System Development Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Senior System Safety Engineer to lead system safety activities supporting complex defense programs throughout the full product lifecycle. In this role, you will evaluate system designs, identify and mitigate hazards, and ensure products comply with military safety standards while working closely with engineering, program management, customers, and government safety authorities.

This position plays a key role in ensuring products are developed, tested, produced, and sustained safely while meeting customer, regulatory, and mission requirements

Onsite Requirements: 100% onsite in Tucson, Arizona.

US Citizenship Requirements:  U.S. Citizenship is required

Clearance Requirements: candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

What You'll Do

• Lead one or more system safety programs supporting defense products throughout the full product lifecycle.
• Perform system safety analyses in accordance with MIL-STD-882E or customer-approved equivalent standards.
• Identify hazards, assess risk, and recommend mitigation strategies to ensure safe system design.
• Develop and maintain system safety documentation, including hazard analyses, safety assessments, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to eliminate hazards or implement effective risk controls throughout system development.
• Coordinate with customer safety representatives and government Safety Review Boards to obtain required safety approvals.
• Support programs from concept development through production, sustainment, and product disposal.
• Interpret customer requirements, military standards, and system specifications to ensure safety compliance.
• Present system safety analyses and program status during technical reviews and customer meetings.
• Partner with systems, software, hardware, manufacturing, and program management teams to understand product architecture and ensure safety is integrated into system design.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or another STEM-related discipline.
• Experience leading or supporting System Safety Programs for complex engineered systems.
• Experience performing system safety analyses using MIL-STD-882E or equivalent safety standards.
• Experience conducting hazard analyses and developing system safety documentation.
• Ability to interpret engineering requirements, military standards, and technical specifications.
• Strong technical writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience working directly with government customers or Safety Review Boards.
• Knowledge of system development lifecycles from concept through disposal.
• Experience preparing technical safety reports and customer deliverables.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) or digital engineering environments.
• Experience integrating emerging technologies, such as automation tools, digital assistants, or generative AI, to improve engineering processes.
• Active U.S. Security Clearance.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The QDSS Advantage:  

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You'll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future. 

What You'll Find Here 

• Work That Matters - Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact. 
• Growth That's Supported - Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement. 
• A Culture That Works - A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.