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System Safety Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

System Safety Engineer

Stafford, VA

$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 ...

SAIC

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 ...

SAIC

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 ...

Raytheon

Principal System Safety Engineer

Dulles, VA

As a Principal System Safety Engineer, you will be accountable for establishing and executing major safety programs. The Safety Lead serves as both a technical expert in missile safety and a project ...

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All JobsSystem Safety Engineer JobsSystem Safety Engineer Jobs in Virginia

System Safety Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$33

$66

$84

How much do system safety engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for system safety engineer in Virginia is $66.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.85 and $78.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are System Safety Engineers?

System Safety Engineers are professionals responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with complex systems to ensure they operate safely and reliably. They analyze potential hazards, design safety protocols, and work closely with engineering teams to implement safety standards throughout the lifecycle of a product or system. Their work is critical in industries such as aerospace, automotive, defense, and energy, where system failures can have significant consequences. System Safety Engineers often use specialized tools and methodologies, such as hazard analysis and risk assessment, to support safety and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges System Safety Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary projects?

System Safety Engineers often work with cross-functional teams that include design, operations, and software professionals. A key challenge is ensuring that safety requirements are clearly communicated and integrated throughout all phases of system development. Balancing safety goals with project constraints like budget and timeline can also be demanding, as can managing the documentation and verification processes across different engineering disciplines. Success in this role requires strong collaboration and communication skills, as well as a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential safety hazards.

What is the difference between System Safety Engineer vs Reliability Engineer?

AspectSystem Safety EngineerReliability Engineer
Required CertificationsISO 26262, MIL-STD-882, PE licenseSix Sigma, Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, defenseManufacturing, aerospace, electronics, energy
Employer & Industry UsageSafety-critical systems, risk mitigationProduct durability, failure analysis

While both roles focus on system performance, the System Safety Engineer emphasizes identifying and mitigating safety risks in complex systems, often working with safety standards and compliance. The Reliability Engineer concentrates on ensuring product reliability and longevity, analyzing failure modes and improving system durability. Both roles are vital in safety-critical industries but serve distinct functions in system development and maintenance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a System Safety Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a System Safety Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, risk assessment, and safety analysis, usually supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with safety-critical standards (such as MIL-STD-882 or ISO 26262), hazard analysis tools, and systems modeling software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams. These skills are essential to proactively identify and mitigate risks, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of complex systems.

What does a systems safety engineer do?

A systems safety engineer analyzes and identifies potential hazards in complex systems to ensure safety and compliance with industry standards. They develop safety protocols, perform risk assessments, and often use tools like fault tree analysis to prevent accidents throughout the system's lifecycle.

Is systems engineer a high paying job?

Systems engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, industry, and location. The role often requires strong technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of systems design and integration, which can contribute to higher compensation levels.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as systems safety, aerospace, petroleum, and software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced technical skills, project management, and sometimes work in high-cost-of-living areas or industries with significant safety or technical demands.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What Does a System Safety Engineer Do?

A system safety engineer helps to develop, refine, and update safety protocols and software that controls a large system and ensures that even if aspects of the system fail, it does not put the entire system at jeopardy. For example, if a subsystem on a spaceship fails, your duties as a system safety engineer are to determine how to make sure that it does not affect other systems or endanger the critical life support systems. Systems safety engineering is essential in a wide range of fields, from civil engineering and aeronautics to software and hardware engineering and power plant systems.

More about System Safety Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of System Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of System Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to System Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia? For System Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching System Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for System Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to System Safety Engineer jobs in VA? For System Safety Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
System Safety Engineer jobs near you
System Safety Engineer

System Safety Engineer

APT Research, Inc.

King George, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 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.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro