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Principal System Safety Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 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.

System Safety Engineer #4135562

A-P-T Research

King George, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position Description Summary:

APT Research is hiring a Safety Engineer in Dahlgren, VA to support MDA on our MAPSS Safety contract. 

APT is an employee-owned engineering services company specializing in conducting safety and quality analyses for the U.S. Government. APT offers competitive salaries, advancement opportunities that match your professional development interest, and excellent benefits including being voted as the best place for working parents. Our employees are owners, each share in the commitment to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative Analysis, Planning, & Test Solutions and services that exceed expectations, build employee pride of ownership, and optimize shareholder value.

Requirements:

  • Experience implementing system safety processes and methodologies IAW Government and Industry
    Standards; a working knowledge of MIL-STD-882 (series); during design, development, use, and
    maintenance of safety-critical hardware and software systems in complex aerospace and/or weapons
    systems.
  • Must be able to create briefings in PowerPoint and brief to a technical audience.
  • Ability to analyze, research, assess, and organize technical data into cohesive and clear technical reports
    and presentations.
  • Understanding of risk and hazard assessment, mitigations and acceptance.
  • Ability to organize, schedule, and facilitate technical meetings and working groups.
  • Must possess the ability to develop technical solutions to complex problems.
  • Significant experience evaluating project level safety programs to ensure compliance with DoD and
    Agency level safety guidance
  • Capability and/or experience developing and presenting safety assessments to a diverse audience.

Required Education/Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited institution and 4 year's of experience in System Safety engineering
  • Acceptable alternative: Bachelor's degree in scientific field (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Computer
    Science) with 6 years demonstrated skill and relevant experience in system safety engineering
    and/or software system safety engineering.

Security Clearance Requirement:

  • Must have a SECRET level clearance or higher.

Essential Job Functions:

Work Environment:

  • Office environment
  • Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate, and timely communication, both verbally and written
  • Ability to interact professionally with coworkers, management, and customers

Travel Requirements:

  • Requires ability to travel domestically (within the U.S.) <15%

Physical Requirements:

  • Requires sitting for extended periods of time at a workstation / desk

Other Essential Functions:

  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgement
  • Work attire must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk / hazard to the employee or others

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled

APT Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in its job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the following email address, hr@apt-research.com and/or phone number (256.327.3373) to contact us about your interest in employment with APT Research, Inc.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. APT Research, Inc. participates in E-Verify.