Environmental Health & Safety Manager

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 (EHS) strategy, partnering closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to strengthen safety systems, enhance environmental compliance, and drive a proactive, risk‑reduction culture. You serve as the site’s subject matter expert, providing guidance, training, and data‑driven insights that improve operations and support both strategic planning and hands‑on EHS execution.

Responsibilities

• Leads site EHS strategy, ensuring safety and environmental programs support business objectives.
• Develops and continuously improves systems that reduce incidents, near misses, and environmental risks.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) and environmental requirements.
• Investigates incidents and near misses using advanced root cause analysis methodologies.
• Oversees corrective and preventive action workflows, partnering with leaders to implement long‑term solutions.
• Analyzes EHS data to identify trends, systemic risks, and opportunities for proactive improvements.
• Coaches supervisors and managers on regulatory responsibilities, safe behaviors, and hazard identification.
• Designs and delivers training programs that support compliance and reinforce a strong safety culture.
• Develops and standardizes Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and risk assessments across departments.
• Supports capital projects, process changes, and equipment implementations to ensure EHS integration.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) field.
• Bachelor’s degree in safety management, occupational health, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Project management experience supporting safety programs in manufacturing environments.
• Technical expertise in incident investigations and risk mitigation.
• Experience collaborating across multiple departments.
• Advanced knowledge of California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA), Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), and Water Board regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools including Excel and Word.

Preferred Qualifications

• HAZWOPER training.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)/First Aid training.

Physical Requirements

• Standing and walking for extended periods throughout manufacturing facilities.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 40 pounds.
• Bending, stooping, and kneeling during inspections and sample collection.
• Manual dexterity to operate testing equipment and safety devices.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods.
• Visual acuity to detect hazards, read gauges, and identify issues.
• Verbal communication to convey safety 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.