Principal Functional Safety Engineer - Semiconductor (Automotive: ISO 26262 ASIL D / ASPICE 3)

Summary

We are looking for a well-rounded Senior Staff / Principal level Functional Safety Engineer with 8+ years of experience in the semiconductor industry to lead and drive Automotive IC products to achieve ISO 26262 functional safety compliance at ASIL D. The ideal candidate has a solid track record of independently managing safety projects through successful certification and brings strong knowledge of ASPICE Level 3 process development.

This role will be a hands-on technical leader, ensuring safety compliance across the full IC lifecycle, conducting audits and assessments, and serving as the primary point of contact for safety-related concerns with OEMs, Tier 1 customers, and partners.

This position is located in: United States - Remote

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end functional safety activities for Automotive ICs in compliance with ISO 26262 (ASIL D).
• Define, implement, and maintain Safety Plans, Safety Concepts, FMEDA, Safety Manuals, and Safety Cases.
• Implement System Element out of context (SEooC), Assumption of Use (AoU) apprach and derive safety goals with ASIL decomposition strategies.
• Drive technical safety architecture definition for digital, analog, and mixed-signal ICs, including design and verification of safety mechanisms (ECC, lockstep CPUs, watchdogs, voltage/clock monitors).
• Perform and lead FMEA, FMEDA, and FTA analyses ensuring ASIL metrics (SPFM, LFM, PMHF) are satisfied.
• Independently conduct Functional Safety Audits, Confirmation Measures, Assessments, and Reviews.
• Collaborate with internal design, verification, and software teams to ensure freedom from interference and safe partitioning of ASIL vs. QM functions.
• Partner with OEMs, Tier 1 customers, and external assessors to address safety issues, support audits, and resolve concerns.
• Perform HW evaluation on non-compliance Ips (internal and external based)
• Support ASPICE Level 3 process development, ensuring alignment of FuSa with broader quality and process frameworks.
• Mentor junior functional safety engineers and help shape best practices across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Eng., or related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in Semiconductor development, specifically Automotive ICs.
• Proven record of leading functional safety projects independently through ASIL D certification.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 26262 (Part 2–11) and related standards.
• Past involvement in ASPICE Level 3 infrastructure and process development.
• Deep hands-on experience with:
• FMEA, FMEDA, FTA, DFA
• Fault injection testing and safety metrics analysis
• Safety mechanism design and verification
• Familiarity with requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama, Polarion) and safety analysis tools.
• Excellent communication skills to interface effectively with OEMs, Tier 1s, certification bodies, and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills

• Background in digital/analog/mixed-signal SoC design.
• HW/SW tool evaluation and classification
• Sound knowledge and background in ASPICE (up to level 3) and Cyber Security (ISO/SAE 21434).
• Strong experience in external audits and assessor engagement (e.g., TÜV, Exida and UL).
• Good understanding of Automotive relevant standards and tools i.e., IATF 16949, AEC-Q100, PPAP, APQP and five core Automotive tools.

Personal Skills:

• Excellent communication/documentation skills.
• Attention to details.
• Collaboration across multidisciplinary and international teams.

What You Can Expect from Ethernovia:

• Technology depth and breadth expansion that can’t be found in a large company
• Opportunity to grow your career as the company grows
• Pre IPO stock options
• Cutting edge technology
• World class team
• Competitive base salary
• Flexible hours
• Medical, dental and vision insurance for employees

Salary Range:

• The actual offered base salary will vary depending on factors such as work location, individual qualifications, specializations, years of experience, skills, job-related knowledge, and internal equity. The annual salary range for this position is $170,000 - $270,000. The compensation package will also include incentive compensation in the form of pre-IPO ISO options, in addition to base salary and a full range of medical and other benefits.

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