Sr. Manager, Aviation Safety

Rise above. Are you ready to take human possibility to a new dimension with us?

Supernal 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!

Supernal 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.

What we do: 

Supernal is seeking an experienced and highly driven Senior Manager of Aviation Safety Assurance to 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 Senior Manager 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.

What you can do:

• 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 enhance the company's SMS, aligning closely with FAA Part 5 regulations, Product Safety, and Quality Management System (QMS) frameworks

• Direct the 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 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 

What you can contribute:

• 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, commercial aviation or military aviation, with a strong focus on aviation safety, safety systems, flight operations, maintenance, or product certification 

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s Degree in Aviation, Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Safety Systems, or a closely related discipline highly preferred 

You may also be able to contribute:

• 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) preferred

• Recognized qualifications as a Lead Auditor (SMS/QMS) from a recognized organization (e.g., Flight Safety Foundation BARS Program, AS9100, ISO 9001) preferred

• Preference of a 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

 

Click HERE or visit: https://jobs.supernal.aero/benefits to view our benefits!

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other category or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at: ta-support@supernal.aero

This position may include access to certain technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. export controls laws and regulations. If an export authorization from an applicable US regulatory agency is required in connection with your employment, your employment is contingent upon Supernal’s receipt of such regulatory authorization(s) and your continued compliance with all conditions and limitations pursuant to such authorization(s).