Aircraft System Safety Engineer

We’re more than aviation experts, we’re pioneers. We challenge what’s possible. From breaking the sound barrier to advanced tiltrotor systems. Today, Bell is shaping the future of aviation through specialized engineering. And we want you.

We are developing the future of Army Aviation with the Bell Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) as part of the US Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) modernization effort. We are also developing the Bell 525 Relentless, and Bell's High-Speed Vertical Take-Off and Landing (HSVTOL) program, a next generation stop-fold aircraft. 

Aircraft System Safety, FLRAA

System Safety Engineering is the key element of Systems Engineering that provides a standardized methodology for the management of lifecycle risks.  System Safety Engineers work with engineers across all the integrated product teams that design, test, produce, refine, and improve our aircraft as well as with the pilots who fly our products and the maintenance personnel who troubleshoot, service and maintain the aircraft and subsystems, to identify, evaluate, monitor, and control risk.  

This role integrates the detailed analysis of aircraft systems and functional relationships with an in depth understanding of how the aircraft is operated and how its subsystems are employed to perform the mission.  

The System Safety Engineer minimizes operational risks for the customer and maximizes the successful operational employment of our customer’s aircraft.

What you’ll be doing as a System Safety Engineer\:

• Ensure effective systems safety engineering efforts are conducted through identification and analysis of potential hazards from concept definition through development, production, product fielding and lifetime sustainment.
• Identify and evaluate hazards both qualitatively and quantitatively.  Perform detailed analysis of aircraft systems and subsystems, their functioning, crew and maintenance operating procedures and practices, and the operational environment to identify hazard severity and quantify probability of occurrence or qualitatively estimate hazard frequencies.
• Plan, define and verify system safety requirements and develop safety analysis artifacts to ensure design integrity and safety.
• Administer system safety activities for assigned program Integrate Product Teams (IPTs).  Interface with the customer and IPT Teammates on safety related issues.  Monitor, investigate, and resolve issues relative to system safety engineering.
• Extensive communication of system safety engineering approach, industry and Bell best practices, and analyses results to internal and external customers to ensure all hazards are identified and mitigated effectively. Mentor fellow engineers as needed based on your expertise and experience.
• Support the development and application of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and model-based safety analysis (MBSA) practices to meet customer’s system safety objectives.
• Support Bell’s Safety Management System (SMS) for the control, management and tracking of program risks.
• Establishing software safety requirements in accordance with the appropriate standards and evaluating the functional impacts of noncompliance in coordination with software safety engineers, design subject matter experts (SMEs), suppliers, and the customer as required.  

 Skills You Bring To this Role\:  

Bell is in the pursuit of System Safety Engineers with a varying capability of experience.  The line items outlined below are a comprehensive list of capabilities.  Candidates are encouraged to highlight their relevant skillset to the items below.

• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work with cross functional teams in resolving complex highly integrated functional systems problems.
• Familiarity with the civil safety process defined in Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) ARP-4761 and ARP-4754 and/or defense safety process defined in MIL-STD-882. 

• Direct experience in SAE ARP4761 analyses\:  

o    Aircraft and System Functional Hazard Assessments (AFHA/SFHAs) 

o    Aircraft and System Safety Assessment (PASA, PSSA. ASA, SSA) 

o    Particular Risk Analysis (PRA) 

o    Zonal Safety Analysis (ZSA) 

o    Common Mode Analysis (CMA) 

• Direct Experience in MIL-STD-882 analyses\:  

o    Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) 

o    Operational & Support Hazard Analysis (O&SHA) 

o    Health Hazard Analysis (HHA) 

o    System/Subsystem Hazard Analysis (SHA/SSHA) 

o    Hazardous Materials 

o    Failure Modes and Effects Criticality Analyses (FMECA) 

o    Safety Assessment Report (SAR) 

• Experience or training in the development and application of model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and model-based safety analysis (MBSA) is desired. 
• Experience with software safety standards and requirements across the full development lifecycle from hazard identification through development to system/software qualification test is desired (e.g. DO-178C, MIL-STD-882, AMCOM385-17, Joint Software Safety Engineering Handbook)
• Excellent communicator, able to build and maintain effective relationships with customers, internal and external, and brief leaders/customers.
• Technical and functional understanding of aircraft and aircraft systems.
• Operational understanding of aircraft, aircraft systems, and related support systems is highly desirable. 

 What you need to be successful\:

• We are looking for self-starters who understands the enormity of the customer’s mission and brings an innate passion for the customer’s safety and success to the workplace every day. 

• 2 plus years of experience on aircraft or system development/sustainment programs that have utilized structured safety program processes or plans. 

• Bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) field.   Related degrees with relevant experience such as military rotorcraft/powered life aviator or mechanic qualification will be considered.   Advanced degrees will be considered as additional experience.                                                                                                                                                 

What we offer you in return\:

• You’ll be off every other Friday with our 9/80 work schedule
• 80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO)
• 120 hours Vacation time
• 12-13 paid holidays per year
• 6 weeks parental leave (remove for bargained employees)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health insurance
• On-site clinic, pharmacy, physical therapy, and licensed counselor
• Access to more than 11 Employee Resource Groups
• And so much more

It’s time to make your mark on the future of aviation. Join us on this mission, and let’s make history together.  

We are on a journey to amplify innovation, cultivate purpose and bridge experiences by fostering a culture that is driven by unique perspectives, voices and values.