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System Safety Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Prattwhitney

Principal System Safety Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Principal System Safety Engineer - Dulles, VA (Onsite). This role requires U.S. citizenship and an active, transferable Secret security clearance prior to start date. The position may involve up to ...

New

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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How much do system safety engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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 is a system safety engineer?

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 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
Infographic showing various System Safety Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,928 per year, or $66.3 per hour.

Principal System Safety Engineer

Prattwhitney

Sterling, VA • On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Principal System Safety Engineer – Dulles, VA (Onsite). This role requires U.S. citizenship and an active, transferable Secret security clearance prior to start date. The position may involve up to 10% travel.

What You Will Do
  • Develop and implement one or more MIL‑STD‑882E compliant system safety programs covering task series 100 (management), 200 (analysis), 300 (evaluation), and 400 (verification).
  • Create and update the program strategy, milestones, and schedule, integrating safety tasks into the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
  • Manage the safety program effort, including budgeting, tasking, and coordination with CAM/IPTL/product owners and EACs.
  • Mentor junior safety engineers and provide technical guidance.
  • Lead the System Safety Working Group and coordinate with key Raytheon and customer representatives.
  • Engage in engineering review boards and configuration control boards to assess design changes and their safety impacts.
  • Escalate identified risks to the appropriate level and track corrective actions.
  • Interpret system requirements, customer specifications, and military standards; recommend compliance strategies to program leadership.
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams—Systems, Software, Firmware, Electrical, Hardware, Environmental Safety/Health, Human Systems Interfaces, and Test Engineering—to identify and mitigate risks.
  • Analyze engineering drawings, schematics, and designs for fault tolerance, latent hazards, and safety compliance.
  • Coordinate with Program Management and government approval authorities throughout the system lifecycle, from design to disposal.
  • Manage safety‑related interactions with suppliers and subcontractors.
  • Identify and implement improved safety solutions and best practices to enhance Raytheon’s overall safety culture.
  • Shape system safety and Human System Interfaces postures across the entire lifecycle (design, integration/test, flight test, production, field, returns).
Qualifications
  • Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; an advanced degree may reduce required experience.
  • Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).
  • Experience developing and implementing MIL‑STD‑882E System Safety Program tasks (management, analysis, evaluation, verification) for hardware and software.
  • Prior experience with DoD System Safety Programs (e.g., MIL‑STD‑882, DO‑178).
  • Proficiency in presenting safety status and briefing at safety approval authorities.
  • Manage a safety program and coordinate with stakeholders across engineering functions.
  • Strong project management, including earned‑value management systems (EVMS) and proposal development.
  • Experience in Agile development environments and Human Factors Engineering (MIL‑STD‑1472).
  • Familiarity with Engineering Change Proposals, Review Boards, and System Safety Working Groups.
  • U.S. citizenship is required; an active Secret security clearance is mandatory.

RTX is an Equal‑Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

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