Aviation SMS Manager – Safety System Lead (Onsite)

AAR Corp; Grand Prairie (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

AAR Corp is seeking an SMS Manager to sustain and enhance the Safety Management System at our Grand Prairie, Texas facility. This onsite role focuses on investigations, audits, and continuous safety improvements while coordinating with the Quality team.

The SMS Manager reports to the Director of Quality, requires a strong aviation safety background, and leads initiatives across FAA, ICAO, and EASA standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in aviation-related field.
• 3–5+ years in aviation operations, maintenance, air traffic control, or quality/safety assurance.
• Deep understanding of ICAO, FAA, or EASA SMS frameworks, safety policy, and auditing principles.
• Specialized SMS training courses or industry designations (e.g., NBAA Safety Manager) are preferred.
• Strong analytical and root-cause analysis skills.
• Project management and organizational capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and maintain the four core SMS pillars (Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, Safety Promotion).
• Design, update, and manage the SMS framework per FAA, ICAO, and EASA guidelines.
• Facilitate hazard identification, risk assessments, and mitigation with departments and SRBs.
• Lead or support investigations of accidents and incidents to identify root causes and CAPs.
• Serve as primary contact for regulatory bodies like FAA, NTSB, ICAO, or EASA.
• Promote just culture and safety awareness through training, newsletters, and cross-functional communication.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in aviation management or related field

Tools

FAA safety certificates

NBAA Safety Manager Certificate

Job description

AAR Corp is seeking an SMS Manager to sustain and enhance the Safety Management System at our Grand Prairie, Texas facility. This onsite role focuses on investigations, audits, and continuous safety improvements while coordinating with the Quality team.

The SMS Manager reports to the Director of Quality, requires a strong aviation safety background, and leads initiatives across FAA, ICAO, and EASA standards.