System Safety Certification Advisor - United States
System Safety Certification Advisor
Allow us to introduce ourselves
dss+ is a leading operations management consulting firm offering a range of advisory and implementation transformational services in Operational Risk, Operational Excellence, and Sustainability, enabled by Learning & Development and Digital Technologies.
dss+ has employees across the globe offering services primarily in the Metals & Mining, Chemicals, Oil & Gas, Power & Utilities, Manufacturing, Consumer Products, and Financial Services industries.
With our DuPont industrial operations heritage and expertise in operational risk management, operations excellence, learning & development, data analytics & digital technology, our capabilities provide an integrated, transformational solution to enable clients to realize their business goals.
At dss+ we have established an inclusive culture, where everyone contributes, has the chance to develop and display their talents in solving challenging client problems. We are a team-based culture and, thus, we look for people that operate well in this environment, are intellectually curious and adaptive in ensuring their contribution fits within the evolving themes and dynamics of our projects.
We have an immediate need for system safety engineers, aviation and aerospace safety experts, aviation safety inspectors, and aviation safety integrators to support the implementation of new technologies and programs. This presents a unique opportunity for you to grow both personally and professionally as you contribute to our Purpose.
Job requirements
You have experience supporting large capital programs to implement new technologies and systems providing system safety expertise. You are comfortable working large, complex and fast paced team environments.
You will work directly with safety, engineering, and certification authorities to define, assess, and verify safety performance across complex systems-of-systems, ensuring that safety remains a foundational element in every project phase.
Responsibilities
Lead and advise on safety certification strategies and processes systems and subsystems in alignment with policies and safety management frameworks.
Interpret and apply safety regulations, standards, and orders to system design, integration, testing, and operations.
Oversee the development, review, and validation of safety certification artifacts, including system safety assessments, hazard analyses, risk assessments, and compliance documentation.
Collaborate with certification authorities and internal engineering teams to ensure certification objectives are met across all lifecycle phases.
Provide technical and regulatory guidance to design and integration teams on safety-critical functions, verification approaches, and certification pathways.
Participate in system reviews, audits, and safety working groups, ensuring traceability between safety requirements and certification evidence.
Develop safety assurance plans and processes that align with Safety Management System (SMS) frameworks and applicable federal guidance.
Assess changes to certified systems to determine impacts on safety and recertification requirements.
Track certification progress, metrics, and milestones; report status and issues to leadership.
Support the preparation of certification packages and facilitate approvals for new or modified systems.
Identify opportunities to enhance certification processes, reduce cycle time, and strengthen compliance posture.
Act as a liaison between client, contractors, and third-party vendors to ensure consistent interpretation and application of safety standards.
Provide mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and analysts on certification procedures and documentation practices.
Required Qualifications:
U.S. Citizenship Required.
Must have the ability to obtain / maintain a Public Trust clearance
Minimum of 8 years with BS/BA; Minimum of 6 years with MS/MA; Minimum of 3 years with PhD
Deep understanding of FAA safety certification processes, including Order 8040.4, ARP 4754A, DO-178C, and DO-254 standards.
Experience with system safety assessments, risk management, and safety case development.
Strong understanding of Safety Management Systems (SMS) and related assurance methodologies.
Proven ability to interpret technical data, perform safety analyses, and communicate results effectively to both engineering and executive audiences.
Excellent communication, documentation, and presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with FAA stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
Must be able to commute to the Washington, DC area for work on a daily basis.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience supporting large-scale FAA programs (e.g., NextGen, SWIM, ERAM, or BNATCS).
Professional certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or System Safety Certified Practitioner (SSCP).
Knowledge of air traffic control systems, avionics integration, or NAS operational environments.
Familiarity with risk-based certification approaches and modern assurance methodologies.
We have a strong growth trajectory and a global footprint, which means unprecedented opportunity for the people on our teams to advance their careers through working with clients and joining forces with our experts who all share a problem-solving mindset and a passion for what they do. Our performance process and talent systems support every individual on their personal and professional development journey.
Because we're 100% Purpose and mission driven – dedicated to protecting, transforming, and sustaining positive change – this role, and the resources you'll have, offers you the ideal platform to make a difference.
At dss+ we have established an inclusive culture in which everyone contributes, and everyone has the chance to develop their talents further.
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