System Safety Engineer

Air Force Research Laboratory; Rosamond (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation incentives

Telework eligible

Job summary

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Rocket Lab Detachment 7 Safety Office at Edwards AFB CA, seeks an experienced System Safety Engineer at the DR-02/03 level to oversee rocket propulsion safety.

You will perform hazard analyses, lead Safety Review Boards, certify permits, and ensure safety throughout design, development, testing and disposal, focusing on aerospace systems from bench scale to full scale tests.

Qualifications

• Citizen of the United States required.
• Eligibility for security clearance (Top Secret/Secret).
• At least 1 year of specialized experience at DO/DR-01 (GS-11) or equivalent.
• APDP program: 24 months to meet requirements or waiver.
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (mechanical, aeronautical or aerospace preferred).

Responsibilities

• Performs system safety management for rocket propulsion systems from bench scale to full scale testing.
• Prepares preliminary hazard analysis, subsystem hazard analysis, and system hazard analysis.
• Assists in preparing and certifying system safety permits.
• Identifies, analyzes and controls hazardous conditions using engineering analysis and hierarchy of controls.
• Leads Safety Review Boards and presents results to senior leadership and test execution authority.
• Ensures system safety is integrated through design, development, testing, operation and disposal.
• Oversees Process Safety Management efforts where appropriate.

Skills

System safety

Hazard analysis

Engineering analysis

Team collaboration

Leadership presentation

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Job description

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PDT, 15 October 2026.

Job Overview

The AFRL Rocket Lab Detachment 7 Safety Office seeks to hire an experienced System Safety Engineer at the DR-02/03 level. The position is located at the AFRL Rocket Laboratory at Edwards AFB CA.

For more than 60 years, the AFRL Rocket Laboratory at Edwards AFB has contributed to several technology developments in rocket engines, including those of Saturn, Titan, Space Shuttle, and all major intercontinental ballistic missiles and current space launchers. Today, the site is undergoing significant mission growth to enable technology leaps in hypersonics, solid rocket boosters, in-space propulsion, and liquid rocket engines for defense and commercial space in support for the Air & Space Forces.

We are searching for a high-performing, highly-motivated individual with a strong background in engineering and system safety processes.

Position Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Performs system safety management for solid and liquid rocket and spacecraft propulsion systems that span from bench scale laboratory development to full scale testing.
• Prepares preliminary hazard analysis, subsystem hazard analysis, and system hazard analysis for those systems.
• Assists scientists and engineers in preparing system safety permits; reviews and certifies those permits.
• Identifies, analyzes and controls hazardous conditions and safety risks using engineering analysis and hiearchy of controls for those systems and laboratories.
• Leads Safety Review Boards and presents results to senior leadership and test execution authority for final test approval.
• Ensures system safety is incorporated throughout the design, development, testing, operational and disposal phases of all programs.
• Key member of test team during test buildup, combined systems tests and test execution.
• Oversees implementation and oversight of Process Safety Management efforts in areas as appropriate.

Other Significant Facts

• Relocation or other incentives may be offered for this position

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain required (Top Secret/Secret) security clearance
• Must have at least one year or equivalent of specialized experience at the DO/DR-01 (GS-11 or equivalent) grade level or above in other pay systems.
• This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position. The selectee will have 24-months to meet APDP requirements or a waiver must be obtained.
• Minimum of a bachelor of Science in Engineering (preferred mechanical, aeronautical or aerospace discipline)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with energetic materials and associated safety protocols
• Experience/familiarity with ASME B31.3 and National Board Inspection Code
• Experience in fault analysis, failure mode and effects analysis, MILSTD 882 requirements, and software safety requirements
• Ability to work as part of a collaborative team to identify problems and work toward viable solutions.
• Experience presenting both written and verbal to Senior Leadership

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy.

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

08XX

Additional Information

Candidates with resumes longer than 2-pages will not be considered.

Requisition Number 58584

Posting End Date

10/15/2026