Job Description

The Aviation Safety Manager (ASM) is the single accountable owner of LTA's Aviation Safety Program and Safety Management System (SMS), acting on behalf of the CEO (who is the Accountable Executive (AE)). This pivotal, full-time, exempt role is located in Sunnyvale, CA; Hangar 2. This role is responsible for integrating flight operations, maintenance, engineering, and logistics into a cohesive safety framework for LTAs 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 Investigation

• Manage 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 Monitoring

• Execute 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 LTA Human Factors Council (HFC) and advise the AE on aircrew flight readiness status.

Safety Promotion & Culture

• Develop 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.

Authorities

• Program 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 elevate risk acceptance decisions to executive leadership (Investigative & Directive Authority).

Work Conditions

• Work 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 The base salary range for this role is $150,000 - 175,000, which is determined based on experience, geography, and qualifications. The base salary is one component of the total compensation package, which includes a very competitive annual bonus, 401K Match, and other generous benefits. While we believe competitive compensation is a critical aspect of your decision to join us, we do hope you also spend time considering why our mission and culture are right for you.

SMS Text Messaging (10DLC Compliance)

LTA RESEARCH may communicate with applicants and users via SMS (text messaging) for purposes related to job applications, interview scheduling, and other recruitment updates. By providing your phone number through our application or contact forms, you consent to receive such communications.

We do not use SMS for marketing purposes, and we will never sell, rent, or share your phone number with third parties for their promotional use.

Message frequency may vary depending on your application status. Standard message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message. For assistance, reply HELP.

Your consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of employment. All data collected through text messaging is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, ensuring your personal information is kept secure and confidential.

LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.

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