Senior System Safety Engineer

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 58,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Senior System Safety Engineer to lead system safety activities for complex defense programs across the full product lifecycle in Tucson.

You will evaluate designs, identify hazards, perform MIL-STD-882E analyses, and ensure safety compliance while collaborating with engineering, program management, customers, and government safety authorities. You will coordinate with cross-functional teams to develop hazard analyses, safety documentation, and

Qualifications

• Lead system safety programs for complex defense systems.
• Perform MIL-STD-882E analyses or equivalents.
• Identify hazards, assess risk, and propose mitigations.
• Develop hazard analyses, safety assessments, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with engineering to eliminate hazards and apply risk controls.
• Coordinate with customer safety reps and government boards.

Responsibilities

• Lead one or more system safety programs across the full lifecycle of defense products.
• Perform system safety analyses in accordance with MIL-STD-882E or equivalent standards.
• Identify hazards, assess risk, and develop mitigation strategies for safe design.
• Develop and maintain system safety documentation and technical reports.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to implement risk controls throughout development.
• Coordinate with customer safety representatives and Safety Review Boards to obtain approvals.
• Support concept through production, sustainment, and disposal phases.
• Interpret customer requirements and standards to ensure safety compliance.
• Present analyses and status at technical reviews and meetings.
• Partner with systems, software, hardware, and manufacturing teams to embed safety in design.

Skills

System safety programs

MIL-STD-882E

Hazard analyses

Technical writing

Cross-functional collaboration

U.S. Citizenship

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

MBSE

Job description

We are seeking a Senior System Safety Engineer to lead system safety activities supporting complex defense programs throughout the full product lifecycle. In this role, you will evaluate system designs, identify and mitigate hazards, and ensure products comply with military safety standards while working closely with engineering, program management, customers, and government safety authorities.

This position plays a key role in ensuring products are developed, tested, produced, and sustained safely while meeting customer, regulatory, and mission requirements

Onsite Requirements:

100% onsite in Tucson, Arizona.

US Citizenship Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship is required

Clearance Requirements

candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

What You’ll Do

• Lead one or more system safety programs supporting defense products throughout the full product lifecycle.
• Perform system safety analyses in accordance with MIL-STD-882E or customer-approved equivalent standards.
• Identify hazards, assess risk, and recommend mitigation strategies to ensure safe system design.
• Develop and maintain system safety documentation, including hazard analyses, safety assessments, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to eliminate hazards or implement effective risk controls throughout system development.
• Coordinate with customer safety representatives and government Safety Review Boards to obtain required safety approvals.
• Support programs from concept development through production, sustainment, and product disposal.
• Interpret customer requirements, military standards, and system specifications to ensure safety compliance.
• Present system safety analyses and program status during technical reviews and customer meetings.
• Partner with systems, software, hardware, manufacturing, and program management teams to understand product architecture and ensure safety is integrated into system design.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or another STEM-related discipline.
• Experience leading or supporting System Safety Programs for complex engineered systems.
• Experience performing system safety analyses using MIL-STD-882E or equivalent safety standards.
• Experience conducting hazard analyses and developing system safety documentation.
• Ability to interpret engineering requirements, military standards, and technical specifications.
• Strong technical writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience working directly with government customers or Safety Review Boards.
• Knowledge of system development lifecycles from concept through disposal.
• Experience preparing technical safety reports and customer deliverables.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) or digital engineering environments.
• Experience integrating emerging technologies, such as automation tools, digital assistants, or generative AI, to improve engineering processes.
• Active U.S. Security Clearance.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The QDSS Advantage:

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact.You'll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.

WhatYou'llFind Here

• Work That Matters - Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.
• GrowthThat'sSupported - Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certificationassistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.
• A Culture That Works - A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Pay Ranges

$58-$63 USD

At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don't just build technology - we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart - not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we're not just leading the industry - we're revolutionizing it.

Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.