Aviation Safety Manager

The Aviation Safety Manager (ASM) is the single accountable owner of the Aviation Safety Program and Safety Management System (SMS), acting on behalf of the CEO (who is the Accountable Executive (AE)). This full-time, exempt role is located in Sunnyvale, CA. This role is responsible for integrating flight operations, maintenance, engineering, and logistics into a cohesive safety framework for the airship fleet. The ASM is tasked with ensuring we have safe-to-operate aircraft, safe personnel, and safe processes. The ASM reports to the Senior Director, Program Management, Quality, and Safety. The ASM coordinates with contracted Aviation Safety Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to deliver comprehensive and effective Aviation Safety results.

Responsibilities

• Safety Management System (SMS) Leadership

• Own, maintain, and continuously improve the company's SMS and annual safety plan, acting on behalf of the AE.
• Publish the company's safety policy, defining accountabilities and championing a non-punitive, just culture.
• Provide routine safety performance briefings directly to the AE and Senior Director.
• Operational Risk Management (ORM)Embed deliberate and time-critical risk assessment methodologies into all daily operations, maintenance, and training activities.
• Lead training on core risk management tools, including CRM, ORM, THA, and incident investigation/causal analysis methods.
• Maintain the master library of program risk assessments and brief leadership on key findings and trends.
• Hazard Identification & Incident InvestigationManage the end-to-end hazard reporting system, ensuring risks are classified, assigned ownership, and corrective actions are verified for effectiveness.
• Maintain, drill, and continuously improve the Pre-Incident and Emergency Response Plan (ERP), coordinating with first responders and airports.
• Serve as the lead coordinator for incident investigations, managing evidence, causal analysis, and the development of corrective actions.
• Issue interim safety alerts and ensure timely, accurate reporting of incidents to the safety database and regulatory bodies.
• Safety Assurance & Performance MonitoringExecute a layered safety assurance program, including self-assessments and independent audits, to verify the effectiveness of risk controls.
• Develop and own all safety performance metrics and chair the monthly Safety Review Board to analyze trends and drive action.
• Chair the Human Factors Council (HFC) and advise the AE on aircrew flight readiness status.
• Safety Promotion & CultureDevelop and deliver recurrent aviation safety training, including CRM, ORM, human factors, and safety leadership briefings.
• Drive a positive aviation safety culture through targeted safety campaigns and recognition of positive reporting behaviors.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in aviation safety, operations, or maintenance, preferably with large, complex aircraft.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a dedicated safety or incident investigation leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and managing a SMS and use of aviation industry best practices and CRM / ORM tools.
• Exceptional communication and facilitation skills, with experience briefing executive leadership and regulatory agencies.
• Proficiency with safety management and maintenance data systems, with strong analytical and reporting skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as an Aviation Safety Manager in a military or civil aviation environment (airship, rotorcraft, or large aircraft operations is highly desirable).
• Formal training in aircraft incident/accident investigation (e.g., NTSB, USC) and experience leading multidisciplinary investigation teams.
• Experience designing and drilling emergency response plans in coordination with local authorities and airport officials.
• AuthoritiesProgram Ownership: Acts on behalf of the Accountable Executive to lead and implement the Aviation Safety Program and SMS.
• The authority to halt any flight or ground operation that presents an unacceptable level of risk (Stop-Work Authority).
• The authority to convene investigations, issue interim safety directives, and escalate risk acceptance decisions to executive leadership (Investigative & Directive Authority).

• Work ConditionsWork primarily in a hangar and flight line environment.

• Opportunity for occasional travel.

• On-call support availability required to respond to safety events and emergencies.

What We Offer!

• Relocation assistance

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
• Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances

• Parental leave

• Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays

• 401(k) matching up to 6%

• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions

• Monthly wellness stipend

• Monthly cell phone stipend

• Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field

• Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

Compliance Requirements

• Criminal background check clearance

• Drug test clearance wherever applicable

$150,000 - $175,000 a year