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Worker Type

Job Description

Summary

The Sr. Systems Safety Engineer develops and executes a Program-specific System Safety Assessment plan. Provide system safety subject matter expert advice on assigned programs. In this role, one performs and publishes assessments and analysis required to support. Perform, prepare, and deliver System Safety Hazard Assessments (SSHA), Safety Assessment Report (SAR), Failure modes, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA), Functional Hazard Analysis (FHA), Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP), Operating and Support Hazard Analysis (O&SHA), and more.

Position Responsibilities

• Assist in the management of new hazards realized in operation, maintenance, or arising from changes in the configuration, role, and environment.

• Liaison with management and regulatory bodies, maintenance, engineering, and customer agencies ensuring all design activities are carried out within the system safety framework.

• Assist with the maintenance of System Safety Program Plans to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

• Perform technical airworthiness risk analysis/management

• Participate in systems safety engineering reviews.

• Assist with the facilitation and organization of the System Safety Working Groups.

• Liaison with other safety engineers and programs to ensure best practice and shared knowledge.

• Provide advice to Engineers regarding their responsibilities in accordance with the System Safety Program.

• Make recommendations for endorsement of treatments which may be implemented to reduce the risk caused by hazards.

• Conduct independent system safety analysis as deemed necessary.

• Provide training on System Safety Engineering processes and methodologies.

  Write system safety and airworthiness related design requirements

• Lead system safety working group

• Reviews product systems, support equipment and facilities, functional specifications and operations, and establishes safety requirements for assigned systems

• Architect system level approach to problems across multiple technical disciplines. Articulates complex concepts and ideas to both technical and non-technical staff

• Presents at and participates in design reviews and walk-throughs. Effectively presents and persuades to support management in strategic advancement of projects and programs

• Develop and publish white papers and safety cases to support the expansion of commercial operations for UAS

• Identifies, analyzes and resolves system design weaknesses

• Work on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles

• Exercise judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results

• Determine methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel (Team Lead)

• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 8 - 12 years of experience in Systems Safety Assessment/Engineering
• Proficient in performing hazard analysis, fault tree analysis, failure diagnosis and data/trend analysis
• Must have experience in performing safety assessments and analyses in support of FAA certification
• Must have an engineering background in various disciplines: structures, communication, avionics, software, ground station
• Strong knowledge and ability to apply system safety analysis tools; Has reliability engineering knowledge
• Working knowledge of ARP4761 to be able to customize it to suit project constraints
• Strong knowledge of appropriate design, analysis and simulation tools and validation techniques
• Occasional travel within the continental U.S. may be required

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Bachelor's Degree in a STEM or related field.

• Experience with Safety, Reliability Engineering, and Air Worthiness.

• A current/active Secret Clearance.

• Willing to reallocate.

• Advanced degree preferred

• Experience with UAV/UAS safety assessment is preferred

• Flight test experience a plus; FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) is preferred

• Effectively solves complex problems by leveraging available resources and research

• Exemplary analytical skills and ability to interpret the available regulatory and advisory materials in order to meet project success criteria

• Has high problem-solving, project management, interpersonal and communication skills

• Computer competency in Word and Excel spreadsheets a must

• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties

• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives

• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products

• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company

• Consistently demonstrates teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Constant)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR