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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 ...

... the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services and developer of advanced ... Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic System Safety Engineer who is fueled by high ...

If you have an interest in working for a company that develops national defense systems, come and be a part of our System Safety Engineering Team. At Lockheed Martin Space, we are passionate about ...

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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 (Integration) with Security Clearance

Avenue Technologies and Commodities, Inc

Tewksbury, MA • On-site

Other

Posted yesterday


Job description

Clearance Required: Secret (must be active) We're looking for a Principal System Safety Engineer (Integration) who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and collaborating with cross-functional teams. This role supports advanced test equipment and software applications used across engineering labs, production environments, and fielded systems. In this role, you'll contribute across the engineering lifecycle-from design and development through integration, testing, production support, and sustainment. What You'll Do:
  • Design, develop, integrate, and maintain software applications and tools
  • Troubleshoot software issues and support test equipment instrumentation
  • Work in a multidiscipline engineering team environment
  • Develop and refine requirements for software products
  • Support integration, validation, and production-facing engineering activities What We're Looking For:
  • Typically Requires: Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and minimum 12 years of relevant experience. An advanced degree may account for additional years of experience as required for this position
  • Experience with Safety Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical or Firmware Engineering
  • Active and transferrable final U.S. government issued Secret security clearance is required prior to start date. US citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance. *
  • Experience with DoD System Safety Programs e.g. MIL
  • Experience with system and software safety implementation in Agile Development environment
  • Experience interfacing with Human Systems Integration showcasing execution of Human Factors Engineering tasking involving MIL
  • Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and Proposal Development Additional Details:
  • Onsite role in Tewksbury, MA
  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • Opportunity to support advanced, mission-critical technologies