Functional Safety Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Your Impact:

Dedrone stands out as the global leader in airspace defense technology and counter-UAS solutions. Engineering at Dedrone is tasked with delivering innovative solutions and products to maintain our position on the cutting edge of innovation.
Sr. Product Safety & Compliance Engineers at Dedrone have accountability over the safety and regulatory integrity of our product portfolio from early design through production across both commercial and MIL-SPEC product lines. This role is highly visible and is critical to ensuring our products are built right, certified correctly, and safe for the people who build and operate them. Your work directly enables our engineering teams to move faster and with greater confidence by providing proactive guidance rather than reactive fixes.
This role emphasizes early design-phase safety analysis, standards interpretation, regulatory compliance, and laboratory safety oversight. The ideal candidate bridges the worlds of product safety compliance and environmental health & safety, with deep familiarity with both MIL-SPEC and commercial certification frameworks.
Location: Onsite at our office in Sterling, VA
What You'll Do:

• Serve as the authoritative voice on which safety & performance standards govern each product, distinguishing between MIL-SPEC, UL, and other applicable frameworks, and guide engineering teams accordingly from day one of the design process.
• Lead system safety analyses including hazard identification, FMEA/FMECA, and risk mitigation planning in accordance with MIL-STD-882 and applicable commercial standards.
• Proactively engage with design and development teams during conceptualization and prototyping to ensure safety and compliance requirements are designed in, not retrofitted.
• Own the regulatory compliance roadmap for new and existing products, including UL certification processes where applicable and OSHA-compliant engineering documentation where UL listings do not apply.
• Oversee safety in the development lab and advise on manufacturing environment requirements, including high voltage work procedures, PPE programs, and lockout/tagout compliance per NFPA 70E and OSHA 1910, etc.
• Collaborate regularly with engineering, operations, program management, and external regulatory bodies across both domestic and international programs.
• Rigorously document safety analyses, compliance rationale, and design specifications in support of program CDRLs, design reviews, and certification submittals.
• Build and maintain a safety culture that scales by developing processes, checklists, and training that empower the broader team.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in product safety compliance for high voltage electromechanical systems, preferably spanning both commercial and defense product lines.
• Deep familiarity with MIL-STD-882 system safety and hazard analysis methodology.
• Working knowledge of applicable UL standards for high voltage and industrial products (e.g., UL 508A, UL 840) and the ability to determine when and whether they apply.
• Understanding of OSHA 29 CFR 1910 general industry standards and the relationship between OSHA, NFPA 70E, and product certification requirements.
• Experience managing lab and manufacturing floor safety programs, including LOTO, PPE selection, and high voltage work procedures.
• Familiarity with MIL-STDs governing harsh environment design (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461) and component derating practices (MIL-HDBK-217).
• Strong analytical and communication skills, specifically able to translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders alike.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and/or Certified Functional Safety Expert (CFSE) designation strongly preferred.
• Ability to work autonomously and cross-functionally in a fast-paced, high-ambiguity environment.

Work Location:
This role is based out of our Sterling, VA office. We rely on in-person collaboration and ask that team members work onsite Tuesdays through Fridays, with the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays, unless there is an approved workplace accommodation. We believe that connection fuels innovation, and our in-office culture is designed to foster meaningful teamwork, mentorship, and shared success.
Benefits that Benefit You

• Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
• Discretionary paid time off
• Paid parental leave for all
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Fitness Programs
• Emotional & Mental Wellness support
• Learning & Development programs
• And yes, we have snacks in our offices

Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you work