Job Title: Flight Safety Officer

Purdue University College of Engineering-Office of Academic Affairs; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University is seeking a Flight Safety Officer to promote a strong safety culture and oversee risk management for flight operations in West Lafayette, IN. The role requires active flight instructor status and a minimum aviation-related degree with relevant experience.

Ideal candidates will hold a CFI credential, bring strong communication and decision-making skills, and contribute to safe, compliant day-to-day operations while collaborating with multiple departments in a prestigious

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an aviation-related field.
• A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience.
• Certified Flight Instructor.
• An equivalent combination of required education and work experience may be considered (e.g., an associate’s degree with 4–5 years, or a high school diploma and 6–7 years).

Responsibilities

• Identify and manage risk to maintain safety across flight operations.
• Promote and safeguard a strong safety culture and respond to safety concerns promptly.
• Support day-to-day operations while maintaining active flight instructor status.

Skills

Communication

Adaptability

Critical Thinking

Organizational Management

Decision-Making

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an aviation-related field

Certified Flight Instructor

Equivalent combination of education/experience

Job description

Flight Safety Officer

City: West Lafayette

Job Description

Job Summary

The Flight Safety Officer promotes and safeguards a strong safety culture across the organization while maintaining active flight instructor status. The role serves as the central resource for identifying and managing risk, supporting safe day‑to‑day operations, and ensuring safety concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. As both a champion of proactive safety practices and a key participant in operational and emergency responses, the Flight Safety Officer helps ensure that all flight activities are conducted to the highest safety standards.

About Us

When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we’ve been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation.

This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a prestigious institution known for innovation and research excellence. You'll collaborate with top talent across departments while helping protect Purdue's research integrity. Join our community of lifelong learners and contribute your skills to this critical program.

At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together.

What We Are Looking For

Education and Experience

Qualified Candidates Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in an aviation-related field
• A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience
• Certified Flight Instructor
• An equivalent combination of required education and work experience may be considered. For example, an associate’s degree and 4-5 years of experience or High School Diploma/GED and 6-7 years of related experience

Skills Needed

• Communication, Adaptability, Critical Thinking, Organizational Management, Decision-Making, Interpersonal Skills

What We Would Like You To Know

• All new hires will be expected to follow Protect Purdue
• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
• Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php
• The anticipated annual salary for this position is $55,000- $65,000 commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience.

Career Stream

Professional 2

Pay Band

S060

Purdue University is an EOE employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply