System Safety Engineer - Defence / Aerospace Location: Southampton - approximately 90% onsite Contract: 6 months (23 November 2026 - 23 May 2027) Rate: £70 to £78 per hour IR35: Inside IR35 Clearance: Active SC clearance required; sole UK nationality essential Hours: 37 per week The Role An exciting opportunity for a Lead / Principal System Safety Engineer to support a next-generation Air programme, developing integrated sensor, communications and non-kinetic systems for flight test and technology demonstration. You will lead system safety activities across complex, multidisciplinary engineering teams, ensuring hazards are identified, risks mitigated and safety requirements met throughout the engineering lifecycle. Key Responsibilities Lead system safety work packages across multiple engineering teams. Conduct hazard identification, safety analysis and risk mitigation. Develop and manage system safety requirements. Review subsystem and aircraft-level safety analyses. Produce safety assessments and supporting technical documentation. Present safety findings at design reviews and advise on product safety assurance. Essential Skills & Experience Proven system safety experience within a safety-critical industry. Experience across multiple engineering lifecycle phases. Track record of leading safety activities across multidisciplinary teams. Knowledge of hazard analysis, risk mitigation and aircraft-level safety. Strong communication, stakeholder management and documentation skills. Desirable: Knowledge of ARP4754B, ARP4761A, DO-254 or DO-178C; experience with radar, sensors or defensive aids systems; and tools such as IBM DOORS, Cameo or Isograph. Apply Now Join a high-profile UK defence programme developing advanced combat air technologies and integrated systems