Systems Engineer

Job Title:

Principal Systems Safety Engineer

We are seeking a talented and experienced Principal Systems Safety Engineer to join our innovative team in San Diego, CA. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to our Enterprise-wide digital transformation, leveraging Model-based Engineering, Dev Sec Ops , and Agile practices. You will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering critical national defense products and capabilities.

• Provide system safety subject matter expert advice on assigned programs.
• Perform, prepare, and deliver System Safety Hazard Assessments (SSHA), Safety Assessment Reports (SAR), and Hazardous Materials Management Plans (HMMP).
• Assist in managing new hazards that arise during operation, maintenance, or due to changes in configuration, role, and environment.
• Liaise with management, regulatory bodies, maintenance engineering, and customer agencies to ensure compliance with the system safety framework.
• Maintain System Safety Program Plans to ensure adherence to safety regulations.
• Conduct technical airworthiness risk analysis and management.
• Participate in systems safety engineering reviews.
• Facilitate and organize System Safety Working Groups.
• Collaborate with other safety engineers and programs to ensure best practices and shared knowledge.
• Provide advice to Engineers regarding their responsibilities in accordance with the System Safety Program.
• Make recommendations for treatments to reduce risk caused by hazards.
• Conduct independent system safety analysis as necessary.
• Provide training on System Safety Engineering processes and methodologies.

• 5+ years of experience with a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, 3+ years with a Master's, or a PhD.
• Knowledge of aircraft certification standards such as MIL-STD-882 and ARP
  4761.
• Working knowledge of System Safety tools and techniques, including Fault Tree Analysis.
• Experience in leading and writing proposals and Basis of Estimates (BOEs).
• Experience in completing detailed risk analysis.
• Ability to work across multiple disciplines.
• Interim DoD secret clearance required to start, with the ability to obtain and maintain a secret clearance.

• 8+ years of experience with a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, 6+ years with a Master's, or 4+ years with a PhD.
• Experience with Safety Reliability Engineering and Air Worthiness.
• A current/active Secret Clearance.

The position is based in San Diego, CA, with a requirement for 1st Shift work on a 9/80A schedule. The role involves travel up to 10% of the time and requires interfacing with various departments and safety programs. The work environment promotes flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $85.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type:
This is a fully onsite position in San Diego, CA. Final date to receive applications:
This position is anticipated to close on Jan 23, 2026.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccom for other accommodation options.