Senior Software Safety Engineer

General Summary

The Software Safety Engineer for Department of Defense (DoD) Weapon Systems is responsible for ensuring the safety and reliability of software integrated into critical defense systems. This role involves analyzing, designing, verifying, and validating software to meet stringent safety standards in compliance with DoD regulations, such as MIL-STD-882E and Joint Software Systems Safety Engineering Handbook (JSSSEH). The engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify and mitigate software-related risks, ensuring mission-critical systems operate safely and effectively under all conditions.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential functions)

• Conduct hazard analyses (e.g., Software Hazard Analysis, Failure Modes, and Effects Analysis) to identify potential safety risks in weapon system software.
• Develop and document software safety requirements, ensuring traceability to system-level safety objectives.
• Design and implement software safety controls and mitigation strategies to address identified hazards.
• Perform rigorous testing, including unit, integration, and system-level testing, to verify software safety and compliance with DoD standards.
• Prepare and maintain safety documentation, including Software Safety Plans, Safety Assessment Reports, and Hazard Logs, in accordance with MIL-STD-882E.
• Work closely with systems engineers, software developers, and program managers to integrate safety considerations into the software development lifecycle (SDLC).
• Ensure software complies with DoD safety standards, cybersecurity requirements, and other relevant regulations.
• Support safety audits, technical reviews, and certifications, providing evidence of compliance to DoD and government stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance and training to development teams on software safety best practices and standards.

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in related field such as information systems, engineering, or other related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in software engineering, with at least 3 years focused on safety-critical software development or analysis.
• Able to obtain and maintain a SECRET Security Clearance: US Citizenship Required
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Ada, or Python.
• Familiarity with safety standards (e.g., MIL-STD-882E, JSSSEH, DO-178C).
• Experience with software safety analysis tools and techniques (e.g., Fault Tree Analysis, HAZOP).
• Knowledge of real-time embedded systems and software development lifecycles (e.g., Agile, V-Model).
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles as they relate to software safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current SECRET or TOP SECRET Security Clearance.
• Prior experience with DoD weapon systems or safety-critical systems (e.g., aerospace or defense).