Senior EHS Specialist

Huntington BeachSUMMARYThe Senior Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist serves as the site subject matter expert and is responsible for leading, developing, and continuously improving the organization’s safety and environmental programs. This role partners closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to drive strategic EHS initiatives, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a proactive safety culture.This is a senior-level individual contributor role with site-wide influence, acting as a key advisor to leadership on risk, compliance, and operational decision-making.The position operates with a high degree of autonomy, supporting both strategic planning and hands-on execution, while influencing all levels of the organization to achieve EHS excellence.ABOUT USKarman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Medical, Dental, VisionCompany Paid Life Insurance401(k) Retirement Savings PlanPaid Time Off (PTO)Paid HolidaysTuition Reimbursement*ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Serve as the site EHS subject matter expert (SME), providing strategic guidance to leadership and cross-functional teamsAct as a trusted advisor to site leadership, influencing business decisions through a risk-based EHS perspectiveDevelop and execute a long-term EHS roadmap focused on risk reduction, compliance assurance, and cultural maturityAccountable for achieving measurable improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs) such as TRIR, DART, and environmental metricsOwn and drive the site EHS strategy, aligning safety and environmental programs with business objectives and operational needsLead the continuous improvement of EHS performance, including reducing recordables, near misses, and environmental risksDevelop, implement, and improve EHS programs including IIPP, HAZCOM, LOTO, Confined Space, and other critical safety systems, ensuring programs are both compliant and operationally effectiveEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including Cal/OSHA and environmental requirementsLead complex incident investigations, including serious injuries and near misses, utilizing advanced root cause analysis methodologiesDrive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to closure, ensuring sustainable solutions across departmentsAnalyze and trend EHS data to identify systemic risks and proactively implement solutionsPartner with leadership to build and strengthen a proactive safety culture, driving accountability at all levelsInfluence and coach supervisors and managers on safe behaviors, risk identification, and regulatory responsibilitiesLead and continuously improve EHS training strategy and delivery, ensuring engagement and retentionDirect and mentor the EHS Specialist, providing technical guidance, task prioritization, and constructive feedback; evaluate work quality, support professional development, and build bench strength within the EHS functionDevelop and standardize Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and risk assessments across departmentsEnsure environmental compliance, including hazardous waste management, reporting, and risk mitigationLead emergency preparedness and response planning, including drills and continuous improvement effortsDrive EHS communication and reporting to leadership, including KPIs, trends, and strategic recommendationsSupport and influence capital projects, process changes, and new equipment implementation to ensure EHS integration from the startOther Duties as assignedQUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, or a related field (EPA, MDEQ)7+ years of experience in the EHS fieldDemonstrated experience leading site-wide EHS programs and influencing senior leadershipProject management experience across various safety programs in manufacturing environmentsTechnical expertise in incident investigations and risk mitigationCollaborative approach working with multiple departmentsAdvanced knowledge of CalOSHA, SCAQMD, DTSC, RCRA regulationsProficient in Microsoft Office tools like Excel and WordProfessional certifications such as CSP (Certified Safety Professional) or CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist) strongly preferredHAZWOPER, CPR/First Aid training preferred.ITAR REQUIREMENTS:To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, certain positions may require applicants to be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Minimal travel required for this position.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.