Directed Energy Systems Safety Lead

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

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.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related discipline.

• Proficiency in systems modeling tools (e.g., MBSE, SysML), test automation, and data analysis.

• 15 years professional experience with 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• 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.

Clearance Level

 

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$91,000 - $129,150

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

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.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

 

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

U.S. Citizenship required