Systems Safety Engineer in Sydney

At KBR, we deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. With over 65 years working on some of Australia’s largest and most complex projects, KBR has unmatched experience supporting the nation’s critical infrastructure, energy transition and national security priorities.

The Systems Safety Engineer plays a critical role in delivering the systems safety assurance program across a Defence sustainment contract. Supporting the Engineering Manager, the role is responsible for ensuring safety assessments, reporting, and compliance activities are executed in line with Defence standards and engineering delegations. This position provides risk-based technical advice, contributes to safety case development, and helps ensure all in-service safety obligations are met across complex platforms.

This is a permanent full-time opportunity based in Sydney. The successful candidate must hold a Baseline security clearance or higher.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and maintenance of the System Safety Program, including Safety Case Reports.
• Direct safety assurance activities in line with the In-Service Safety Program (ISSP).
• Review and develop safety cases and assessments for new and existing capabilities.
• Support engineering change activities by ensuring system safety design integration.
• Review design requirements, tasking, and deliverables for safety compliance.
• Participate in integrated teams supporting design, development, and implementation of safe systems.
• Ensure certification aligns with Defence, statutory, and seaworthiness regulations.
• Develop and maintain system safety plans, procedures, and processes.
• Provide risk-based advice, reports, and recommendations to senior engineering leadership.
• Mentor engineers, collaborate with stakeholders, and support broader engineering and enterprise objectives.

As the ideal candidate you will bring:

• A degree as a qualified engineer with 10+ years’ experience in systems safety within Defence or similar high-risk industries (maritime, aerospace, rail, oil & gas).
• A proven ability to lead and deliver system safety programs, including safety cases, assessments, and assurance activities.
• A strong knowledge of safety engineering standards and Defence regulatory frameworks, including certification and seaworthiness requirements.
• Experience supporting engineering change and design reviews, ensuring safety is embedded across lifecycle and sustainment activities.
• An ability to provide risk-based technical advice and influence senior stakeholders on safety, technical integrity, and compliance outcomes.
• Highly developed communication, stakeholder engagement, and mentoring skills, with experience working across integrated teams.
• Eligibility for ITAR clearance and Chartered Engineer status, with strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.

All candidates will be required to hold and maintain an active Baseline Defence Security Clearance. Only candidates holding a Baseline Clearance or above should apply.

What we will offer you:

• A workplace culture certified as a Great Place To Work
• Flexible working
• Competitive salary (including annual reviews)
• Paid parental leave
• Income protection
• Corporate rewards
• Salary packaging/Novated leasing
• Employee stock purchase plans
• Flu shots, skin checks and discounted private health insurance
• Career development: Online learning, mentorship and career pathways

Please note: Shortlisting will take place as applications are received, therefore the advertisement may close early if a suitable candidate is identified.

As a Major Service Provider of the Australian Defence Force, an AGSVA security clearance will be required and compliance to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). As such, our hiring decisions are based on the key requirements of each role and candidates are selected based on their unique strengths and experiences.