Environmental Health and Safety Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next‑generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

In this role, you lead the site’s Environmental Health and Safety strategy and serve as the primary expert for safety and environmental programs. You will partner closely with leadership and cross‑functional teams to build strong systems, ensure regulatory compliance, reduce risk, and strengthen a proactive safety culture. Your work directly supports safe operations, continuous improvement, and strategic decision‑making across the facility.

Responsibilities • Provides strategic Environmental Health and Safety guidance to leadership and cross‑functional teams.
• Drives the site’s Environmental Health and Safety strategy, aligning safety and environmental programs with operational needs.
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives to reduce incidents, near misses, and environmental risks.
• Develops and maintains robust high‑risk protocols such as lockout/tagout (LOTO) and confined space procedures.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations.
• Leads incident investigations using root cause analysis methodologies and oversees corrective and preventive action workflows.
• Analyzes Environmental Health and Safety data to identify systemic risks and implement proactive solutions.
• Coaches supervisors and managers on safe behaviors, risk identification, and regulatory responsibilities.
• Oversees Environmental Health and Safety training programs and standardizes Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and risk assessments.
• Supports emergency preparedness planning and ensures Environmental Health and Safety integration into capital projects and process changes.

Required Qualifications • 7+ years of experience in the Environmental Health and Safety field.
• Bachelor’s degree in safety management, occupational health, chemical or industrial engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Project management experience across safety programs in manufacturing environments.
• Technical expertise in incident investigations and risk mitigation.
• Collaborative experience working with multiple departments.
• Advanced knowledge of UOSH, UDEQ, and DERR regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools including Excel and Word.

Preferred Qualifications • HAZWOPER training.
• CPR/First Aid training.

Physical Requirements • Standing and walking for extended periods up to 6–8 hours per day during facility inspections and audits.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders to access equipment and work areas.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 40 pounds.
• Bending, stooping, and kneeling during sample collection and equipment inspection.
• Manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination to operate testing equipment and safety devices.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment for extended periods.
• Visual acuity to detect hazards, read gauges, and identify issues.
• Verbal communication skills to convey safety instructions in noisy environments.
The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Special Mentions • Travel required to support the sister plant in Cedar City on a quarterly basis.

Benefits • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.