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Functional Safety Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Work with various functional safety analysis methods (FTA, FMEDA) supporting hardware architectural design. * Apply essential experience in functional safety to derive Safety requirements, technical ...

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Define and run a functional safety risk management framework at vehicle and system level: maintain an integrated FuSa risk register, track risk ratings versus Rivian safety targets, and drive ...

Functional Safety Risk Manager

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$167.40 - $209.30/hr

Define and run a functional safety risk management framework at vehicle and system level: maintain an integrated FuSa risk register, track risk ratings versus Rivian safety targets, and drive ...

Define and run a functional safety risk management framework at vehicle and system level: maintain an integrated FuSa risk register, track risk ratings versus Rivian safety targets, and drive ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 safety activities across various semiconductor and IP development projects for Avionics, Space ...

Functional Safety Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$149.10 - $215/hr

About the Role Altera is seeking a Functional Safety Architect to lead and oversee the functional safety activities across various semiconductor and IP development projects for Avionics, Space ...

Plus is looking for a functional safety manager specializing in vehicle embedded control software systems. In this role, you will directly influence how our autonomous system achieves higher levels ...

Plus is looking for a functional safety manager specializing in vehicle embedded control software systems. In this role, you will directly influence how our autonomous system achieves higher levels ...

Functional Safety Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Plus is looking for a functional safety manager specializing in vehicle embedded control software systems. In this role, you will directly influence how our autonomous system achieves higher levels ...

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 ...

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Functional Safety information

What is functional safety?

Functional safety refers to the part of a system that ensures it operates correctly and safely in response to its inputs, even when there are faults or failures. It is crucial in industries like automotive, manufacturing, and energy, where malfunctioning systems could lead to hazards. Functional safety involves risk assessment, implementing safety mechanisms, and following standards such as ISO 26262. Professionals in this field work on designing, verifying, and validating safety-related systems to ensure compliance and protect people and equipment.

How does a functional safety engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

Functional Safety Engineers work closely with hardware, software, and systems engineers throughout the product development lifecycle to identify and mitigate potential safety risks. They often facilitate safety assessments, conduct Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and ensure compliance with relevant safety standards such as ISO 26262 or IEC 61508. Effective communication and documentation are crucial, as Functional Safety Engineers must clearly convey safety requirements and findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. This collaborative environment helps ensure that safety is integrated into every stage of development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a functional safety engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Functional Safety Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering (typically electrical, electronics, or systems), a deep understanding of safety standards like ISO 26262 or IEC 61508, and experience in risk assessment. Familiarity with safety analysis tools (e.g., FMEA, FTA) and certifications such as TÜV Functional Safety Engineer are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and ensure rigorous safety compliance. These competencies are crucial to identify hazards, mitigate risks, and deliver safe, reliable products or systems in regulated industries.

What is the difference between Functional Safety vs Safety Engineer?

AspectFunctional SafetySafety Engineer
CertificationsISO 26262, IEC 61508, TUV certificationsOSHA, NEBOSH, CSP certifications
Work EnvironmentAutomotive, industrial automation, machineryConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, industrial facilities
Industry UsageDesigning safety systems, risk assessment, safety lifecycle managementIdentifying hazards, implementing safety protocols, compliance audits

Functional Safety focuses on designing and managing safety systems within products and processes, ensuring they operate safely under all conditions. Safety Engineers typically perform hazard analysis, develop safety procedures, and ensure compliance. While both roles aim to enhance safety, Functional Safety is more technical and system-oriented, whereas Safety Engineers often work on safety policies and risk mitigation strategies.

What does a functional safety manager do?

A functional safety manager oversees the development and implementation of safety systems to ensure machinery and processes operate safely, often in industries like manufacturing, automotive, or process control. They assess risks, ensure compliance with safety standards such as ISO 26262 or IEC 61508, and coordinate safety-related testing and documentation. Strong knowledge of safety lifecycle management, risk assessment, and relevant certifications are essential for this role.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Functional Safety jobs?

Cities in California with the most Functional Safety job openings:

Infographic showing various Functional Safety 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.

Sr. Functional Safety Engineer

System Safety

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted yesterday

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.

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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