Blade Safety Senior Manager
About The Position
The Safety Senior Manager is responsible for the leadership, development, and continuous improvement of Blade's safety programs across all lines of business, including internal safety reporting systems, ground and customer-facing operations safety, emergency response, and safety oversight of Blade's network of contracted Part 135 operators (helicopter, seaplane, and fixed-wing). Serving as the senior safety authority within Blade and the primary safety liaison to Joby Aviation leadership, this role ensures that Blade and its operators meet all applicable regulatory requirements and Blade's safety expectations through a structured audit program, active operator engagement, data-driven safety performance monitoring, and collaborative corrective action management. This role will also lead safety program development for the next chapter of urban air mobility for New York City, including safety management for eIPP operations in support of the introduction of Joby's S4 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into the region. The Safety Senior Manager will champion a strong, proactive safety culture on behalf of Blade and Joby leadership, its operators, its team members, and its passengers.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in aviation, safety, engineering, or a related field (or equivalent work experience) with a minimum of 8+ years of progressive, expert-level aviation safety experience
- Broad technical expertise across aviation safety disciplines with proven experience managing SMS frameworks, audit standards, or regulatory compliance programs
- Working knowledge of 14 CFR Part 135 operations and FAA Part 5 Safety Management Systems
- Ability to work onsite at Blade Operations in NYC full time, with approximately 25% travel
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) with an aviation safety specialty
- 10+ years of flight safety experience, including experience leading a safety department or serving as a Director of Safety
- Formal safety training (Military, FAA, NTSB, SCSI, USC, ERAU, or equivalent collegiate programs)
- Qualified lead auditor experience with IS-BAO, ARGUS, Wyvern, BARS, or military standards
- Familiarity with OSHA standards, eVTOL/vertiport operations, or electric aircraft systems
- FAA Commercial Helicopter certificate (airplane experience or ratings a strong plus)
- Demonstrated experience collaborating with regulatory agencies (FAA, NTSB, military) or managing third-party agreements and budgets
Responsibilities
- Define and execute Blade’s safety strategy, policy, and objectives in alignment with the Accountable Executive and Joby Safety, delivering regular performance reports and dashboards to leadership
- Serve as the primary safety representative and liaison with regulators, industry bodies, insurers, and operator leadership to address and resolve operational safety matters
- Oversee and standardize internal safety team members, contract auditors, and third-party audit providers
- Manage the annual Part 135 audit program, maintaining audit tools, checklists, desktop evaluations, third-party engagements, and reciprocity policies (e.g., ARGUS, Wyvern, IS-BAO)
- Lead interim safety reviews, event investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action plans with operators to address operational changes and ensure compliance
- Partner with Joby Safety to train auditors, map regulatory protocols, and support operator SMS maturation under FAA Part 5 requirements
- Direct station-level safety procedures, hazard assessments, PPE standards, and compliance with FAA and OSHA workplace safety regulations across all locations and special event operations
- Own the Blade Ground Operations Manual, coordinate NATA/flightline training, and oversee safety training programs for operations staff
- Maintain the Emergency Response Plan (ERP), lead annual drills, and ensure organizational readiness and regulatory compliance
- Lead safety management for eIPP operations in New York to support the integration of Joby’s S4 eVTOL aircraft, including vertiport, charging, and electric aircraft ground operations
- Perform comprehensive safety and hazard assessments for new infrastructure, facilities, and operating sites while supporting regional regulatory engagement efforts
Benefits
- paid time off
- healthcare benefits
- a 401(k) plan with a company match
- an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
- short-term and long-term disability coverage
- life insurance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
