Description

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We are looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we ’II support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you ’II have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

Northrop 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 Responsibilities

SMS 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