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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
Skills Required
- 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, IA9100 for aerospace, ISO 45001 or ISO 14001 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
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Relocation assistance may be available (location: Baltimore, MD)
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.






