RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
DescriptionNorthrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking an experienced
Safety Management System (SMS) Administrator in
Baltimore, MD. This role strategically guides, implements, and sustains a comprehensive, enterprise-wide SMS focused on design and manufacturing, while coordinating with Mission Systems locations subject to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. The SMS Administrator oversees safety protocols across multiple, geographically dispersed locations and serves as a bridge between operational teams and leadership. A key objective is to drive efficiency by integrating SMS processes with ISO 9001, IA9100 and existing occupational health and safety frameworks to meet or exceed all applicable regulatory requirements. Candidate must have exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Primary Duties and ResponsibilitiesSMS Implementation & Program Management:
- Lead the initial SMS rollout and manage the SMS implementation plan on behalf of the Accountable Executive to ensure usability and adoption across all departments.
- Administer the Mission Systems Sector SMS across all sector locations.
- Lead the Sector SMS Council; maintain the charter, manage administrative functions, and track action items to closure.
- Maintain and update SMS policies, procedures, and manuals to reflect evolving regulatory and industry standards.
Risk Management & Compliance Oversight:
- Ensure compliance with applicable aviation safety regulations and standards; map SMS processes to ISO 9001 / IA9100 and occupational health and safety standards to streamline operations.
- Facilitate hazard identification; coordinate risk assessments; implement effective mitigations; and share best practices across the sector.
- Review SMS-related employee safety reports; ensure timely follow-up, root-cause investigation, and resolution.
Safety Culture, Training & Communication:
- Promote a "just culture" that encourages open reporting, feedback, documentation, and non-retaliation.
- Assist in designing and delivering SMS training to ensure clear understanding of SMS concepts and fundamentals.
- Communicate safety standards and best practices via newsletters, bulletins, safety meetings, and other multi-location channels.
Auditing, Data Metrics & Continuous Improvement:
- Support and conduct internal and external audits, safety inspections, and process evaluations across all locations.
- Establish, enhance, and track SMS metrics and safety performance goals; analyze data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives and serve as the internal SMS subject matter expert (SME) to drive long-term system maturity.
- Maintain SMS documentation and records; prepare executive-level reports for senior leadership.
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree and 8 years of experience in Safety, Engineering, Occupational Health and Safety, and/or Aviation Management, or a related technical field OR a Master's degree and 6 years in Safety, Engineering, Occupational Health and Safety, and/or Aviation Management, or a related technical field
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience developing, implementing, and administering an SMS or integrated management system in an aviation or highly regulated manufacturing/technical environment
- Practical working knowledge of management systems including ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems) AI9100 for aerospace, ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) Management Systems or ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems) including documentation, process mapping, and audit preparation
- Demonstrated experience with enterprise program management, change management processes/systems, and formal project management across geographically dispersed locations
- Experience managing safety data, reporting software, or integrated management system (IMS) platforms
- Ability to translate complex SMS requirements into actionable, clear procedures for all levels of the organization
- Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Secret Clearance
- US Citizenship required
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience administering an SMS within the aviation industry, including working knowledge of aviation SMS principles (e.g., ICAO Doc 9859 or FAA/EASA SMS requirements).
- Formal safety management or advanced project management training.
- Lead Auditor certification (ISO 9001 or IA9100) or professional safety certification (e.g., CSP).
- Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance
Primary Level Salary Range: $112,200.00 - $168,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
