Become a Safety Engineer with the Missile Defense Agency

Are you ready to apply your engineering expertise to one of the most critical missions in the world? The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is currently hiring a dedicated and experienced Safety Engineer to work at the prestigious Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. This is a unique opportunity to lead safety efforts for weapon systems that protect the United States and its allies.

About the Missile Defense Agency

The Missile Defense Agency is a key component of the Department of Defense. Its mission is to develop, test, and deploy a layered ballistic missile defense system capable of intercepting threats during all phases of flight. Working at the MDA means joining a team of elite professionals who are pushing the boundaries of technological achievement in defense.

Job Responsibilities

As a Safety Engineer at the NH-04 broadband level, you will operate as a subject matter expert. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Hazard Mitigation: Designing and implementing safety protocols for products delivered to the Warfighter.
System Safety Leadership: Leading the System Safety Working Group (SSWG) to manage software and hardware safety integration.
Risk Analysis: Identifying potential hazards and briefing senior leadership on mitigation strategies.
Compliance: Ensuring all project-level work adheres to Department of Defense and Agency safety directives.

Requirements

To qualify for this high-level position, you must meet the following criteria:

Requirement Type	Criteria
Education	Bachelor's in Engineering (ABET-accredited) or equivalent academic foundation
Experience	1 year of specialized experience at the NH-03/GS-13 equivalent level
Clearance	Ability to obtain/maintain SCI clearance
Documentation	2-page max resume in PDF, official/unofficial transcripts

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $130,987 to $197,200 per year. Beyond the base compensation, employees enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
Participation in the FERS retirement system.
Matching contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Ample paid leave (vacation, sick time, and federal holidays).

Application Tips

The federal hiring process is precise. To maximize your chances:

Format Matters: Use a clean, professional font. Ensure your PDF is no longer than two pages.
Highlight Accomplishments: Use your resume to describe specific technical projects and the results you achieved.
Check Your Files: Verify that your transcripts clearly display your name, institution, and degree information.

The role of a Safety Engineer at the Missile Defense Agency is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety and security of the nation. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to tackle complex engineering challenges, we encourage you to apply before the September 8, 2026, deadline.

Why This Safety Engineer Job Matters

Shape the future of national security and protect those who defend our nation by serving as a lead Safety Engineer for the Missile Defense Agency at Redstone Arsenal.

Safety Engineer Job Overview

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is seeking a highly skilled Safety Engineer to join our team at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. This critical role involves serving as a subject matter expert, responsible for guiding system safety, software safety, and hazard mitigation programs for major weapon systems. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the products delivered to our Warfighters meet the highest safety standards, protecting personnel and mission success in a high-stakes environment.

Requirements for Safety Engineer

U.S. Citizenship.
Must possess a bachelor's degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution OR meet specific curriculum/experience requirements outlined in the OPM professional engineering standards.
One year of specialized experience at the NH-03/GS-13 equivalent level.
Ability to pass an initial and recurring drug screening.
Eligibility for a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
Submission of a professional resume, limited to exactly two pages in PDF format.
Must be able to provide transcripts confirming your educational qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications for Safety Engineer

Experience applying Mil-std-882 to system safety engineering.
Proven background in evaluating propulsion systems, ordnance, flight termination, or hazardous material handling.
Experience in accident/mishap investigation and comprehensive reporting.
Expertise in designing safety protocols for weapon system software and hardware integration.
Active pursuit or possession of professional licensure or certifications relevant to safety engineering.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Flexible work-life balance programs.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.

💡 How to Apply Safety Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Safety Engineer Job

Review your resume to ensure it meets the strict two-page limit and formatting requirements.
Gather your university transcripts and the most recent SF-50 (if currently a federal employee).
Create or log into your USAJOBS account to build your application profile.
Visit the provided online application portal to complete the required questionnaire.
Upload all mandatory documentation in PDF format, ensuring file sizes remain under 5MB.
Submit your application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; excess pages will disqualify your application immediately.
Use standard, readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Lato for your resume.
Ensure your resume explicitly details the hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
Check your USAJOBS status portal regularly after submitting for updates on your application progress.
Review the OPM engineering standards carefully to ensure your academic background aligns with the core requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security clearance requirement for this role?

This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance, as it is classified as a Special-Sensitive/High Risk role.

Can I substitute experience for education?

Generally, no. You must meet the specific engineering degree requirements or combination of education and experience as defined by the OPM professional engineering standards.

Is telework available for this position?

No, this position is not listed as telework-eligible.