Manager, SMS

Who YOU are and what You can become:
Are you passionate about aviation safety and ready to lead a culture of proactive risk management? As a Safety Management System (SMS) Manager, you will drive the organization’s safety program by developing policies, leading risk assessments, and ensuring FAA compliance. You’ll collaborate with leadership and technicians alike to investigate incidents, monitor safety performance, and strengthen the systems that keep operations running safely and efficiently. If you’re a strategic thinker with strong aviation safety experience and a commitment to continuous improvement, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact on organizational safety.

Who WE are and where WE are going:

ST Engineering Aerospace is located in Pensacola, FL, at the Pensacola International Airport. We are a renowned provider of aircraft maintenance and modification (AMM) services for commercial airlines and air freight operators. We meet our customers' requirements by providing a full spectrum of high-quality, reliable, and timely AMM and engineering solutions. We have the know-how and experience to comprehensively manage complex projects, ensuring our customers' aircraft operate safely and efficiently.

What YOU will do:  

The Safety Management System Manager (SMS) is responsible for leading the organization’s safety management program by developing policies, conducting risk assessments, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a proactive safety culture. This role oversees incident investigations, coordinates safety training, monitors performance metrics, and collaborates with leadership to continuously improve safety outcomes.

In This Role YOU will:

• Build, document, and maintain the SMS Manual (SMSM) acceptable to the FAA
• Implement and sustain the four SMS pillars: Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management (SRM), Safety Assurance (SA), and Safety Promotion
• Establish and chair the Safety Committee (or Safety Review Board)
• Design, launch, and administer a non-punitive (just culture) hazard reporting system
• Lead Safety Risk Management (SRM) processes for organizational changes, new capabilities, new customers, facility expansions, major equipment purchases, and significant procedure revisions
• Maintain the Hazard Register and drive risk mitigations to closure
• Develop, track, and report on Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs) and targets
• Conduct internal SMS audits, gap analyses, and oversight of the Safety Assurance program
• Deliver initial and recurrent SMS training to all employees (management, supervisors, and technicians)
• Promote a strong safety culture and just-culture principles throughout the organization
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the FAA SMS Voluntary Program (SMS VP) and FAASTeam on SMS acceptance and ongoing conformance
• Prepare and present quarterly and annual safety performance reviews to senior leadership and the Accountable Manager
• Stay current on FAA SMS policy (AC 145-10, AC 120-92B, Orders 8000.369/8900.1, etc.) and industry best practices

SUPERVISION:   Under immediate direction.  Performs assignment after receiving detailed instructions as to methods, procedures, and desired end results.  Little room for deviation. 

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS: A moderate level of interpersonal skills is required to maintain an effective relationship with management and co-workers.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT: Requires easy mobility around all sections of the facility.  Must be able to occasionally lift 50 lbs.  Working environment requires climbing, stooping, and lifting on a regular basis in various weather climates throughout the year.  Requires the ability to wear a respirator without restrictions due to exposure to various fumes.

What YOU Need:  

• 5+ years of aviation safety, quality, or maintenance experience in an FAA Part 145 environment
• Direct experience building or managing an FAA Part 5 SMS (preferably to Active Participant or Active Conformance stage in SMS VP)
• Completion of recognized SMS training (FAA SMS for Aviation Maintenance course, A4A/IATA SMS, Southern California Safety Institute, or equivalent)
• Strong working knowledge of 14 CFR Part 145 and Part 5 (Safety Management Systems)
• Proven skills in hazard identification, risk assessment (5x5 matrix, bow-tie, etc.), root-cause analysis, and corrective action development
• Current or previous FAA Part 145 leadership role (DOM, Chief Inspector, Quality Manager, etc.) (Preferred)
• A&P license and/or IA (Preferred)
• Lead Auditor training (AS9100 or ISO 9001) (Preferred)
• Experience with electronic SMS platforms (e.g., VOCUS, SMS Pro, Baldwin, etc.) (Preferred)
• FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) Lead Representative experience (Preferred)

YOU get more than Just compensation with US:  
As part of the ST Engineering family, you will be treated like family. We offer a great range of benefits that our employees value and help make ST Engineering the best place to learn and work. Our benefits reflect our commitment to attract, engage and retain the most talented people and offer a diverse selection of benefits to suit you and your family.

Some of the benefits we offer are listed below:

• Medical Benefits
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• 401k with Employer match
• PTO
• Company provided uniforms
• 6 Nationally recognized holidays
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Company sponsored events throughout the year

Background and Drug Screening Requirements-

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure workplace, successful completion of a background check and drug screening is a mandatory condition for employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results from these screenings.

Equal Opportunity -

It takes diverse talent to solve real-world problems. ST Engineering is committed to building a workplace community where inclusion is valued, and everyone feels welcomed. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It’s through our differences that innovative changes are made.

Reasonable Accommodations –

ST Engineering is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact our Talent Strategies team at 1-571-771-0101, or by email at stena.careers@stengg.us.