Senior SMS Specialist

About Otto Aerospace
OTTO is developing the world’s first fifth-generation business jet, designed for sustainability through the innovative use of advanced super-laminar aerodynamics and high-precision, net-shaped composites. Flight tests of our technology demonstrator validate a dramatic reduction in fuel burn and allow a sizeable improvement in cabin comfort. Otto Aerospace is designing world-class aircraft from first principles physics and delivering ground-breaking aircraft and economic performance.

About the Role
As an SMS Specialist with a strong foundation in System Safety Engineering, you will play a pivotal role in integrating and advancing our Safety Management System (SMS) in alignment with 14 CFR Part 5. This role blends systems safety engineering (per ARP4754/ARP4761 practices) with SMS governance, partnering closely with Engineering, Quality, EHS, and Operations to identify hazards, assess and mitigate risk, monitor safety performance, and promote a positive safety culture. You will bridge the gap between engineering and safety, ensuring that technical and regulatory requirements are met throughout the design and manufacturing process. Your expertise will help foster a proactive safety culture and drive continuous improvement in our aviation safety programs. The ideal candidate is hands-on with hazard and risk analysis methods and equally strong at standing up processes, metrics, and training.

The Safety and Quality Assurance Office is responsible for establishing, promoting, and maintaining the highest standards of product safety, regulatory compliance, workplace health and safety, and product quality throughout the design, manufacturing, and operational lifecycle of our aircraft. Operating within a startup environment focused on innovation and growth, our team develops and manages the Safety Management System (SMS), Quality Management System (QMS), Environmental Health and Safety programs (EHS), auditing, training, operational safety, and continuous improvement initiatives. Our mission is to build a culture of proactive risk management, operational excellence, and transparency to ensure that every product and workplace environment meets or exceeds all regulatory, safety, and customer expectations.

What You'll Do

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Safety Management System (SMS) in accordance with 14 CFR Part 5, including the development and maintenance of all related documentation, procedures, and records.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to embed safety analyses and requirements into the development lifecycle, ensuring safety is represented in design decisions and verification/validation activities.
• Apply System Safety Engineering principles to identify, assess, and mitigate safety risks throughout the product lifecycle.
• Develop and deliver SMS training and awareness programs across the organization.
• Conduct safety audits, assessments, and investigations, and drive corrective actions.
• Analyze safety data and trends to recommend improvements and report findings to leadership.
• Support the development of safety performance indicators and metrics to measure SMS effectiveness.

Who You Are

Education

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Engineering, Human Factors, Aviation Safety, or a related field.

Experience

• 5–7+ years of experience in aviation safety, with a focus on SMS implementation and/or System Safety Engineering.
• Demonstrated experience implementing SMS in an aviation design and/or manufacturing company.
• Working knowledge of FAA regulations, including Part 5 with Parts 21, 23, 25, 121, and/or 135 preferred.
• Experience with safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion activities.

Required Skills

• In-depth understanding of 14 CFR Part 5 and Safety Management Systems.
• Strong technical background with the ability to interpret engineering data and influence design decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.

Where You'll Be

**This role will be remote with 25% travel until mid-2026, at which time it will transition to fully onsite in Jacksonville, FL.

Benefits

Otto Aerospace provides a robust benefits package that includes competitive salaries, subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) opportunities, paid short term disability, voluntary long-term disability and additional term life, with 15 paid days off, 13 paid company holidays, and paid sick leave. Depending on seniority and role, some roles qualify for potential bonuses and stock options.

Otto Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our hiring process. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We believe that a diverse team brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and greater success. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

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