Manager, SMS (Onsite)

AAR Corp•Grand Prairie, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The SMS Manager (Safety Management System) contributes to continuous improvement of safety at AAR Components by supporting the management of its Safety Management System. The role performs SMS-related functions, including investigations and audits, and works closely with and coordinates with the Quality team. The position reports to the Director of Quality and has no direct reports. The role is based in an office Monday through Friday. During the first year, the SMS Manager is expected to establish a phased SMS implementation plan aligned with local civil aviation authority requirements and obtain formal acceptance, as well as complete a baseline assessment of existing safety structures against regulatory requirements while identifying practices that are already effective.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aviation management, aerospace engineering, occupational health and safety, or a related field, or equivalent practical or military experience.
Minimum of 3 to 5 plus years of experience in aviation operations, maintenance, air traffic control, or quality or safety assurance.
Deep understanding of ICAO, FAA, or EASA SMS frameworks, safety policy, and auditing principles.
Strong analytical and root-cause analysis skills.
Project management and organizational capabilities.
Independent decision-making skills and authority to flag or halt unsafe operations.

Nice To Haves

Specialized SMS training courses, FAA safety certificates, or industry designations such as an NBAA Safety Manager Certificate are often preferred.

Responsibilities

Deploy and maintain the four core SMS pillars: Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion.
Design, update, and manage the organization-wide SMS framework in accordance with guidelines such as FAA 14 CFR Part 5, ICAO Doc 9859, and EASA standards.
Facilitate hazard identification, conduct risk assessments, and coordinate mitigation strategies with operational departments and Safety Review Boards (SRB).
Lead or support investigations of accidents, incidents, and near-misses to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive action plans (CAP).
Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies and governing authorities such as the FAA, NTSB, ICAO, or EASA.
Promote a just culture and safety awareness through employee training, safety newsletters, and cross-functional communication.
Coordinate closely with the Quality team.
Establish a realistic, phased SMS implementation plan aligned with local civil aviation authority requirements and obtain formal acceptance.
Complete a baseline assessment of existing safety structures against regulatory requirements, identifying what already works.