Associate Director, System Safety Engineering

As the Associate Director, System Safety Engineering at Anduril Industries, you will oversee a team of System Safety Engineers, leading them to develop and implement tailored safety program plans that align with MIL-STD-882E. This includes conducting complex safety analyses, managing hazard tracking databases, and fostering a culture of safety throughout the organization while collaborating with various stakeholders on safety-related matters.

Candidates for the Associate Director, System Safety Engineering role at Anduril Industries should possess a B.S. Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, or a related field, along with 7+ years of experience in System Safety Engineering, including at least 3 years in leadership. Extensive knowledge of MIL-STD-882E, safety analysis techniques, and experience managing advanced hardware programs are also essential.

At Anduril Industries, compliance with safety standards is ensured through a robust System Safety Engineering program led by the Associate Director. This involves developing safety requirements, conducting thorough safety assessments, and performing continuous evaluations to align with military and industry standards, thus guaranteeing that all products meet safety and operational benchmarks.

Success in the Associate Director, System Safety Engineering role requires strong leadership, exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, and excellent communication abilities. A deep understanding of safety analysis techniques like FTA and FHA, along with experience in cross-functional collaboration, is crucial for driving safety initiatives across the organization.

The work culture at Anduril Industries emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. As the Associate Director, System Safety Engineering, you can expect to work in a dynamic environment where your contributions will directly impact military technologies, all while being part of a diverse team that values personal development and community involvement.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of safety analysis techniques you've employed, such as Functional Hazard Analysis or Fault Tree Analysis. Discuss how you applied these methods to enhance safety protocols in prior projects and the outcomes of those initiatives.

For this question, discuss your leadership style and strategies to manage diverse teams effectively. Highlight your experience in mentoring team members, fostering collaboration, and driving performance through clear communication and alignment with organizational goals.

Detail your approach to staying updated on safety standards and regulations. Discuss methods for conducting regular audits, integrating compliance into design processes, and training team members, emphasizing your commitment to maintaining high safety standards.

Share a specific project where you navigated safety considerations from initial stages to implementation. Discuss challenges you encountered, the strategies you employed to overcome them, and the successful outcomes that resulted from your efforts to ensure safety and compliance.

Explain your communication strategy, emphasizing the importance of transparency and collaboration with stakeholders. Provide examples of how you convey complex safety topics and foster a shared understanding of safety objectives across various departments and with external partners.

Discuss how you use data analysis to identify trends, assess risks, and mitigate safety issues. Describe specific tools or methodologies you employ for analyzing safety performance data and how this analysis informs decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.

Outline the collaborative approach you take when working with design teams to develop safety requirements. Highlight the importance of early integration of safety considerations in the design phases and how you ensure that safety requirements are clearly understood and implemented.

Share specific examples of how you have guided and mentored your team in developing System Safety artifacts like FHA, FTA, or FMECA. Emphasize the skills and knowledge you imparted and any measurable improvements in team performance or project outcomes.

Provide an anecdote detailing a difficult safety challenge you managed. Focus on your problem-solving approach, the analysis you conducted, and the innovative solutions you implemented to address the issue effectively.

Discuss your passion for safety engineering and the impact it has on national security and military operations. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive your commitment to developing safe, reliable military technologies at Anduril Industries.