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Flight Control System Safety Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Electrical/Computer Engineering (preferred for control systems and radar designs). * Software Engineering (preferred for safety-critical software and autonomy systems). * Industrial Engineering ...

Senior System Safety Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Electrical/Computer Engineering (preferred for control systems and radar designs). * Software Engineering (preferred for safety-critical software and autonomy systems). * Industrial Engineering ...

Electrical/Computer Engineering (preferred for control systems and radar designs). * Software Engineering (preferred for safety-critical software and autonomy systems). * Industrial Engineering ...

Senior System Safety Engineer

Laurel, MD · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Electrical/Computer Engineering (preferred for control systems and radar designs). * Software Engineering (preferred for safety-critical software and autonomy systems). * Industrial Engineering ...

Senior System Safety Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Electrical/Computer Engineering (preferred for control systems and radar designs). * Software Engineering (preferred for safety-critical software and autonomy systems). * Industrial Engineering ...

Senior System Safety Engineer

Indiana, PA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a System Safety Engineer to provide critical safety engineering ... Electrical/Computer Engineering (preferred for control systems and radar designs). * Software ...

Electrical/Computer Engineering (preferred for control systems and radar designs). * Software Engineering (preferred for safety-critical software and autonomy systems). * Industrial Engineering ...

Senior System Safety Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Electrical/Computer Engineering (preferred for control systems and radar designs). * Software Engineering (preferred for safety-critical software and autonomy systems). * Industrial Engineering ...

Electrical/Computer Engineering (preferred for control systems and radar designs). * Software Engineering (preferred for safety-critical software and autonomy systems). * Industrial Engineering ...

Senior System Safety Engineer

Potomac, MD · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Electrical/Computer Engineering (preferred for control systems and radar designs). * Software Engineering (preferred for safety-critical software and autonomy systems). * Industrial Engineering ...

Senior System Safety Engineer

Ashton, MD · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Electrical/Computer Engineering (preferred for control systems and radar designs). * Software Engineering (preferred for safety-critical software and autonomy systems). * Industrial Engineering ...

Electrical/Computer Engineering (preferred for control systems and radar designs). * Software Engineering (preferred for safety-critical software and autonomy systems). * Industrial Engineering ...

Electrical/Computer Engineering (preferred for control systems and radar designs). * Software Engineering (preferred for safety-critical software and autonomy systems). * Industrial Engineering ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Control System Safety Engineer information

See salary details

$61K

$108.8K

$175.5K

How much do flight control system safety engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight control system safety engineer in the United States is $108,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight control system safety engineer?

Flight Control System Safety Engineers are professionals who specialize in ensuring the safety and reliability of flight control systems in aircraft. They analyze potential hazards, design safety protocols, and work with engineering teams to mitigate risks associated with flight controls. Their responsibilities include conducting safety assessments, supporting regulatory certification processes, and ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards. These engineers play a critical role in both the development of new aircraft and the maintenance of existing fleets to ensure safe operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight control system safety engineer?

To thrive as a Flight Control System Safety Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, control systems, and safety analysis, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and knowledge of regulatory standards. Familiarity with safety assessment tools (such as FMEA and FHA), modeling software (like MATLAB/Simulink), and certification processes (e.g., DO-178C, ARP4754A) is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set exceptional candidates apart in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure the reliability and regulatory compliance of flight control systems, directly impacting aircraft safety and performance.

What are some common challenges faced by a flight control system safety engineer in ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards?

Flight Control System Safety Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing innovative design solutions with strict regulatory requirements. Ensuring that all components meet rigorous safety standards, such as those set by the FAA or EASA, requires meticulous documentation, thorough risk assessments, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, keeping up with evolving regulations and integrating safety considerations early in the design process can be demanding but is essential for certification. These engineers work closely with design, testing, and quality assurance teams to identify potential hazards and implement robust mitigation strategies.

What is the difference between Flight Control System Safety Engineer vs Flight Software Engineer?

AspectFlight Control System Safety EngineerFlight Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Systems Engineering; safety certifications (e.g., FAA, DO-178C)Bachelor's or Master's in Software Engineering, Computer Science; programming certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, analyze, and validate safety aspects of flight control systems in aerospace settingsDevelop, test, and maintain flight software for aerospace applications
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace manufacturers, defense contractors, and aviation companiesAircraft manufacturers, aerospace firms, and defense industry

The Flight Control System Safety Engineer focuses on ensuring the safety and reliability of flight control systems, emphasizing safety analysis and certification. In contrast, the Flight Software Engineer concentrates on developing and maintaining the software that runs these systems. Both roles often collaborate but serve distinct functions within aerospace projects.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Control System Safety Engineer jobs?

For Flight Control System Safety Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Flight Control System Safety Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,776 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

System Safety Engineer (BT-26121)

Huntsville, AL

Bastion Technologies
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

The System Safety Engineer - SLS Upper Stage will support the space program located at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama.


