

Archer

San Jose, CA • On-site

$104K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 hours ago


Job description

The Safety Engineer is responsible for ensuring the safe operation, integration, and compliance of powertrain systems and associated equipment. This role involves analyzing safety risks, implementing safety protocols, and working closely with cross-functional teams to promote a culture of safety across all phases of powertrain development and deployment.

What you'll do

  • Conduct risk assessments and safety analyses (e.g., FMEA, HAZOP, FTA) on powertrain systems and test equipment
  • Develop and implement safety standards, policies, and procedures in accordance with applicable regulations (e.g., OSHA, ISO 26262, ISO 13849) 
  • Collaborate with design, validation, and manufacturing teams to ensure safety is embedded in all stages of equipment lifecycle. 
  • Review mechanical, electrical, and software designs for safety compliance
  • Lead incident investigations and root cause analyses related to powertrain equipment
  • Specify and validate safety systems (e.g., emergency stop systems, interlocks, guarding)
  • Support equipment commissioning, maintenance planning, and safety audits
  • Document safety protocols, create reports, and provide training to engineering and operations teams

What you need

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Safety Engineering (or related field)
  • 3+ years of experience in a safety engineering role, preferably with a focus on powertrain systems
  • Knowledge of functional safety standards (ISO 26262, IEC 61508, etc.)
  • Experience with industrial equipment, safety controls, and risk mitigation techniques. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
  • Excellent communication and team collaboration abilities

Bonus Qualifications

  • Strong risk assessment and hazard analysis skills
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities, particularly in industrial or high-risk environments. Proficient in safety management systems and tools for hazard identification and mitigation
  • Ability to communicate complex safety information information
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to lead safety initiatives and influence cross-functional teams
  • Experience with powertrain equipment testing and validation processes, including test cells and performance testing
  • Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles in relation to safety
  • Knowledge of environmental health and safety (EHS) regulations related to manufacturing processes, including chemical handling and hazardous materials
  • Certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or equivalent is highly desirable

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications. 

At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $104,600 - $135,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.