System Safety Engineer

Job Overview OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS. This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PDT, 15 October 2026.

The AFRL Rocket Lab Detachment 7 Safety Office seeks to hire an experienced System Safety Engineer at the DR-02/03 level. The position is located at the AFRL Rocket Laboratory at Edwards AFB CA.

For more than 60 years, the AFRL Rocket Laboratory at Edwards AFB has contributed to several technology developments in rocket engines, including those of Saturn, Titan, Space Shuttle, and all major intercontinental ballistic missiles and current space launchers. Today, the site is undergoing significant mission growth to enable technology leaps in hypersonics, solid rocket boosters, in-space propulsion, and liquid rocket engines for defense and commercial space in support for the Air & Space Forces.

We are searching for a high-performing, highly-motivated individual with a strong background in engineering and system safety processes.

Position Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Performs system safety management for solid and liquid rocket and spacecraft propulsion systems that span from bench scale laboratory development to full scale testing.
• Prepares preliminary hazard analysis, subsystem hazard analysis, and system hazard analysis for those systems.
• Assists scientists and engineers in preparing system safety permits; reviews and certifies those permits.
• Identifies, analyzes and controls hazardous conditions and safety risks using engineering analysis and hiearchy of controls for those systems and laboratories.
• Leads Safety Review Boards and presents results to senior leadership and test execution authority for final test approval.
• Ensures system safety is incorporated throughout the design, development, testing, operational and disposal phases of all programs.
• Key member of test team during test buildup, combined systems tests and test execution.
• Oversees implementation and oversight of Process Safety Management efforts in areas as appropriate.

Other Significant Facts

• Relocation or other incentives may be offered for this position

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain required (Top Secret/Secret) security clearance
• Must have at least one year or equivalent of specialized experience at the DO/DR-01 (GS-11 or equivalent) grade level or above in other pay systems.
• This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position. The selectee will have 24-months to meet APDP requirements or a waiver must be obtained.
• Minimum of a bachelor of Science in Engineering (preferred mechanical, aeronautical or aerospace discipline)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with energetic materials and associated safety protocols
• Experience/familiarity with ASME B31.3 and National Board Inspection Code
• Experience in fault analysis, failure mode and effects analysis, MILSTD 882 requirements, and software safety requirements
• Ability to work as part of a collaborative team to identify problems and work toward viable solutions.
• Experience presenting both written and verbal to Senior Leadership

Telework Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus? No

Series 08XX

Additional Information Instructions on how to submit documents are provided in the automated email you will receive once you apply. Candidates with resumes longer than 2-pages will not be considered.

Requisition Number 58584

Posting End Date 10/15/2026