Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

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.

As an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist, you will support compliance, risk reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives across the facility. Working closely with operations and site leadership, you will help implement and maintain environmental, health, and safety programs, investigate incidents, identify risks, and drive corrective actions that strengthen workplace safety and operational performance.

Responsibilities

• Manages day-to-day execution and maintenance of assigned environmental, health, and safety (EHS) programs and initiatives.
• Conducts inspections, audits, compliance assessments, corrective action tracking, and documentation activities to support regulatory and company compliance.
• Monitors EHS program effectiveness and recommends improvements to reduce risk and strengthen compliance.
• Maintains required records, reports, permits, and documentation in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Partners with supervisors and employees to identify, evaluate, and mitigate workplace hazards while supporting safety programs, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), hazard communication, powered industrial trucks, personal protective equipment (PPE), machine guarding, and contractor safety.
• Leads investigations of injuries, near misses, property damage, and environmental incidents, applying root cause analysis to support sustainable corrective actions.
• Coordinates and delivers EHS training, new hire orientation, compliance tracking, and coaching on safe work practices.
• Supports hazardous waste management, recycling initiatives, environmental inspections, permit compliance activities, and spill prevention and response efforts.
• Compiles, analyzes, and maintains EHS metrics and performance indicators while identifying trends and recommending process improvements.
• Participates in audits, assessments, special projects, and escalation of significant compliance concerns and emerging risks when appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Safety, Environmental Science, Occupational Health, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) requirements, with familiarity in environmental regulations.
• Experience conducting inspections, audits, incident investigations, and root cause analyses.
• Experience with environmental compliance programs and hazardous waste management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and priorities independently.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn EHS management software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Environmental Science, Occupational Health, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 (General Industry).
• Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training.
• CPR and First Aid training.

Physical Requirements

• Standing and walking for extended periods up to 6–8 hours per day.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders to access equipment and work areas.
• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 40 lbs.
• Bending, stooping, and kneeling to collect samples and inspect machinery.
• 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 instructions in noisy environments.

The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

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.