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Principal System Safety Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 ...

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 ...

SAIC

Senior System Safety Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a System Safety Engineer to provide critical safety engineering analysis and support for the Submarine Launched Cruise Missile - Nuclear (SLCM-N) development program. This ...

SAIC

Senior System Safety Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a System Safety Engineer to provide critical safety engineering analysis and support for the Submarine Launched Cruise Missile - Nuclear (SLCM-N) development program. This ...

SAIC

Senior System Safety Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a System Safety Engineer to provide critical safety engineering analysis and support for the Submarine Launched Cruise Missile - Nuclear (SLCM-N) development program. This ...

SAIC

Senior System Safety Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a System Safety Engineer to provide critical safety engineering analysis and support for the Submarine Launched Cruise Missile - Nuclear (SLCM-N) development program. This ...

SAIC

Senior System Safety Engineer

Annandale, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a System Safety Engineer to provide critical safety engineering analysis and support for the Submarine Launched Cruise Missile - Nuclear (SLCM-N) development program. This ...

SAIC

Senior System Safety Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a System Safety Engineer to provide critical safety engineering analysis and support for the Submarine Launched Cruise Missile - Nuclear (SLCM-N) development program. This ...

SAIC

System Safety Engineer

Stafford, VA

$80K - $120K/yr

Assess Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) and other system change requests to identify/verify safety risks. Qualifications Education Requirements: * Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or a ...

SAIC

System Safety Engineer

Stafford, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Assess Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) and other system change requests to identify/verify safety risks. Qualifications Education Requirements: * Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or a ...

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All JobsPrincipal System Safety Engineer JobsPrincipal System Safety Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Principal System Safety Engineer information

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.
What are popular job titles related to Principal System Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Principal System Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal System Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Principal System Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Principal System Safety Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Principal System Safety Engineer job openings:
Principal System Safety Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal System Safety Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Principal System Safety Engineer

Prattwhitney

Sterling, VA • On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

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 10% travel.

What You Will Do
  • Develop and implement one or more MIL‑STD‑882E compliant system safety programs covering task series 100 (management), 200 (analysis), 300 (evaluation), and 400 (verification).
  • Create and update the program strategy, milestones, and schedule, integrating safety tasks into the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
  • Manage the safety program effort, including budgeting, tasking, and coordination with CAM/IPTL/product owners and EACs.
  • Mentor junior safety engineers and provide technical guidance.
  • Lead the System Safety Working Group and coordinate with key Raytheon and customer representatives.
  • Engage in engineering review boards and configuration control boards to assess design changes and their safety impacts.
  • Escalate identified risks to the appropriate level and track corrective actions.
  • Interpret system requirements, customer specifications, and military standards; recommend compliance strategies to program leadership.
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams—Systems, Software, Firmware, Electrical, Hardware, Environmental Safety/Health, Human Systems Interfaces, and Test Engineering—to identify and mitigate risks.
  • Analyze engineering drawings, schematics, and designs for fault tolerance, latent hazards, and safety compliance.
  • Coordinate with Program Management and government approval authorities throughout the system lifecycle, from design to disposal.
  • Manage safety‑related interactions with suppliers and subcontractors.
  • Identify and implement improved safety solutions and best practices to enhance Raytheon’s overall safety culture.
  • Shape system safety and Human System Interfaces postures across the entire lifecycle (design, integration/test, flight test, production, field, returns).
Qualifications
  • Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; an advanced degree may reduce required experience.
  • Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).
  • Experience developing and implementing MIL‑STD‑882E System Safety Program tasks (management, analysis, evaluation, verification) for hardware and software.
  • Prior experience with DoD System Safety Programs (e.g., MIL‑STD‑882, DO‑178).
  • Proficiency in presenting safety status and briefing at safety approval authorities.
  • Manage a safety program and coordinate with stakeholders across engineering functions.
  • Strong project management, including earned‑value management systems (EVMS) and proposal development.
  • Experience in Agile development environments and Human Factors Engineering (MIL‑STD‑1472).
  • Familiarity with Engineering Change Proposals, Review Boards, and System Safety Working Groups.
  • U.S. citizenship is required; an active Secret security clearance is mandatory.

RTX is an Equal‑Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

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