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Principal System Safety Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Principal System Safety Engineer information

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.

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 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.

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 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:

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.

Space Principal/ Sr. Principal System Safety Engineer

Dulles, VA • On-site


Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 545 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman's Space Sector is seeking a Principal / Senior Principal System Safety Engineer to join our team. This position is based out of Dulles, VA and will be 100% on-site.

System Safety Engineering utilizes System engineering processes and tools to drive the overall system design to meet Safety requirements to minimize the risk inherent in spacecraft operations while maximizing mission reliability and success. System Safety Engineering is involved in all phases of a program life cycle, from proposal generation to launch operations. System Safety Engineering interfaces with Program Offices, Customers and Ranges to ensure that our systems meet safety requirements while providing high reliability to the customer. System Safety Engineers are expected to understand how the different components, subsystems, systems and integrated vehicle function and interact, with a focus on System Safety. The System Safety Engineering effort includes interacting as part of a multi-disciplined engineering team to develop system architecture and constituent elements for new and existing flight programs, as well as new business concepts and proposals.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Defining, implementing, and verifying System Safety requirements to ensure that the inherent risks are mitigated.
  • Identifying, assessing, and mitigating hazards present in spacecraft using the processes described MIL-STD-882E..
  • Preparing safety artifacts such as a System Safety Program Plan (SSPP), Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA), Functional Hazard Analysis (FHA), System/Subsystem Hazard Analysis (SHA/SSHA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), Safety Assessment Report (SAR), Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Analysis, Software Safety Analysis, and Missile System Pre-Launch Safety Package (MSPSP) in support of customer requirements.
  • Coordinating with Cross-IPT's to support hazard and safety requirement adjudication and communicating safety risk to the appropriate levels.
  • Aiding in the preparation, review, and acceptance of launch range safety documentation in accordance with AFSPCMAN 91-710.
  • Preparing packages in support of program milestone design reviews such as SRR, PDR, and CDR and presenting this to internal and external stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications:

  • For Principal System Safety Engineer: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university with 5 years of relevant/related experience (3 of which must be System Safety experience) a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline with 3 years of System Safety experience.
  • For Sr. Principal System Safety Engineer: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university with 8 years of relevant/related experience (3 of which must be System Safety experience) a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline with 6 years of relevant/related experience (3 of which must be System Safety experience).
  • Active Top Secret Clearance required at time of application.
  • Understanding of and experience with MIL-STD-882E to analyze, recommend, and drive safety into system design, equipment and procedures in order to mitigate or eliminate hazards.
  • Experience with developing, reviewing, updating, and approving system safety artifacts and system safety requirements such as System Safety Program Plan (SSPP), Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA), Functional Hazard Analysis (FHA), System/Subsystem Hazard Analysis (SHA/SSHA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), Safety Assessment Report (SAR), Software Safety Analysis, and the Missile System Pre-launch Safety Package (MSPSP).
  • Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710 and Range Safety compliance.
  • Ability to work independently and effectively communicate (verbal and written) with internal and external customers.
  • Strong technical writing skills.
  • General understanding of spacecraft design and operation.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Understanding of launch operations
  • Experience with developing safety analyses supporting on-orbit operations
  • Knowledge of NASA safety standards such as NASA-STD-8719.24
  • Working knowledge of OSHA general industry standards (29 CFR 1910)

#SpaceEngJobs
#SpaceSysEngJobs

#NoVASpace

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939


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