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Principal System Safety Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This System Safety Engineer will support between 1 and 3 efforts simultaneously, which they will need to autonomously balance throughout their 40-hour workweek. These efforts will be for a variety of ...

This System Safety Engineer will support between 1 and 3 efforts simultaneously, which they will need to autonomously balance throughout their 40-hour workweek. These efforts will be for a variety of ...

You will be the System Safety Engineer for the Fighter System Safety Team which is responsible for performing analyses for hazard identification, evaluation, and control using quantitative and ...

You will be the System Safety Engineer for the LockheedMartin Missiles&Fire Control product line. Our team safeguards every system and subsystem we deliver, ensuring they are safe for the warfighter ...

You will be the System Safety Engineer (SSE) for the LockheedMartin Missiles&Fire Control (LMMFC) product line. Our team safeguards every system and subsystem we deliver, ensuring they are safe for ...

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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 30, 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:
What job categories do people searching Principal System Safety Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal System Safety Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Principal System Safety Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,214 per year, or $71.7 per hour.
System Safety Engineer

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 387 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

WHO WE ARE
At Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, we are driven by innovation and integrity. We believe that by applying the highest standards of business ethics and visionary thinking, everything is within our reach - and yours as a Lockheed Martin employee. Lockheed Martin values your skills, training, and education. Come and experience your future!
WHAT WE'RE DOING
An engineer working in the System Safety Engineering group will contribute to a wide variety of projects based on our business needs. The engineer will work as an independent contributor with team leadership to perform Systems Safety Engineering tasks in support of project objectives.
THE WORK
The engineer will join a group of experienced safety and specialty engineers working on various missile launching system programs. You will contribute to analysis and design support efforts for all aspects of the system safety programs on these products, ensuring that safety is crafted into the hardware and software of these products. The engineer will be guided directly by senior safety engineers familiar with the product line.
The Engineer will also work on tasking which will include requirements analysis, interface analysis, and operations analysis, as well as system safety test and verification. The engineer will have the opportunity to grow skills and understanding of System Safety Engineering, improve and evolve the System Safety process and methodology.
WHO YOU ARE
Ideally, we are seeking engineers that are familiar with the systems engineering process and are capable of working in a team-oriented, fast paced environment, supporting multiple projects and proposals. Proven communication, team building, and project management skills required.
WHY JOIN US
Your Health, Your Wealth, Your Life
Joining Lockheed Martin means becoming part of a team that's making a significant impact in the field of engineering. When you choose to work with us, you'll enjoy:
Our flexible schedules, competitive pay and comprehensive benefits enable you to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work.
Learn more about Lockheed Martin's competitive and comprehensive benefits package.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912