Senior Safety Engineer

AeroVironment

. Lead system safety activities for a family of unmanned systems supporting defense and commercial applications .

Posted 10/30/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $154,500 - $247,250 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in system safety activities for unmanned systems, including hazard analyses and compliance with MIL-STD-882E. Proven ability to lead safety assessments, develop safety documentation, and mentor engineering teams in a defense or aerospace environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

System Safety AnalysisMIL-STD-882E ComplianceHazard Analysis (PHA, FHA, SHA, SSHA)SSMP/SSPP DocumentationUAV/UAS Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

System Safety Program DevelopmentFMECA AnalysisSafety Requirement AllocationSafety Mitigation ImplementationSafety Assessment PlanningTechnical Presentation SkillsSafety Documentation MaintenanceReliability Analysis MethodsTest Planning and ExecutionCollaborative Engineering

Soft Skills

Problem-SolvingAnalytical SkillsInterpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsInitiative

Tools & Technologies

Hazard Tracking SystemsJamaCameo

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. DoD Secret Security ClearanceU.S. Citizenship

Industry Keywords

Unmanned SystemsDefense ApplicationsAerospace EnvironmentWeapon System SafetyHuman Factors

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead system safety activities for a family of unmanned systems supporting defense and commercial applications
Lead system safety analyses and documentation for complex unmanned aircraft systems, including weaponized configurations
Develop and maintain the System Safety Program in accordance with MIL-STD-882E or latest revision
Plan and perform PHA, FHA, SHA, SSHA, software/system-of-systems safety assessments, FMECA, and related analyses
Derive, allocate, and track safety requirements across systems, subsystems, software, and interfaces
Develop and maintain SSMP/SSPP, SAR, hazard logs/tracking systems, and HMMP documentation
Identify and implement design mitigations and verify their effectiveness
Integrate safety into system architecture, CONOPS, mission threads, and operational procedures
Support test planning and execution, test readiness reviews, and post-test assessments
Present analyses, findings, and recommendations at technical and program reviews
Coordinate with customer safety organizations, weapon system safety boards, fuze/safety boards, and government agencies
Serve as a system safety SME, mentor junior engineers, and improve safety processes, tools, templates, and training
Collaborate with systems engineering, design, integration, test, and program management

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret security clearance
8+ years of relevant safety and/or weapons system safety experience
Travel up to 15% to support customer meetings, design reviews, integration, and test events
Demonstrated experience applying MIL-STD-882E (or later) in a defense or aerospace environment
Hands-on experience with hazard analyses, including PHA, FHA, SHA, and SSHA
Experience with FMECA or similar reliability/safety analysis methods
Experience authoring and maintaining SSMP/SSPP, SAR, hazard logs/tracking systems, and HMMP or equivalent
Experience presenting system safety content at technical and program reviews
Experience working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment
Ability to perform in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet program and company objectives
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
U.S. person under ITAR/EAR or eligible for export-license approval; some positions require current U.S. citizenship
U.S. Citizenship required
Preferred: Master’s degree from an ABET-accredited institution; current active U.S. DoD Secret clearance or higher; UAV/UAS or weaponized unmanned systems experience; weapon system safety; MIL-STD-1316; MIL-STD-1901; software safety; DO-178C; ARP4754A/ARP4761; AMCOM 385-17; RAM analyses; human factors; Jama or Cameo

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401K with company matching
9/80 work schedule
Paid holiday shutdown