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Principal System Safety Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Woburn, MA What You Will Do This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Senior System Safety Engineer to join us onsite in Woburn, MA. * Developing and implementing one or more MIL-STD ...

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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 Jun 7, 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 are Principal System Safety Engineers?

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:
What states have the most Principal System Safety Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal System Safety Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal System Safety Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% 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 MIL-STD-882E with Security Clearance

Associates Systems LLC

Tucson, AZ

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

All Qualified candidates will be responded to in 24 hours or less Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance This effort is on-Site Employment type: Full Time w-2 or Contract Rate: open to Negotiation Benefits: including Health, Dental Vision, PTO, Holiday etc... Principal System Safety Engineer • Leading one or more MIL-STD-882E compliant system safety programs • Performing MIL-STD-882E System Safety Program tasks and analyses • Coordinating with customer safety representatives to gain safety approval from appropriate Safety Review Board authorities • Working across all integrated product teams and lines to properly eliminate hazards or provide effective controls.

• Performing System Safety Program, Hazard analyses or Design analyses • Briefing safety of the program at technical reviews and as part of the safety approval process • Interpreting system requirements, customer specifications and military standards • Preparing internal and customer reports describing various analyses relevant to the System Safety program Experience with: System Safety Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software or Firmware Engineering, Electrical Engineering or equivalent Safety Engineering. Pluses • Experience in command and control systems and/or weapon combat systems • Experience with DoD System Safety Programs • Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and Proposal Development #CJ