SMS Architect Program Manager

Reporting to the Director of Mobility Safety, this role designs the SMS framework, leads safety risk and change management processes, and establishes standardized hazard identification, risk assessment, safety assurance, and continuous improvement practices. The position partners across Operations, Incident Management, EHS, HR, Training, and Legal to embed a proactive, data-driven safety culture aligned with FAA SMS, ICAO Annex 19, ISO 45001, and applicable partner requirements. Successful candidates must reside within commuting distance of one of our office locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, or Newark and be able to work onsite as needed.

About the Role

No two days are the same. You may begin by reviewing hazard reports and emerging trends, then facilitate a risk assessment, evaluate the effectiveness of an existing control, or coordinate a change management review. Throughout the day, you will partner with cross-functional leaders, track mitigation and corrective actions, refine safety metrics and dashboards, support SMS technology implementation, and translate complex safety requirements into practical processes and training. Your analytical approach, sound judgment, and ability to influence stakeholders will help strengthen accountability and advance a proactive safety culture.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain an SMS framework aligned with FAA SMS, ICAO Annex 19, ISO 45001, applicable partner requirements, and industry best practices
• Configure and administer the hazard reporting system; analyze submissions, identify trends, track actions, and close the loop with reporters
• Lead safety risk management activities, including risk assessments, change management reviews, mitigation prioritization, residual risk evaluation, and risk acceptance
• Perform safety assurance assessments to evaluate SMS effectiveness, validate controls, identify gaps, and drive corrective actions to closure
• Define leading and lagging safety indicators, develop dashboards, report results to leadership, and assess safety-culture maturity
• Create and deliver practical SMS training for employees and leaders on hazard reporting, risk assessment, risk acceptance, and SMS responsibilities
• Partner with Operations, Incident Management, EHS, HR, Training, and Legal to integrate SMS requirements into business processes and operational decisions
• Maintain the Safety Policy, SMS Manual, risk registers, procedures, and related process documentation
• Serve as project manager for onboarding and implementing SMS software and tools supporting enterprise-wide adoption
• Benchmark SMS practices, identify maturity gaps, and recommend improvements that strengthen safety performance and organizational learning

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Engineering, Aviation, or a related field required
• Five or more years of experience in safety management, SMS implementation, or risk management, preferably within transportation, aviation, logistics, or another high-reliability industry
• Strong knowledge of recognized SMS frameworks, including FAA SMS, ICAO Annex 19, ISO 45001, or equivalent standards
• Experience with hazard reporting systems and risk assessment methodologies such as bow-tie analysis, FMEA, and risk matrices
• Strong facilitation and training skills, with the ability to design and deliver content for diverse audiences
• Analytical, data-driven approach and proficiency with safety metrics, trend analysis, and dashboards using Excel, Power BI, or similar tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex safety concepts for nontechnical stakeholders
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, meet deadlines, and drive accountability

Preferred Qualifications

• IOSA Auditor certification or a comparable credential, such as SMS Auditor, ISO 45001 Lead Auditor, or Aviation Safety Auditor
• Experience in mobility, rideshare, autonomous vehicles, fleet operations, or another rapidly evolving operational environment
• Familiarity with Samsara or a similar telematics or safety platform
• Experience leading organizational culture change or process transformation

Pay

The starting salary for this role is $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience and will vary by market.

Bonus: Eligible, up to 10%

Benefits

• Reimbursement for Travel Expenses (as applicable, per Company policy guidelines)
• Paid Time Off / Vacation / Paid observed Holidays (Accruals start at 1.25 Days a Month, 4 Floating Holidays, 9 Paid Observed Holidays)
• Medical, Dental & Vision plan options
• Retirement programs, including 401(k) employer matching
• Paid Parental Leave & Adoption Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program for employees & family
• Educational Reimbursement & Discounts
• Voluntary Insurance Programs - Pet, Legal/Identity Theft, Critical Illness
• Perks & Discounts – Theme Park Tickets, Gym Discounts & more