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Principal System Safety Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Raytheon

Principal System Safety Engineer

Aurora, CO

As a Principal System Safety Engineer, you will be accountable for the establishment and execution of the major safety programs. The Safety Lead is a technical expert in missile safety as well as a ...

Prattwhitney

Principal System Safety Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Principal System Safety Engineer - Dulles, VA (Onsite). This role requires U.S. citizenship and an active, transferable Secret security clearance prior to start date. The position may involve up to ...

AVTC Group

Principal System Safety Engineer

Mckinney, TX · On-site +1

$90 - $110/hr

Principal System Safety Engineer • Analysis of engineering hardware and electrical drawings and schematics assessing for fault tolerance, latent hazards, and safety requirements compliance • ...

Raytheon

Principal System Safety Engineer

Dulles, VA

As a Principal System Safety Engineer, you will be accountable for establishing and executing major safety programs. The Safety Lead serves as both a technical expert in missile safety and a project ...

Textron

Principal System Safety Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$146.50 - $224.50/hr

Principal System Safety Engineer Description Who We Are Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers ...

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Principal System Safety Engineer information

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$21K

$149.2K

$224.5K

How much do principal system safety engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal system safety engineer in the United States is $149,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $175,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal System Safety Engineer vs System Safety Engineer?

AspectPrincipal System Safety EngineerSystem Safety Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced certifications like CSEP, PE, or equivalentOften requires similar certifications but may be at an entry or mid-level
Work EnvironmentLeads safety programs, manages teams, and influences safety policiesPerforms safety analyses, supports safety assessments, and implements safety measures
Industry UsageUsed across aerospace, defense, and complex engineering sectorsCommonly found in similar industries, supporting safety compliance

The Principal System Safety Engineer typically holds a higher level of responsibility, overseeing safety programs and leading teams, while the System Safety Engineer focuses on executing safety analyses and supporting safety initiatives. Both roles require relevant certifications and are integral to safety in engineering projects, but the principal role involves more strategic leadership.

What is a principal system safety engineer?

Principal System Safety Engineers are senior professionals responsible for overseeing and managing safety activities in complex engineering projects, ensuring that all systems meet regulatory and organizational safety standards. They lead safety analyses, risk assessments, and the development of safety requirements throughout a system’s lifecycle. Their role often includes collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, mentoring junior engineers, and providing technical guidance on safety processes. These engineers play a critical part in industries like aerospace, defense, automotive, and rail, where the safety of systems is paramount.

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

To thrive as a Principal System Safety Engineer, you need deep expertise in system safety engineering principles, risk assessment methodologies, and a relevant engineering degree, often supported by certifications like Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or equivalent. Familiarity with safety analysis tools (such as FMEA, Fault Tree Analysis), safety standards (like MIL-STD-882 or IEC 61508), and requirements management systems is crucial. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and clear communication skills enable effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and with stakeholders. These competencies ensure the identification, management, and mitigation of safety risks throughout complex system lifecycles, safeguarding both end users and organizational objectives.

How does a principal system safety engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project safety standards are met?

A Principal System Safety Engineer regularly works alongside design, testing, and operations teams to integrate safety considerations throughout the project lifecycle. This involves leading hazard analyses, facilitating safety reviews, and ensuring that all identified risks are addressed in design and operational procedures. The role also includes mentoring junior engineers and communicating complex safety requirements to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Effective collaboration ensures that safety standards are met without compromising project timelines or innovation.
More about Principal System Safety Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal System Safety Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal System Safety Engineer job openings:
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Principal System Safety Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal System Safety Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,214 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

Principal System Safety Engineer

Avenue Technologies Company

Tucson, AZ

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About the Opportunity

Avenue Technologies is seeking a Principal System Safety Engineer to support technical, engineering, and program teams in a hands-on environment.

What You Will Do
  • Develop and support system safety programs aligned with applicable standards such as MIL-STD-882.
  • Perform hazard analyses, safety planning, design analyses, and safety documentation.
  • Coordinate across engineering, program, and customer-facing teams to identify hazards and define effective controls.
  • Support safety reviews, reporting, and approval activities throughout the product lifecycle.
Helpful Skills
  • software development
  • MIL-STD-882
  • requirements
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM or related field is preferred or required based on the role.
  • Relevant experience in the applicable technical discipline.
  • Strong communication, ownership, and problem-solving skills.