System Safety Engineer - Support NASA Flight Research Programs

Colwyn Group; Edwards (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with matching

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Short‑ and long‑term disability

Job summary

Colwyn Group is seeking a System Safety Engineer (Mid–Senior) to support NASA-aligned flight research programs in Edwards, CA, onsite with a 9/80 schedule. The role focuses on airworthiness, hazard management, and CRM across flight and ground operations.

Ideal candidates bring progressive system safety experience in aerospace, knowledge of FMEA/FTA, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while leading safety reviews and hazard mitigation activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Physical Science, or related field with 3+ years experience.
• Advanced degree in Engineering or Physical Science.
• Military technical school certification equivalent to engineering disciplines.
• Non-degreed candidates with uniquely applicable experience may be considered.
• Accepted fields include Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, and more.

Responsibilities

• Provide system safety expertise to engineering and project teams.
• Develop, document, and implement system safety plans for flight and ground operations.
• Maintain CRM, lessons learned, and reliability analyses.
• Lead System Safety Working Group discussions and drive hazard mitigation.
• Develop and maintain project hazard databases and support hazard reporting.
• Support independent safety review groups and assessments.
• Participate in project meetings and design reviews.
• Deliver system safety presentations to management and safety boards.
• Complete required training in system safety standards and methodologies.

Skills

System safety

Hazard analysis

CRM methods

FMEA

FTA

Leadership

Mentoring

Real-time systems

Aerospace hardware

Flight testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree plus 3+ years

Advanced degree in Engineering or Physical Science

Military technical school certification

Non-degreed with applicable experience

Job description

System Safety Engineer (Mid–Senior Level)

Location: Edwards, CA (Onsite)

Schedule: 9/80 work schedule

Salary Range: $75,000 – $95,000

Citizenship Requirement: US Citizenship required

About the Role

We are seeking a System Safety Engineer (SSE) to support NASA‑aligned flight research and test activities involving advanced aerospace systems and experimental aircraft. This role plays a critical part in ensuring airworthiness, mission safety, and structured hazard management for flight and ground operations associated with NASA research programs.

This is a mid- to senior‑level onsite role ideal for engineers who want to contribute directly to high‑visibility aerospace research missions.

Key Responsibilities

Provide system safety expertise to engineering and project teams.

Develop, document, and implement system safety plans for flight and ground operations.

Maintain Continuous Risk Management (CRM), lessons learned, and reliability/maintainability analyses.

Lead System Safety Working Group (SSWG) discussions and drive hazard identification, classification, and mitigation strategies.

Develop and maintain project hazard databases and support hazard reporting.

Support independent safety review groups and assessments.

Participate in project meetings, configuration control boards, design reviews, and flight readiness reviews.

Prepare and deliver system safety presentations to management and safety review boards.

Complete required training in system safety standards, policies, and methodologies.

• Desirable Skills & Attributes
• Strong understanding of engineering principles and systems engineering concepts.

Ability to mentor junior engineers in system safety processes.

Demonstrated originality, sound judgment, and problem‑solving skills in complex engineering environments.

Experience supporting development, prototyping, and flight testing of aerospace systems.

Familiarity with safety analysis tools such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA).

Proven leadership in identifying, categorizing, mitigating, and managing system safety risks.

Experience in one or more of the following areas:

Aircraft systems

Avionics hardware

Software design and real‑time systems

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

System test and validation

• General Requirements
• Ability to work onsite and follow a 9/80 schedule (core hours 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM).

Occasional travel may be required.

Compliance with workplace safety and drug‑free policies.

• Education & Experience
• Candidates must meet one of the following:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Physical Science, or related technical field and 3+ years of experience.

Advanced degree in Engineering or Physical Science.

Military technical school certification equivalent to engineering disciplines.

Non‑degreed candidates with uniquely applicable experience may be considered.

• Accepted fields include:
• Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Chemical, Civil, Computer Science, Human Factors, Safety, Industrial Engineering, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, or related disciplines.

Benefits

401(k) with matching

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Short‑and long‑term disability coverage

Paid personal leave and federal holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Competitive compensation and career development opportunities