SMS & QMS Lead (Aviation)

TL;DR

SMS & QMS Lead (Aviation/Robotics): Developing and managing Safety and Quality Management Systems for Autonomous Ground Support Equipment with an accent on hazard identification and systemic risk oversight. Focus on certifying complex autonomous systems in regulated aviation environments and implementing PLM tools for global fleet traceability.

Location: Hybrid in Atlanta, New York City, or South San Francisco; available in Boston, Colorado, Florida, or Texas; or Remote in the United Kingdom

Compensation: $144K – $180K + Equity

Company

hirify.global is a Series A startup transforming ground handling with autonomous equipment for some of the world’s largest airlines and ground handling providers.

What you will do

• Lead specialized risk assessments and hazard analysis for autonomous system components and environmental conditions.
• Manage the Safety Risk Register for the fleet, ensuring mitigation plans are implemented and residual risks are documented.
• Develop organization-wide procedures, practices, and policies for managing safety risk and assuring control effectiveness.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for regulators regarding the safety maturity of Autonomous Ground Support Equipment.
• Implement Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools to ensure traceability of hardware and software across the global fleet.
• Partner with Engineering to enable automated quality gates in CI/CD and lead the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) process.

Requirements

• BS degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mechatronics, Aerospace, or equivalent.
• 5+ years in Aviation Safety, Systems Safety, or Quality Engineering.
• At least 3 years of experience in a highly regulated high-tech environment (Aerospace or Autonomous Vehicles).
• Comprehensive knowledge of ICAO and FAA SMS standards.
• Proven track record of certifying complex systems or operating under a formal SMS in regulated environments.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams to align on unified process visions.

Nice to have

• MS in Computer Engineering, CS, Electrical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience fostering safety culture in aviation or robotics applications.
• Familiarity with airside driving environments at major global airports.
• Knowledge of safety standards such as ISO 26262, ISO 21448, UL 4600, IEC 61508, ANSI B56.5, or ISO3691.
• Professional certifications: SMS-certified, CSP, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to work at a Series A company backed by top-tier venture capital.
• Equity offers as part of the compensation package.
• Impactful role redefining global airline ground operations through autonomy.