Senior System Safety Engineer

We don’t just build technology—we engineer the future. From next-gen aerospace to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the limits of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and big thinkers thrive. 

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking an experienced Systems Safety Engineer to support the development and execution of product safety strategies for complex, safety-critical airborne systems. This role will initially focus on airborne applications and will work closely with systems, software, firmware, hardware, and test engineering teams throughout the product development lifecycle.

The ideal candidate brings strong experience with system safety analysis, aerospace safety standards, and safety-critical product development. You will help define safety requirements, assess hazards and risks, determine appropriate design assurance levels, and ensure safety considerations are incorporated into the system architecture, design, verification, and certification approach.

This position is primarily remote with some travel to Endicott, NY. U.S. Citizenship is required.

Key Responsibilities:   

• Evaluate system and program requirements to identify applicable safety requirements and determine appropriate System, Software, Firmware, and Hardware Design Assurance Levels (DALs).
• Develop, review, and approve Product Safety Program Plans and other required system safety documentation.
• Perform and/or lead safety analyses including Functional Hazard Assessments (FHA), Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (FMEA), Fault Tree Analyses (FTA), System Safety Assessments (SSA), Common Cause Analyses (CCA), and Common Mode Analyses (CMA).
• Define and communicate safety requirements and mitigation strategies resulting from system safety assessments.
• Support and lead safety engineering activities utilizing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering methodologies.
• Partner with systems and design engineering teams to identify potential hazards and develop appropriate design mitigations.
• Work with software, firmware, hardware, and systems engineering teams to ensure safety requirements are appropriately allocated and implemented.
• Coordinate with verification and test teams to develop test plans and procedures supporting safety requirements and risk mitigation.
• Support safety activities throughout the full product lifecycle, from requirements and architecture through design, integration, verification, certification, and production.
• Prepare and present safety-related technical material during Design Reviews, Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs), working groups, and internal/customer safety reviews.
• Lead cross-functional engineering teams in identifying hazards, assessing risk, and developing comprehensive mitigation strategies across various operating conditions and use cases.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant system/product safety experience.
• 5+ years of experience in system safety, product safety, aerospace systems engineering, or a related safety-critical engineering discipline.
• Experience supporting airborne or aircraft systems in a safety-critical development environment.
• Working knowledge of aerospace and defense safety standards such as MIL-STD-882, ARP4754, and ARP4761
• Hands-on experience developing or supporting safety analyses including FHA, FMEA, FTA, SSA, CCA, and CMA.
• Experience developing, interpreting, and communicating system and product safety requirements.
• Understanding of domestic and international regulations, standards, and development processes applicable to safety-critical airborne systems.
• Experience interpreting and executing contractual product/system safety requirements throughout the product lifecycle.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams through hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk mitigation activities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical and safety concepts to engineering teams, leadership, customers, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Skills: 

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Experience determining or working with System, Software, Hardware, and Firmware Design Assurance Levels.
• Experience applying MBSE or digital engineering tools and methodologies to system safety activities.
• Experience supporting formal aerospace design reviews, safety reviews, certification activities, and customer technical meetings.
• Background working across multiple engineering disciplines, including systems, software, firmware, hardware, and verification/test.
• Experience supporting complex aerospace, defense, avionics, flight control, propulsion, or aircraft control systems.

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. 

What You’ll Find Here 

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

Benefits Include 

• Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.