System Safety Engineer

Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement a safety and environmental program meeting contract requirements, to include development of key safety-related program plans.
• Develop and implement System Safety Program Plans (SSPP) in accordance with MIL-STD-882E, NASA-STD-8719.13C, NASA-STD-8739.8A, and NPR 8715.3D.
• Conduct hazard analyses, including Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA), Functional Hazard Analysis (FHA), System Hazard Analysis (SHA), and Operational Hazard Analysis (OHA) to evaluate hazards and propose mitigation strategies. Work with the engineering team to develop mitigation and control methods, and validate, verify, and/or witness that the controls are properly implemented. This would include software controls for hazardous commanding, etc. as well as some safety-centric code reviews.
• Identify and document safety-critical processes and functions and ensure implementation of hazard controls for hardware, software, and system operations.
• Assess safety risks associated with software and hardware components, including Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), and ensure tracking of software safety requirements.
• Develop and maintain the Safety Compliance Checklist, documenting compliance with NOAA/NASA safety requirements, codes, and regulations, and identifying non-compliant areas requiring waivers or alternative safety measures.
• Ensure adherence to NOAA AO 209-1 (NOAA Safety Policy) and coordinate safety concerns with the NOAA Safety and Environmental Compliance Office.
• Work closely with systems engineers, cybersecurity engineers, and integration teams to evaluate safety concerns during development, integration, and test phases.
• Track items and their resolution in an Agile work environment using Jira
• Conduct Jira and Bitbucket reviews to ensure traceability and closure of safety-related issues.
• Participate in Crucible reviews to assess software safety compliance.
• Develop and maintain safety verification and validation (V&V) artifacts, including verification of safety discrepancy disposition approvals and off-nominal scenario evaluations.
• Conduct safety audits, monitor subcontractors for compliance, and oversee safety procedures for hazardous operations.
• Establish and maintain a system safety review process, including accident investigation, operator training and certification, and industrial safety program responsibilities.
• Support weekly interface meetings and prepare slides for leadership updates.
• Review and provide input on OCCB (Operational Change Control Board) packages.
• Participate in design reviews, program milestone reviews, and technical interchange meetings to ensure system safety considerations are addressed.
• Prepare and deliver technical reports, safety assessments, hazard tracking documentation, and briefings to both internal teams and external government stakeholders.
• Oversee and conduct EHS audits, including site safety assessments
• Develop and provide contract-specific safety and environmental training, educational, and awareness materials
• Perform environmental and human engineering assessments and implement remedial actions
• Prepare reports and perform root cause analysis of mishaps and close calls
• Maintain emergency preparedness and continuity of operations plans and coordinate emergency drills and exercises. 

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field and 10+ years of related professional experience, or an MS and 8+ years
• 5+ years of experience in system safety engineering for government or aerospace programs.
• Knowledge of and ability to ensure compliance with MIL-STD-882E, NASA-STD-8719.13C, NASA-STD-8739.8A, and experience conducting hazard analyses and developing SSPPs.
• Familiarity with NOAA, NASA, DoD, or other federal agency safety standards and risk management frameworks.
• Experience working in a complex system-of-systems environment, preferably with ground systems, satellite operations, or aerospace safety analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess software safety risks, including software-related hazard identification and control implementation.
• Proficiency in developing safety documentation, conducting safety audits, and providing recommendations for hazard mitigations.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams, including systems engineers, cybersecurity engineers, and program managers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience delivering briefings to senior stakeholders.
• 5+ years of experience leading teams to the resolution of ambiguities and development of achievable plans to solve problems
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs., stooping, climbing, prolonged standing, prolonged sitting and working with or in areas where a potential could exist for exposure to physical and chemical agents
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust certificate.

Desired:

• Professional certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Safety Management Specialist (SMS) or similar
• Understanding of NOAA’s JPSS mission and CGS operations.
• Certification in System Safety Engineering (e.g., CSSP, CSP, or equivalent).
• Experience working within Agile development and risk management processes.
• Training and certification of one or more of: non-ionizing radiation (laser and radio-frequency safety); fall protection/working from heights; lifting plans; industrial safety; environmental compliance
• Experience working in an Agile work environment, specifically using Jira
• Experience redesigning processes to achieve greater safety, productivity, decision-making or enhanced customer service
• 5+ years in a Project Management role
• High-energy strategic thinking with demonstrated ability to operate and communicate at both a strategic and a hands-on level as needed
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy while understanding broader technical issues
• Excellent organizational skills such as prioritizing and completing multiple tasks within critical deadlines, as well as verbal and written communication skills