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System Safety Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Specialist, EHS (Safety Engineer) Job Code: 40267 Job Location: Culpeper, Virginia Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hour days, 4 days a week L3Harris Technologies Company is a world ...

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System Safety Engineer information

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$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.

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:
Software System Safety Engineer

Software System Safety Engineer

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Arlington, VA • On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 58 rated business consultants


Job description

Software System Safety Engineer
The Opportunity:
As a full stack developer, you can resolve a problem with a complete end-to-end solution in a fast, agile environment. If you're looking for the chance to not just develop software, but to create a system that will make a difference, we need you on our team. We're looking for an experienced developer like you with the skills needed to develop software and systems from vision to production ready.
This role is more than just coding. As a senior full stack developer at Booz Allen, you'll use your passion to master new tools and techniques and identify needed system improvements. You'll help clients overcome their most difficult challenges using the latest architectural approaches, tools, and technologies. You'll make sure the solution developed by the team considers the current architecture and operating environment, as well as future functionality and enhancements.
Work with us as we shape systems for the better.
Join us. The world can't wait.
You Have:
  • 2+ years of experience developing complex systems, including developing and debugging multi-threaded or real-time embedded software
  • Experience with the full software development lifecycle, from requirements decomposition to test verification and deployment
  • Experience implementing programming and software development standards
  • Experience using software development environments and tools, including Eclipse, Microsoft Visual Studio, or Rational Software
  • Experience operating systems and compiler technology
  • Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in CS, EE, Engineering, or Software Engineering

Nice If You Have:
  • Experience with software system safety implementation
  • Experience with software testing
  • Experience with MIL-STD-882 or equivalent system safety standards
  • Experience with FPGAs, PLDs, and firmware development
  • Experience with AI/ML software safety and test and evaluation of fully autonomous systems
  • Possession of excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • MS degree in CS, EE, Engineering, or Software Engineering
  • Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Navy Principal for Safety (PFS), or Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Certifications

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Secret clearance is required.
Compensation
At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.
Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86,800.00 to $198,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.
Identity Statement
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.
Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.
  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

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About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914