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Functional Safety Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts

Embedded Software Engineer, Mobile Robotics

Reading, MA · On-site

$138K - $182K/yr

... functional safety, and navigation teams to deliver firmware that meets the rigor of IEC 61508 ... Our engineers take complete ownership, from interrupt handlers to CI/CD pipelines to on-site data ...

Expertise with industry standards and Functional Safety Risk Assessment practices is required ... Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology or Automation ...

Expertise with industry standards and Functional Safety Risk Assessment practices is required ... Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology or Automation ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$111K - $145K/yr

Expertise with industry standards and Functional Safety Risk Assessment practices is required ... Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology or Automation ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$111K - $145K/yr

Expertise with industry standards and Functional Safety Risk Assessment practices is required ... Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology or Automation ...

Showing results 41-60

Functional Safety Engineer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$78.3K

$126.6K

$208.1K

How much do functional safety engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for functional safety engineer in Massachusetts is $126,567.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,814.00 and $142,679.00 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 Massachusetts?

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

What are popular job titles related to Functional Safety Engineer jobs in Massachusetts?

For Functional Safety Engineer jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Functional Safety Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,567 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Member of Technical Staff: Firmware, Embedded, and Functional Safety

Walden Robotics

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$194K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:
We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to develop the low-level software that powers our robotic systems. In this role, you will design, implement, debug, and optimize real-time embedded software for custom and COTS actuators, sensors, communication interfaces, and safety-critical subsystems.
You will work closely with electrical, mechanical, controls, and software teams to bring up new hardware, integrate embedded capabilities into the broader robot stack, and mature prototypes into reliable production systems. This role is highly hands-on and best suited for someone who enjoys working close to hardware, solving complex debugging problems, and writing robust C/C++ firmware for real robotic products.
Core Responsibilities:
  • Embedded Software Development: Implement and maintain C/C++ embedded software and firmware for motor controllers, sensors, power management systems, and other robotic subsystems.
  • Hardware Bring-Up & Debugging: Bring up new boards, write and test device drivers, validate peripherals, and debug hardware/software issues using lab equipment.
  • Real-Time Systems: Develop bare-metal and RTOS-based software for control loops, safety monitoring, timing-sensitive communication, and resource-constrained hardware.
  • Communication & Integration: Implement and validate interfaces such as EtherCAT, Ethernet, CAN/CAN-FD, RS-485, SPI, I2C, and UART.
  • Firmware Tooling & Quality: Build diagnostics, logging, test utilities, and automated workflows that improve firmware reliability, observability, and development speed.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with electrical, mechanical, controls, and software engineers to define interfaces, troubleshoot system issues, and integrate new robotic capabilities.
  • Senior Technical Contribution: Contribute to design tradeoffs, code reviews, planning, and mentoring while remaining hands-on in implementation and debugging.

Required Qualifications:
  • Experience: 3+ years of professional embedded software experience, including shipping robust robotics-related products.
  • Technical Proficiency: Strong C/C++ skills for bare-metal and RTOS-based embedded systems.
  • Hardware Knowledge: Deep understanding of microcontrollers, onboard computers, sensors, cameras, actuators, motor controllers, and fieldbus communication.
  • Hands-On Debugging: Experience with board bring-up, device drivers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers, and hardware/software integration.
  • Real-Time Systems: Experience with control loops, timing-sensitive communication, fault handling, and safety monitoring.
  • Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across hardware, controls, and software teams in a fast-moving engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Direct experience with robotic systems, preferably humanoid robots, manipulation robots, mobile robots, or other complex mechatronic systems.
  • Experience with designing and delivering software for functional safety
  • Familiarity with industrial safety standards such as IEC 61508
  • Experience with EtherCAT, Ethernet, CAN/CAN-FD, RS-485, or other industrial/robotics communication protocols.
  • Experience with motor control, power systems, sensor integration, safety systems, or distributed embedded systems.
  • Experience with firmware test infrastructure, CI/CD, diagnostics, logging, OTA updates, or production validation workflows.

Walden Robotics offers a competitive total compensation program, including salary, annual cash bonus, company equity, company-subsidized insurance programs, 401(k) with company match, flexible PTO, daily lunch, and other benefits. The pay ranges noted on our posts are for salary only.
Walden Robotics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to hello@waldenrobotics.com.
Walden Robotics participates in E-Verify. If you receive an offer of employment from Walden, you will need to go through the E-Verify process of digital verification of your employment authorization documents as provided on the Form I-9. Participation in E-Verify does not limit your right to work and verification will only be completed after you become an employee with Walden Robotics.
At Walden Robotics, we envision a world where general-purpose robots dramatically improve the quality of life for all people-supporting us at home, at work, in factories, on farms, and beyond. To accomplish this, we are building a team of exceptional professionals who combine world-class technical skills with creative vision, grounded in humility and collaboration.
The pay range for this role is:
145,709.25 - 194,279 USD per year (BOS)