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System Safety Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. System Safety Engineer

Tempe, AZ ยท Hybrid

$176K - $264K/yr

The System Safety Engineer contributes to the development and improvement of the organization's system safety program, ensuring alignment with applicable standards such as MIL-STD-882E while ...

SYSTEM SAFETY ENGINEER Stadler offers a wide range of international career opportunities. Here you get the chance to expand your potential, take on meaningful responsibilities, and deliver ...

Senior System Safety Engineer

IN ยท Remote

$80K - $120K/yr

ORA_REMOTE Description SAIC is seeking a System Safety Engineer to provide critical safety engineering analysis and support for the Submarine Launched Cruise Missile - Nuclear (SLCM-N) development ...

Sr. System Safety Engineer

Duluth, GA ยท On-site

$176K - $264K/yr

The System Safety Engineer contributes to the development and improvement of the organization's system safety program, ensuring alignment with applicable standards such as MIL-STD-882E while ...

Sr. System Safety Engineer

Duluth, GA ยท On-site

$176K - $264K/yr

The System Safety Engineer contributes to the development and improvement of the organization's system safety program, ensuring alignment with applicable standards such as MIL-STD-882E while ...

Sr. System Safety Engineer

Carlsbad, CA ยท Hybrid

$176K - $264K/yr

The System Safety Engineer contributes to the development and improvement of the organization's system safety program, ensuring alignment with applicable standards such as MIL-STD-882E while ...

Senior System Safety Engineer

Almont, CO ยท On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a System Safety Engineer to provide critical safety engineering analysis and support for the Submarine Launched Cruise Missile - Nuclear (SLCM-N) development program. This ...

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System Safety Engineer information

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How much do system safety engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for system safety engineer in the United States is $66.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.33 and $79.09 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 cities are hiring for System Safety Engineer jobs? Cities with the most System Safety Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of System Safety Engineer jobs? The most popular types of System Safety Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for System Safety Engineer jobs? The top employers for System Safety Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most System Safety Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for System Safety Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching System Safety Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for System Safety Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various System Safety Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,121 per year, or $66.9 per hour.
Sr. System Safety Engineer

Sr. System Safety Engineer

Viasat, Inc.

Tempe, AZ โ€ข Hybrid

$176K - $264K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Viasat rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 80 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, weโ€™re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. Weโ€™re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.


What you'll do

We have a great opportunity for a System Safety Engineer to join our Government team! In this role, you will support the development, integration, and sustainment of complex systems by ensuring safety risks are systematically identified, analyzed, and mitigated throughout the system lifecycle. This role applies system safety engineering principles to evaluate hazards associated with hardware, software, and operational environments and ensures appropriate controls are implemented to reduce risk.

This position works closely with systems engineering, design teams, program management, the Viasat Environmental Health and Safety team, suppliers, and external customers to integrate safety into system design and program execution. The System Safety Engineer contributes to the development and improvement of the organizationโ€™s system safety program, ensuring alignment with applicable standards such as MIL-STD-882E while supporting efficient product development, testing, and operational deployment.

This role requires strong analytical capabilities, clear technical communication, and the ability to influence cross-functional engineering teams to ensure safety considerations are incorporated into system design and operational procedures.


The day-to-day
  • Perform hazard identification and risk analysis activities for system hardware, software, and operational environments
  • Conduct system safety analyses including Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA), Functional Hazard Analysis (FHA), System Safety Assessments, O&SHA, and Health Hazard Assessments
  • Develop and maintain a Hazard Tracking System (HTS) to document hazards, mitigation strategies, and risk acceptance decisions
  • Evaluate engineering designs, schematics, and system architecture to identify hazards, latent failure modes, and safety compliance issues
  • Coordinate with systems engineers, design engineers, and program teams to incorporate safety requirements into system development
  • Support verification and validation activities to ensure safety requirements are correctly implemented
  • Participate in technical forums such as Integrated Product Teams, System Safety Working Groups, and design reviews
  • Provide safety input during system testing, operational planning, and maintenance procedure development
  • Prepare safety analysis reports and technical documentation for internal stakeholders and external customers
  • Represent system safety engineering during customer reviews and program milestone reviews
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of system safety processes, analysis methods, and documentation templates

What you'll need
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in a STEM field (Systems Engineering, Safety Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, a related field) or equivalent years of experience.
  • 10 years of professional experience in system safety engineering, systems engineering, or related technical field
  • Experience applying system safety engineering principles and hazard analysis methodologies
  • Familiarity with defense safety standards, including MIL-STD-882E, MIL-STD-1472 and MIL-HDBK-764
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, system architecture, and technical documentation
  • Strong technical writing and communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently with minimal direction
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  • U.S. citizenship required
  • Ability to travel up to 25% to support program activitiesย 
  • Must be able to work out of our office in Carlsbad, CA, Tempe, AZ or Duluth ,GA 3 days a week

What will help you on the job
  • Experience supporting DoD or military programs
  • Knowledge of SAE ARP4761 safety analysis methods including PASA/PSSA, SSA, PRA, ZSA, and CMA
  • Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies
  • Active secret clearance

#LI-VSATย 


Salary range
$141,500.00 - $224,000.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $176,000.00- $264,000.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in a STEM field (Systems Engineering, Safety Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, a related field) or equivalent years of experience.
  • 10 years of professional experience in system safety engineering, systems engineering, or related technical field
  • Experience applying system safety engineering principles and hazard analysis methodologies
  • Familiarity with defense safety standards, including MIL-STD-882E, MIL-STD-1472 and MIL-HDBK-764
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, system architecture, and technical documentation
  • Strong technical writing and communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently with minimal direction
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  • U.S. citizenship required
  • Ability to travel up to 25% to support program activitiesย 
  • Must be able to work out of our office in Carlsbad, CA, Tempe, AZ or Duluth ,GA 3 days a week
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

ViaSat logo

About ViaSat

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate.

Industry

Telecommunications

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carlsbad, CA, US

Year founded

1986