We are pioneering modular motion technologies to power the next generation of innovation for Industrial, Aerospace and Defense. If you're excited about disrupting legacy industries and building safety-critical systems that fly, let's chat!
We are at the forefront of innovation, crafting exclusive motion control components that propel the aerospace and defense sectors into the future.
A couple other things:
- We offer a lot of autonomy
- We like to run lean for impact
- We have great benefits
- We are well funded, and already generating revenue
- We just moved into a new large hangar facility in Hawthorne, CA
We are looking for a Senior Systems Engineer with deep expertise in safety and reliability to own safety and reliability deliverables across the product lifecycle — from requirements and architecture through analysis, test, and certification. You will work directly with our systems engineering lead, DER, and cross-functional leads across hardware, software, and mechanical engineering on a fast-moving FAA Part 25 / EASA CS-25 certification program.
- Hazard Analysis & Assessment: Own FHA, PSSA, and SSA activities end-to-end. Produce certification-quality deliverables that satisfy SAE ARP4754B and SAE ARP4761A guidelines.
- Fault Analysis: Lead FTA and FMEA/FMES (Failure Modes and Effects Summary) development across system, subsystem, and component levels. Maintain traceability from hazard to design mitigation to verification evidence.
- Requirements Allocation: Define and allocate safety requirements to hardware, software, and mechanical subsystems. Track closure through test and analysis.
- Certification Interface: Serve as the safety engineering point of contact for the FAA DER and airframe customer technical teams. Support development of safety plans, compliance checklists, and design assurance documentation.
- Reliability Modeling: Develop and maintain reliability models and predictions using MIL-HDBK-217, FIDES, or equivalent methods. Own MTBF analysis and reliability requirement allocation to subsystems.
- FMEA/FMES: Drive reliability-focused FMEA activities that feed both design decisions and safety analysis inputs.
- Design Reviews: Participate in PDR and CDR as the safety and reliability subject matter expert. Identify and drive resolution of safety-relevant design risks.
- Software & Hardware Interface: Support DO-178C and DO-254 planning activities as they interface with system-level safety requirements.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering. Advanced degree a plus.
- Experience: 5+ years of systems engineering experience, with at least 3 years focused on safety and/or reliability analysis. Hands-on ownership of deliverables — not just familiarity.
- Safety Frameworks: Demonstrated working knowledge of SAE ARP4754B and SAE ARP4761A, or equivalent frameworks (IEC 61508, MIL-STD-882, ISO 26262 considered). Must have owned FHA, FTA, and FMEA/FMES deliverables through a formal review.
- Reliability Methods: Proficiency in MTBF analysis and reliability prediction. Ability to build and maintain reliability models independently.
- Communication: Strong written communication; able to produce certification-quality documentation that holds up to DER and airframe customer scrutiny.
- Experience with FAA Part 25 or Part 23 certification programs.
- Familiarity with DO-160G, DO-178C, and/or DO-254 as they intersect with system safety.
- Background in adjacent industries is welcome — defense, medical devices, and automotive functional safety (ISO 26262) develop the same analytical rigor we need.
- Prior experience at a small or scaling aerospace company.
We are not just building components. We are reshaping the future of the Aerospace and Defense component industry, which is a $300B+ market! Come join us and help build next generation systems that will make a massive impact at global scale.
- Salary Range: $160,000-$175,000, plus equity and benefits at a well-funded, fast-moving startup
- We offer competitive compensation + equity
- Exceptional healthcare benefits, Medical is 100% covered by the company
- Flexible PTO
- 401K
- More to come!
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
- 5+ years of systems engineering experience
- At least 3 years focused on safety and/or reliability analysis
- Working knowledge of SAE ARP4754B and SAE ARP4761A, or equivalent safety frameworks such as IEC 61508, MIL-STD-882, or ISO 26262
- Hands-on ownership of FHA, FTA, and FMEA/FMES deliverables through formal review
- Proficiency in MTBF analysis and reliability prediction
- Ability to independently build and maintain reliability models
- Strong written communication and ability to produce certification-quality documentation
- Advanced degree
- Experience with FAA Part 25 or Part 23 certification programs
- Familiarity with DO-160G, DO-178C, and/or DO-254 as they intersect with system safety
- Background in defense, medical devices, or automotive functional safety
- Prior experience at a small or scaling aerospace company
What We Do
Salient Motion’s answer to the national security imperative and present market deficiency is to develop an electric motion operating system. We’re refining our core algorithms as we develop standalone inverters, web-based configuration and analytics platforms, and performant motors made with domestic resources that are accessible to businesses large and small.
