System Safety Engineer Jobs
System Safety Engineer jobs are open across aerospace, defense, automotive, rail, and nuclear industries, at every level from entry-level analyst to principal and chief engineer, with specializations in functional safety, hazard analysis, and MIL-STD or DO-178 compliance. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 94+ System Safety Engineer jobs
Pay Rate: PGR15
Location:
Houston, TX, US
Category: Public Safety
Description:
Basic Function
Responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting the implementation of METRO’s Safety Management System (SMS) in accordance with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Texas Department of Transportation regulations, standards, and guidance, and METRO’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP). Identifies, investigates, and analyzes hazards proactively and reactively through the creation, review, and approval of Preliminary Hazard Analyses (PHAs), Hazard Analyses (HAs), Verification Matrices (VM) and supporting documentation. Responsible for auditing HAs and VMs for appropriateness and effectiveness; evaluates if new hazards exist. Supports active failure investigations and works closely with METRO’s stakeholders to promote safety, quality, and efficiency. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures.
Responsibilities and Specific Duties
Provides system safety engineering expertise and support for all METRO operations, functions, and projects of which require METRO’s Safety Departments review or approval, and/or auditing/monitoring.
Assists with the development and successful implementation of SMS at METRO to reduce or eliminate risks. Works with METRO engineers, and other internal or external stakeholders/consultants to ensure METRO safety requirements are met and that project milestones and deliverables are met regarding safety.
Responsible for system safety, including development and review for approval of: PHAs, HAs, VMs and supporting documentation such as: Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Failure Modes Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), Bowtie models, Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and/or others, as applicable. Reviews for approval of other technical/engineering documentation regarding system safety engineering.
Responsible for hazard tracking, auditing, and reporting; overall system safety status reporting and associated Safety Certificates.
Provides in-house system safety design reviews, and/or reviews system safety engineering work and project deliverables, in accordance with the contract and applicable system safety standards which are outsourced to engineering consultants or any combination of METRO in-house and/or external resources.
Conducts in-depth system safety studies to identify, assess and resolve safety hazards that impact employee and customer safety. Studies may be inclusive of behavioral reviews, biomechanical injury analysis, trend analysis, root cause analysis, and origin investigation processes yielding an effective Risk Matrix in the format of Military Standard 882E.
Performs safety and security certification in conjunction with planning, designing, procurement, construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of transit operating systems and facilities.
Provides direction and feedback to consultants and provides review findings and recommendations to the Director of Safety.
Helps develop and approve METRO safety processes, procedures, and other governing documents (i.e. PTASP) in collaboration with many stakeholders and promotes adherence to these documents.
Monitors performance/metrics of assigned projects; meeting schedules and ensure compliance with safety requirements.
Organizes/chairs or supports meetings with internal or external stakeholders and oversite organizations, as required by the Director, Safety, and provides meeting summary reports/minutes to the Director, Safety.
Develops and maintains good working relationships with associated stakeholders from various municipalities and other government entities, including but not limited to TxDOT, City of Houston, FTA, TxDOT State Safety Oversight.
Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
Applies Safety Management System (SMS) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Pay Range: $107,000 - $146,000
Education Requirement
Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety & Health, Engineering or a related technical field is required.
Years & Experience Required
Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in systems analysis for highly reliable or safety-critical activities including three (3) years implementing, managing, and enforcing System Safety/SMS. Experience in the transit/transportation industry is preferred.
Knowledge & Skills Required
State of Texas Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred. Certified Safety Professional (CSP), WSO – CSM, CSS, CHMT I or II, or RSD preferred. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute preferred. A valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s license is required for the job and must meet METRO’s motor vehicle records requirements. Strong communications (written/verbal) skills are required. Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite.
Comprehensive experience and expertise related to the following is required:
- System Safety Analysis (creating, developing and reviewing detailed PHA’s, HA’s and VM’s, and supporting FMEA’s, FMECA’s, bowtie’s and/or FTA’s; MIL-STD-882 or equivalent; hazard, tracking, auditing and reporting)
- Familiarity with the following preferred:
- Rail Systems (AREMA C&S Manual, AREMA Manual of Railway Engineering, and/or other systems’ railway standards)
- Control Systems/Industrial Automation: knowledge of the principles of design for vital and fail-safe systems
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.
Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.
We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.
Nearest Major Market: Houston
Pay Rate: PGR15
Location:
Houston, TX, US
Category: Public Safety
Description:
Basic Function
Responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting the implementation of METRO’s Safety Management System (SMS) in accordance with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Texas Department of Transportation regulations, standards, and guidance, and METRO’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP). Identifies, investigates, and analyzes hazards proactively and reactively through the creation, review, and approval of Preliminary Hazard Analyses (PHAs), Hazard Analyses (HAs), Verification Matrices (VM) and supporting documentation. Responsible for auditing HAs and VMs for appropriateness and effectiveness; evaluates if new hazards exist. Supports active failure investigations and works closely with METRO’s stakeholders to promote safety, quality, and efficiency. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures.
Responsibilities and Specific Duties
Provides system safety engineering expertise and support for all METRO operations, functions, and projects of which require METRO’s Safety Departments review or approval, and/or auditing/monitoring.
Assists with the development and successful implementation of SMS at METRO to reduce or eliminate risks. Works with METRO engineers, and other internal or external stakeholders/consultants to ensure METRO safety requirements are met and that project milestones and deliverables are met regarding safety.
Responsible for system safety, including development and review for approval of: PHAs, HAs, VMs and supporting documentation such as: Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Failure Modes Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), Bowtie models, Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and/or others, as applicable. Reviews for approval of other technical/engineering documentation regarding system safety engineering.
Responsible for hazard tracking, auditing, and reporting; overall system safety status reporting and associated Safety Certificates.
Provides in-house system safety design reviews, and/or reviews system safety engineering work and project deliverables, in accordance with the contract and applicable system safety standards which are outsourced to engineering consultants or any combination of METRO in-house and/or external resources.
Conducts in-depth system safety studies to identify, assess and resolve safety hazards that impact employee and customer safety. Studies may be inclusive of behavioral reviews, biomechanical injury analysis, trend analysis, root cause analysis, and origin investigation processes yielding an effective Risk Matrix in the format of Military Standard 882E.
Performs safety and security certification in conjunction with planning, designing, procurement, construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of transit operating systems and facilities.
Provides direction and feedback to consultants and provides review findings and recommendations to the Director of Safety.
Helps develop and approve METRO safety processes, procedures, and other governing documents (i.e. PTASP) in collaboration with many stakeholders and promotes adherence to these documents.
Monitors performance/metrics of assigned projects; meeting schedules and ensure compliance with safety requirements.
Organizes/chairs or supports meetings with internal or external stakeholders and oversite organizations, as required by the Director, Safety, and provides meeting summary reports/minutes to the Director, Safety.
Develops and maintains good working relationships with associated stakeholders from various municipalities and other government entities, including but not limited to TxDOT, City of Houston, FTA, TxDOT State Safety Oversight.
Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
Applies Safety Management System (SMS) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Pay Range: $107,000 - $146,000
Education Requirement
Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety & Health, Engineering or a related technical field is required.
Years & Experience Required
Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in systems analysis for highly reliable or safety-critical activities including three (3) years implementing, managing, and enforcing System Safety/SMS. Experience in the transit/transportation industry is preferred.
Knowledge & Skills Required
State of Texas Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred. Certified Safety Professional (CSP), WSO – CSM, CSS, CHMT I or II, or RSD preferred. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute preferred. A valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s license is required for the job and must meet METRO’s motor vehicle records requirements. Strong communications (written/verbal) skills are required. Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite.
Comprehensive experience and expertise related to the following is required:
- System Safety Analysis (creating, developing and reviewing detailed PHA’s, HA’s and VM’s, and supporting FMEA’s, FMECA’s, bowtie’s and/or FTA’s; MIL-STD-882 or equivalent; hazard, tracking, auditing and reporting)
- Familiarity with the following preferred:
- Rail Systems (AREMA C&S Manual, AREMA Manual of Railway Engineering, and/or other systems’ railway standards)
- Control Systems/Industrial Automation: knowledge of the principles of design for vital and fail-safe systems
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.
Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.
We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.
Nearest Major Market: Houston
System Safety Engineer Jobs by Experience Level
See All 94 System Safety Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find System Safety Engineer JobsSystem Safety Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Human Resources
- Aerospace & Defense
- Technology & Software
- Science & Research
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in system safety engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related technical discipline
- Hands-on experience applying MIL-STD-882 or an equivalent safety standard on a fielded program
- Proficiency conducting hazard analyses including FHA, PHA, FMEA, and FTA
- Ability to author or review a System Safety Program Plan and safety assessment reports
- Active or adjudicable U.S. security clearance, particularly for defense and government programs
- Familiarity with domain-specific safety standards such as ISO 26262, ARP4761, DO-178, or IEC 61508
Tips for Your System Safety Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to safety standards
List every safety standard you've worked under, including MIL-STD-882, ISO 26262, ARP4761, or IEC 61508, by name. Recruiters and applicant tracking systems filter for these strings directly, and a generic 'safety engineering' label won't match them.
Highlight specific hazard analysis methods
Name the exact techniques you've applied: FHA, PHA, FMEA, FMECA, FTA, or STPA. Employers distinguish candidates who list a method from those who can describe what they found, so pair each technique with a concrete outcome from your work.
Filter openings by contract type and clearance
Many system safety engineer roles in defense and aerospace require an active security clearance. Filter job listings by clearance level early so you're not pursuing roles that would take months to process before you could start.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists system safety engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare a safety case or SSP walkthrough
Interviews for this role almost always include a technical discussion of a System Safety Program Plan or safety case you've authored. Rehearse walking through your rationale for risk acceptance decisions, not just the document structure itself.
Negotiate around program phase and travel
System safety workload peaks during requirements and testing phases, and some contracts require on-site support at test ranges or supplier facilities. Clarify the program's current phase and expected travel cadence before accepting an offer, since both affect day-to-day scope.
System Safety Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most system safety engineers?
The companies hiring the most system safety engineers right now include AECOM, Northrop Grumman, and Anduril, with the largest share of openings in California, Texas, and Washington, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Defense primes and aerospace manufacturers consistently post the highest volume of these roles.
How many system safety engineer jobs are remote?
About 59% of system safety engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, though the share varies significantly by domain. Roles focused on documentation, safety case development, and standards compliance tend to be more remote-friendly, while positions tied to hardware integration, test ranges, or classified programs typically require on-site presence.
How do you become a system safety engineer?
Start with a bachelor's degree in systems engineering, aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering. Build hands-on experience in a related technical role such as systems, reliability, or test engineering, then work toward applying MIL-STD-882 or an equivalent safety standard on a real program. Pursuing a System Safety Engineering certificate through a recognized professional organization and studying for the Associate Safety Professional or Certified Safety Professional credential strengthens your candidacy considerably.
Can you get hired as a system safety engineer with little experience?
Entry-level system safety engineer roles exist, especially at large defense contractors and government agencies that run formal engineering development programs. Demonstrating familiarity with hazard analysis techniques, even through coursework, internships, or a thesis project, matters more than years on the job. A degree in systems or aerospace engineering, any exposure to a relevant safety standard, and a willingness to work on-site for a classified program will open more doors than waiting for fully remote junior postings.
What does the system safety engineer interview process look like?
Most processes start with a recruiter screen focused on your clearance status and domain background, followed by a technical interview where you walk through a hazard analysis or safety program plan you've authored. A panel interview with program managers or lead systems engineers typically covers how you've handled risk acceptance decisions and stakeholder disagreements. Some employers add a written exercise asking you to identify hazards in a simplified system description before the final hiring manager conversation.
Where can I find and apply to system safety engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to system safety engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings for roles that match your domain background and clearance level, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 94 System Safety Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find System Safety Engineer Jobs