Director of Aviation Safety

Company Overview
Metrea Special Aerospace (MSA) provides a full range of aerospace solutions from integrated C4ISR operational services and tailored aviation services to advanced tactical helicopter training. MSA is a leader in commercial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) with superior platforms and a constantly evolving set of capabilities across all levels of services. We also offer custom, discreet, convenient, and reliable options to meet our partners’ mission needs in the air and on the ground and expert instructors well-versed in special mission aviation tasks and integrated air-ground-maritime planning and execution.

MSA designs, prototypes, engineers, and tests commercial, military, and government special mission applications for our US government and international defense customers, OEM partners, and private aircraft owners. We have recovered, serviced, and delivered aircraft globally throughout North, Central, and South America, as well as Europe, Asia, Africa, and along the Pacific Rim.

Our integrated solutions are the product of our deep stack of aviation capabilities and related design, acquisition, engineering, training, operations, and evaluation services offered to our customers in either integrated packages or as standalone services. Our organizational culture prioritizes safety, innovation, quality, and efficiency with responsive and flexible support.

In addition to CONUS and OCONUS operations, MSA operates two FAA 14 CFR Part 145 Repair Stations, an FAA Part 135 Aircraft Charter operation, a Fixed Base Operator (FBO), and provides aircraft management/owner services. 

Position Summary 

The Director of Aviation Safety is the principal point of contact within MSA for safety matters relating to flight operations; additionally, oversees the ground safety program through the ground safety manager. This role is responsible for developing, operating, and continuously improving the MSA’s Safety Management System (SMS). Oversees and manages the effectiveness of SMS programs for (MSA) divisions and programs. Conducts and/or supervises safety investigations; initiates corrective actions when necessary, developing and promoting safety policies and procedures to prevent personal injury and property losses resulting from accidents and incidents. The Director of Aviation Safety is the principal point of contact within MSA for safety matters relating to flight operations. 

Essential Functions Statements 

• Responsible for establishing policies and procedures for the conduct of Metrea Special Aerospace (MSA) contracts. This position is primarily responsible for the development, management, and continuous improvement of the Safety Management System (SMS).
• Duties include but are not limited to the development and publication of aviation safety papers and briefings pertaining to operational risks, trend analysis, ensuring compliance with all applicable directives and regulations, and ensuring standardization of safety policies and practices of aviation safety.
• Develop, enhance, and manage MSA's SMS and safety culture, including Aviation and Aviation Ground Risk Analysis and MSA's safety reporting system.
• Design, publish, and implement program-specific addendums to the MSA SMS manual as required.
• Build and enhance the MSA Deployed Operations Emergency Response Plan, inclusive of program-specific addendums.
• Develop and implement applicable training materials to ensure the effectiveness of the MSA's SMS and the growth of MSA's safety culture.
• Maintain close contact with deployed operators to identify safety and environmental hazards, risks, and promote the reduction or elimination of potentially hazardous conditions that may lead to safety issues and related financial losses.
• Advise the executive management team on all safety related matters that could impact operations.
• Oversee the MSA aviation safety council.
• Conduct internal safety audits in accordance with all applicable directives and regulations.
• Responsible for ensuring all safety related investigations are completed in a thorough and timely manner.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with MSA policies, processes, AS9100D, and ISO 9001:2000.

Competency Statements

• Must have extensive knowledge of aviation safety management policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Must be able to continually evaluate the efficiency of the SMS and implement improvement processes, ensuring the growth of Metrea's SMS and safety culture.
• Must have extensive knowledge in supporting aviation operations in austere locations to include but not limited to, the rigors and safety issues associated with extended rotation periods and continuous daily flight operations in support of government contracts.
• Must exercise strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to accurately interface with military and civilian customers, contractors, and aircrews.
• Must be able to use analytical ability to interpret safety trends.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Must exhibit the ability to learn and perform "on-the-fly" due to the dynamic nature of the mission and must be familiar with theater tactical SOPs and ROEs as directed by the customer.
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to multitask in high-stress situations/environments while maintaining composure.
• Coordinate all safety-related activities within the requirements of the SMS program with respect to mission requirements and Metrea contracts to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Report and investigate aircraft, ground safety, and environmental accidents to determine the cause of the accident and formulate recommendations to help prevent similar mishaps in the future.
• Detailed data entry in the Baldwin SMS of technical information as necessary for assisting in the monitoring of mishap reports to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Perform duties as an active member of an aircraft accident board, as needed.
• Carry out duties as the lead Aviation Safety Representative responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Perform routine OCONUS travel and within CONUS travel as required.
• Conduct other tasks as identified by the MSA President.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility
Yes 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours, and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Exempt Employees must have the ability to be on-call and available as business needs require. Non-Exempt employees may be required to work over 40 hours per week with approval from the department manager.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands
This is a largely sedentary role; however, some physical abilities may be required. 

Facility Location:  

Metrea Management – Remote 

Travel
Travel requirements are: 30%

Required Education, Experience and Certificates
Education: B.A./B.S. degree from a four-year college or university in a related field and/or combination of education and related experience.

Experience: 

• Ten (10) years of experience in an aviation administration function dealing with safety matters.
• Combined supervisory experience at a higher level in one of the following roles:
  • Three (3) years Aviation Safety Officer -or-
  • Ten (10) years of United States Military Aviation Operational experience

Certificates and Licenses: 

• Valid Driver's License 
• COVID-19 Vaccination Card

Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint Project, and Visio).
 
Preferred Education, Experience and Certificates

Education: 

• Master’s Degree in Safety Engineering; -OR- demonstrated capability to perform job responsibilities with at least four (4) years of previous relevant work experience.

• Graduate from a DoD Aviation Safety Officers' course with Accident Investigations, or FAA, NTSB, DOT, or accredited university equivalent.

Experience: 

• Qualify to monitor flight operations, training, and performance firsthand.
• Two years' experience as a manager or Director of an aviation centric Safety Management System (SMS).
• Knowledge and experience with the implementation of SMS.
• Received formal flight safety training and accident investigation from a recognizable entity.
• Knowledge of all areas of aircraft maintenance, flight operations, ground operations, and regulations governing DOD aviation
• Knowledge of external agencies (including FAA, NTSB, ICAO, EASA, etc.)
• Familiarity with DCMA 8210.01
• Leading safety-related meetings, including planning, action planning, and follow-up, managing a safety cross-functional project team.
• Experience providing safety training to personnel including the use of SMS and creating and fostering a proactive safety culture.
• Making presentations to senior leadership
• Leading an investigative team.
• Demonstrating the ability to act as a Safety officer for the organization, both internally and externally.
• Demonstrating knowledge of risk management principles and root cause analysis.
• Managing a safety program with a focus on continuous improvement
• Extensive experience in risk management and mitigation.
• Understanding of aviation related quality assurance programs.
• Prior military/contractor aviation support experience

Certificates and Licenses:

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
 Must be able to accomplish all duties with little or no assistance.
 Must have a good command of the English language, oral and written.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance
 Employee must be a U.S. citizen. 

Employee must be able to hold and maintain a Secret (or higher) Clearance Level.  
 Employee must have and maintain a U.S. Passport. 
 

AAP/EEO Statement
Metrea Special Management LLC (MAM) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.