Safety Engineer - Directed Energy Systems

AeroVironment • Albuquerque, NM

17h

About The Position

AV is a leading innovator in the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies in the fields of optics and laser systems; we are currently seeking a highly motivated Mid to Senior Level Safety Engineer with a strong background in safety implementation for directed energy technologies to join our dynamic team efforts on a ground-based program. The ideal person would have experience executing large ACAT-1 or equivalent programs. Safety Engineers on this program will collaborate with small and large teams working on a variety of tasks and responsibilities including: Conducting analyses like Functional Hazard Analysis (FHA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) to identify potential hazards. Assessing risks using both quantitative and qualitative methods to support design choices and recommend controls. Evaluating failure modes, effects, and criticality in analyses Reviewing and assessing system designs, plans, and specifications for safety compliance. Preparing and delivering safety-related documentation, such as System Safety Hazard Assessments (SSHA) and Safety Assessment Reports (SAR). Ensuring compliance with Department of Defense (DoD), military, and other applicable safety standards and policies. Reviewing contractor documents and change requests for safety implications. Working with multidisciplinary teams, including design, development, and test engineers. Communicating with stakeholders like government officials and contractors to address safety concerns. Develop and implement testing protocols for lasers, optical or electrical components and systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards and specifications. Coordinate and conduct integration and validation activities across mechanical, optical, electrical, and software domains Support risk assessments, failure mode analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives Aptitude in collaborative problem solving to resolve engineering issues on projects. Work closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware, software, and test engineers, to integrate laser and optics-based solutions into larger systems. Support the integration of laser systems with control electronics, power supplies, and mechanical assemblies. Participate in design reviews, documentation, and knowledge-sharing sessions to ensure engineering best practices are followed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Systems Engineering.
• Proficiency in systems modeling tools (e.g., MBSE, SysML), test automation, and data analysis.
• 5 years' experience in systems engineering with a focus on directed energy systems.
• Experience with high-powered directed energy systems and directed energy safety protocols.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Systems Engineering.
• 8 years directly related experience.
• Innoslate familiarity is a plus.
• Experience with directed energy system integration into larger systems
• Experience with power and grounding designs and implementation.
• Experience with EO/IR systems.
• Strong technical writing skills are applicable to engineering documentation (analysis reports, specifications, requirements documents, etc.).
• Familiarity with laser safety standards (ANSI Z136, IEC 60825).
• Experience with Military Systems.
• Experience with Directed Energy Systems.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Current and active DoD Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conducting analyses like Functional Hazard Analysis (FHA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) to identify potential hazards.
• Assessing risks using both quantitative and qualitative methods to support design choices and recommend controls.
• Evaluating failure modes, effects, and criticality in analyses
• Reviewing and assessing system designs, plans, and specifications for safety compliance.
• Preparing and delivering safety-related documentation, such as System Safety Hazard Assessments (SSHA) and Safety Assessment Reports (SAR).
• Ensuring compliance with Department of Defense (DoD), military, and other applicable safety standards and policies.
• Reviewing contractor documents and change requests for safety implications.
• Working with multidisciplinary teams, including design, development, and test engineers.
• Communicating with stakeholders like government officials and contractors to address safety concerns.
• Develop and implement testing protocols for lasers, optical or electrical components and systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards and specifications.
• Coordinate and conduct integration and validation activities across mechanical, optical, electrical, and software domains
• Support risk assessments, failure mode analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Aptitude in collaborative problem solving to resolve engineering issues on projects.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware, software, and test engineers, to integrate laser and optics-based solutions into larger systems.
• Support the integration of laser systems with control electronics, power supplies, and mechanical assemblies.
• Participate in design reviews, documentation, and knowledge-sharing sessions to ensure engineering best practices are followed.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level