Rise above. Are you ready to take human possibility to a new dimension with us?
[Company] is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company that’s developing an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and the ground-to-air ecosystem to support the emerging industry. By creating a sustainable, integrated, and human-centered ecosystem, we are committed to taking a thoughtful and responsible approach to entering the AAM market with a product that meets the high level of safety and reliability in today’s air transportation system.
The future of mobility starts with people. We believe in creative thinking and collaboration to help build a better mobility experience for everyone, improving people’s ability to move – whether for work or play. Join our dynamic team as we strive to be a part of something greater where potential powers tomorrow!
[Company] provides an inviting open-space workplace designed to foster collaboration, which aligns with one of our core values. This position is required to work on-site 5 days a week.
[Company] is seeking an experienced and highly driven Director of Aviation Safety Assurance to develop, implement and lead our Aviation Safety Assurance team. Reporting to the Chief Safety and Quality Officer, this senior role is responsible for the strategic leadership, coordination, and execution of safety oversight activities across flight, testing operations, maintenance, manufacturing, and product development.
The Director will ensure full compliance with FAA regulatory standards and Advisory Circulars, not limited to FAA Part 5 Safety Management Systems (SMS), relevant parts of 21, aviation product certification requirements, Industry technical standards RTCA, SAE, ARP, ICAO, and company safety objectives.
Develop, Implement, Lead and manage a cross-functional team of aviation safety professionals, including safety analysts safety engineers, aviation auditors, SMS specialists, and flight test safety leads
Oversee and design and enhance the company's integrated safety system including the SMS, aligning closely with FAA Part 5 regulations, Product Safety Assurance, and Quality Management System (QMS) frameworks
Direct the design, planning, execution, and follow-up of aviation safety audits, investigations, safety, and systems safety risk assessments
Actively lead and participate in safety investigations, root cause analyses, safety risk assessments, and mitigation planning across maintenance, engineering, and flight test activities. Provide independent safety assurance assessments and validation of systems safety processes
Develop, design, implment and oversee a structured aviation safety data analytics program, providing data-driven insights to guide executive-level decision-making
Coordinate cross-functional safety assurance activities across flight test, manufacturing, and operational teams to meet certification requirements at commercial aviation standards (10⁻⁹ safety target)
Monitor compliance with FAA Part 21, Part 5, FAA Order 8130.34D, and other applicable regulations and industry standards such as DO-178C, DO-254, DO-377A, DO-365A, SAE ARP-4754B - Guidelines for Development of Civil Aircraft and Systems ARP-4761A - Guidelines and Methods for Conducting the Safety Assessment Process on Civil Airborne Systems and Equipment
Oversee implementation of aviation safety audits and internal assessments, ensuring a proactive approach to identifying risk areas and non-conformities
Build and maintain strong working relationships with Quality Assurance, EHS, Safety Systems Engineering, Flight Test, and Certification teams
Provide regular reports and safety performance reviews to the Chief Safety and Quality Officer and senior leadership
Support continuous improvement initiatives to maintain a world-class aviation safety culture
Represent the company during regulatory audits, customer safety reviews, and certification audits as needed
Other duties as assigned
FAA certification as a Pilot (Commercial or ATP) or FAA-certified Aircraft Mechanic (A&P), or Military equivalent
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in aviation, commerical aviation or military aviation, with a strong focus on aviation safety, safety systems, flight operations, maintenance, or product certification
Master’s Degree in Aviation, Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Safety Systems, or a closely related discipline; PhD in Aviation Safety, Aviation Systems, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field preferred
Prior experience working in an aviation or aerospace manufacturing environment (OEM, MRO, or military equivalent).
Recognized qualifications as a Lead Auditor (SMS/QMS) from a recognized organization (e.g., Flight Safety Foundation BARS Program, AS9100, ISO 9001).
Deep working knowledge of:
FAA Part 5 SMS Requirements
FAA Part 21 Certification Procedures
FAA Order 8130.34D
DO-178C, DO-254 Software and Hardware Assurance Standards
RTCA DO-377A and DO-365A (Detect and Avoid Systems)
UAS/UAM Regulatory Frameworks, including eVTOL SFARs
SAE ARP-4754B, ARP-4761A
Proven ability to manage large safety investigations and lead complex root cause analyses.
Proficiency in safety data analytics platforms and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, safety databases).
Strong technical writing, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams in a highly regulated environment.