System Safety Manager

Matchtech; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A defence and aerospace engineering company in the UK is seeking a System Safety Manager for a pivotal role in shaping system safety and environmental governance across complex programmes. This position requires an expert in system safety and environmental management, comfortable in both strategic and hands-on environments. Responsibilities include leading audits, ensuring compliance, and providing airworthiness expertise. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in defence programmes and excellent communication skills. SC clearance and British nationality are required.

Benefits

High-impact role

Long-term career development

Collaborative culture

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in defence and/or aerospace programmes.
• Previous formal safety and/or airworthiness delegation.
• Detailed working knowledge of defence and aerospace standards.

Responsibilities

• Implement system safety and environmental engineering processes.
• Lead safety and environmental audits per Def Stan standards.
• Provide airworthiness expertise aligned to MAA Regulatory Articles.

Skills

Expert knowledge of system safety and environmental management

Strong experience across the full engineering lifecycle

Excellent communication skills

Proactive mindset for continuous improvement

Job description

System Safety Manager

Bristol – Hybrid Working

We are currently seeking an experienced System Safety Manager to join a highly technical engineering environment within the defence and aerospace domain. This is a key role for a recognised subject–matter expert who can lead system safety, environmental engineering, and airworthiness activities across complex programmes.

The Opportunity

You will play a pivotal role in shaping and assuring system safety and environmental governance across multiple projects, working closely with engineering teams, project leaders, and customers. This position offers real influence across the full design and development lifecycle, from early requirements through to qualification, certification, and in–service support.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and implement system safety and environmental engineering processes, ensuring compliance with statutory, contractual, and governance requirements
• Lead and conduct safety and environmental audits in line with Def Stan 00–55/56
• Oversee the development of safety artefacts including SEMPs, Hazard Logs, and Safety & Environmental Case Reports
• Support and challenge project teams to ensure safety and environmental requirements are embedded ahead of design reviews
• Present safety and environmental evidence at design reviews, audits, and customer engagements
• Drive continuous improvement across engineering and business processes
• Support and develop the capability of safety and environmental engineers, promoting a strong safety culture
• Provide airworthiness expertise, including responsibilities aligned to MAA Regulatory Articles 1014 and 5850

About You

You are a confident, credible safety professional with extensive experience in defence and/or aerospace programmes, comfortable operating at both strategic and hands–on levels.

You will bring:

• Expert knowledge of system safety and environmental management within regulated defence environments
• Strong experience across the full engineering lifecycle, including independent compliance and design assurance
• Previous formal safety and/or airworthiness delegation
• Detailed working knowledge of defence and aerospace standards
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex safety arguments clearly and persuasively
• A proactive, resilient mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and high standards

Security Requirements

• SC clearance (or eligibility to obtain)
• British nationality
• No dual nationality (due to regulatory constraints)

Why Apply?

• High–impact, technically challenging role
• Opportunity to shape safety strategy and influence major programmes
• Collaborative engineering culture with a strong emphasis on quality and compliance
• Long–term career development in a regulated, safety–critical environment

If you're looking to take the lead in system safety and airworthiness within complex defence programmes, we'd love to hear from you. Apply directly or message for a confidential discussion.