Safety Specialist at Solairus Aviation in Statesville, NC

Overview

The Safety Specialist is responsible for supporting the administration, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Solairus Safety Management System (SMS) and associated safety programs. The position supports hazard identification, risk management, event investigation, corrective action tracking, safety data analysis, safety promotion, and audit preparedness across operational departments, including flight operations, maintenance operations, and related support functions.The incumbent is expected to work collaboratively across departments to help maintain regulatory compliance, operational discipline, and a proactive Just Culture consistent with company standards and industry best practices.

Essential Responsibilities/Duties

Safety Management System

• Support the administration and maintenance of the company’s Safety Management System.
• Assist with the review, revision, and distribution of SMS-related manuals, policies, procedures, and guidance materials.
• Help ensure SMS processes remain aligned with company objectives, operational requirements, and applicable standards.
• Support safety meetings, committees, and review boards through preparation of materials, minutes, reports, and follow-up items.

Hazard Reporting and Risk Management

• Receive, review, document, and track safety reports, hazard reports, and operational concerns.
• Conduct preliminary assessments of reported events and hazards for severity, likelihood, and required escalation.
• Support formal risk assessments using the approved company methodology.
• Maintain hazard logs, risk registers, mitigation records, and follow-up documentation.
• Track and monitor corrective and preventive actions for completion and effectiveness.

Investigations and Event Response

• Assist with investigations involving incidents, accidents, injuries, damage events, procedural deviations, and operational irregularities.
• Collect and organize statements, records, and supporting documentation.
• Support causal analysis and identification of contributing factors, including human factors and systemic considerations.
• Prepare investigative summaries and corrective action recommendations.
• Coordinate with relevant internal stakeholders as needed during event review and response activities.

 Safety Assurance and Reporting

• Collect, validate, and analyze safety-related data from reports, audits, training records, operational metrics, and other sources.
• Identify recurring trends, emerging risks, and areas for operational improvement.
• Prepare recurring and ad hoc reports, dashboards, and presentation materials for leadership review.
• Support safety performance monitoring and related reporting requirements.

Audit and Compliance Support

• Assist with internal audits, safety assessments, inspections, and program reviews.
• Support external audit preparation, including FAA, IS-BAO, ARGUS, Wyvern, customer, and other applicable reviews.
• Maintain organized safety documentation and records supporting compliance and program effectiveness.
• Track audit findings, recommendations, and closure status.

Safety Promotion and Training

• Support safety communications, awareness campaigns, and reporting culture initiatives.
• Assist in developing and distributing newsletters, bulletins, alerts, and training materials.
• Support SMS and safety-related training efforts for employees and operational personnel.
• Encourage participation in reporting, risk awareness, and continuous improvement activities.

Cross-Functional Support

• Coordinate with operational departments on safety concerns, procedural changes, and identified risks.
• Support management of change reviews related to operational, organizational, or procedural changes.
• Assist with emergency response planning, exercises, and post-event review processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aviation, safety, occupational safety, or a related field; or equivalent relevant aviation experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in aviation safety, flight operations, maintenance operations, compliance, quality assurance, or related operational discipline.
• Working knowledge of Safety Management System principles and risk management processes.
• Familiarity with business aviation operations and environments operating under Part 91, Part 91K, and/or Part 135, as applicable.
• Ability to remain calm, organized, and effective in high-stress situations, including during or following an incident or accident.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and safety data/reporting systems.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.

Specific Qualifications/Certifications

• Experience in business aviation, charter, aircraft management, or corporate flight department operations.
• Familiarity with FAA safety guidance, regulatory frameworks, and SMS implementation concepts.
• Experience supporting IS-BAO, ARGUS, Wyvern, or comparable audit/certification standards.
• Experience with investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action management.
• Operational aviation experience as a pilot, maintenance technician, dispatcher, or equivalent.

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of SMS components, including safety policy, safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion.
• Working knowledge of 14 CFR Part 5 - Safety Management Systems.
• Ability to evaluate operational and safety data and develop practical recommendations.
• Ability to prioritize competing tasks and meet deadlines with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees and leadership at all levels.
• Ability to maintain objectivity and professionalism during investigations and reviews.
• Strong judgment and appropriate escalation discipline.
• Ability to promote trust, collaboration, and a positive safety culture.

Working Conditions

• Office-based environment with routine interaction in operational settings including hangars, ramps, FBO’s, and flight department facilities.
• May require occasional after-hours responsiveness related to incidents, investigations, or significant operational events.
• Must be able to access airport operational areas in accordance with applicable security and badging requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to move safely through office, hangar, and ramp environments.
• Ability to lift and carry light materials or equipment up to 25 pounds, as needed.
• Ability to travel by air and ground transportation as required.

Travel

• Up to 30% domestic travel required to company locations, managed aircraft bases, training events, or audit sites.