The selected candidate can expect to support system safety engineering for NASA's Space Launch System Upper Stage Office during a period of significant configuration evolution, including integration of United Launch Alliance's Centaur V-derived upper stage into future SLS/Artemis missions. The work will involve evaluating launch vehicle and upper-stage hazards across design, integration, test, ground processing, and mission operations; developing and reviewing hazard analyses, safety requirements, verifications, risk assessments, and safety review products; and coordinating with NASA, prime contractors, and commercial upper-stage providers to ensure propulsion, avionics, software, structural, pressure-system, cryogenic, separation, abort/contingency, and ground-interface hazards are identified, controlled, and formally dispositioned. The selected candidate will contribute to a high-visibility human spaceflight program, helping ensure that upper-stage changes, commercial hardware integration, and Artemis mission objectives are implemented with disciplined safety assurance, traceable hazard controls, and sound technical risk communication.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment & Presentation: Identify, analyze, classify (severity & likelihood), and formally present hazards and risks associated with integration of the SLS Upper Stage into the SLS vehicle to SMA leadership and risk-accepting authorities during milestone reviews, Table-Top Safety Reviews (TTSRs), and flight readiness/certification forums.
  • Safety Requirements Compliance & Documentation Review: Prepare or assess System Safety Program Plans; review SLS program/contractor documentation (PWS, SRD, CEI, DRDs, verification procedures, etc.); assess proposed changes, Non-compliance Reports, and Waiver/Deviation requests to ensure full compliance with NASA Agency, Center, and Program safety requirements.
  • Trade Studies & Design/Operations Safety Input: Actively participate in trade studies for design, development, operations, and mission events on both in-house and contracted projects to ensure safety requirements are met, risks are identified/characterized, and appropriate mitigations are implemented.
  • Hazard Control Verification & Closure: Develop/assess verification plans and Detailed Verification Objectives (DVOs); generate or evaluate safety verification compliance data; track implementation and validation of hazard controls; confirm successful closure of verifications; and develop/present operational hazard control verification evidence to the Safety Verification Board.
  • Procedure & Operational Safety Review: Review test, checkout, and operating procedures for compliance with approved safety controls and verification requirements.
  • Tracking, Reporting & Deliverables: Track SSAR review comments and TTSR action items/agreements to closure; prepare and present safety status during COFR, SORR, FRR, and other program reviews; provide required SMASS contract deliverables (weekly/monthly activity reports, MSR/PEB inputs, DRDs, etc.).
  • Perform additional system safety engineering tasks as assigned in support of the SLS Vehicle Integration Branch and overall program safety posture.

REQUIRED:

This position has been posted at multiple levels (must meet minimum level indicated). Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

  • This position requires US Citizenship status due to the sensitivity of customer related information.
  • Must have a bachelor's degree in the field of engineering, or a related field.
  • Must have 5+ years of recent and related work experience.
  • Must possess demonstrable experience in the performance of system safety hazard analyses and documenting results (e.g., development of System Safety Analysis Reports (SSARs) including hazard reports defining hazard causes, controls, and methods of verification/validation).
  • Extensive experience in the performance of Fault Tree Analysis, Functional Failure Analysis (FFA), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, and/or similar types of system safety engineering analysis.

DESIRED:

  • Experience with cryogenic upper-stage failure modes. Desired areas include LH2/LOX leakage, fire/explosion hazards, over-pressurization, COPV/pressure vessel concerns, engine shutdown/restart failures, common-cause failures, software-commanding errors, valve failures, loss of thermal control, separation system failures, disposal failures, and ground servicing hazards. Prior ULA, Vulcan, Centaur, RL10, or upper-stage integration experience.
  • Experience with ULA upper-stage systems, RL10 engine operations, Vulcan/Centaur interfaces, stage separation, propellant loading, tank pressurization, engine chill-down/start, in-space coast, restart, disposal, and related ground/flight constraints.
  • Experience integrating commercial hardware into NASA human spaceflight programs. The ideal candidate can bridge commercial-provider design data with NASA safety expectations, including translating provider analyses into NASA hazard-report structure, verification closure logic, and formal safety review products.

WORK LOCATION:

  • This position is located onsite and offers a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off; some travel may be required.
  • Schedules are subject to change based on the requirements of the position and/or customer needs.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS REQUIRED:

All Bastion employees must be able to pass a national agency check and some positions require clearance and will require an extensive background verification/check process.


DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING REQUIRED:

All Bastion employees must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and are required to participate in periodic random drug and alcohol screenings.


STANDARD BASTION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must have experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and TEAMS.
  • All of Bastion's employees must be team players with strong work ethics and must be culture oriented.
  • Able to communicate effectively, verbally and in written form, with internal and external customers.
  • Able to follow company programs, processes, procedures, practices, requirements, goals, and objectives.
  • Must be organized with good time management skills and must be able to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.
  • Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.
  • Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time) and may require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time).
  • Regular attendance in accordance with an established work schedule is critical.

BASTION BENEFITS:

Bastion offers a wide range of benefits for their full-time employees; medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, disability benefits, life insurance, retirement 401k, vacation, sick pay, holidays, flexible work schedules (when available), along with many other options. We also support career advancement through professional training and development.


ABOUT BASTION:

Bastion offers career opportunities with competitive benefits, exciting possibilities for advancement, and an exceptional work environment; the well-being of our employees is a priority, and our flexibility allows our employees a great work life balance. Our culture is based on strong business ethics, integrity, and professionalism. Our team members are known for their initiative and high-quality work. When it comes to our employees, we value, respect, and help them grow in their careers.


WORKPLACE EXCELLENCE:

At Bastion, we are passionate about our people and our safety culture. Individual thoughts, opinions, and perspectives bring value and help us develop solutions for challenging problems, they make us more inventive, and more resilient.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.


Bastion participates in e-Verify.


#AssociateLevel


#LI-Onsite


BT-26121


This position qualifies for the internal Bastion Employee Referral Program as a "Critical to Fill" position.