Director, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)

Director, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Facilities

Rocket Lab’s Facilities team is responsible for maintenance, operations, and improvements projects across our locations, making sure that the facilities our teams use every day are well looked after and operating as they should.

Director, Environmental Health & Safety

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and management of environmental health and safety programs across all U.S. locations. This role requires active engagement and initiative to take the appropriate actions to ensure that the company complies with all federal, state, and local regulations, while promoting a culture of safety, environmental responsibility, and risk management. The Director will work closely with various departments to develop and implement safety programs that foster an environment that prioritizes the well‑being of employees and minimizes environmental impact.

What You’ll Get to Do

• Create, update, and enforce environmental, health, and safety policies and programs that are in line with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Ensure the company is compliant with all relevant state and federal regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, and local laws), including managing permits, safety logs, reports, inspection records, audits, and corrective actions. Manage all environmental policies and programs, including hazardous and non‑hazardous waste management, air permitting, pollution and spill prevention and response, storm and wastewater management, etc.
• Oversee environmental compliance programs, including hazardous waste management, air and water quality standards, and sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the company’s environmental footprint.
• Conduct regular risk assessments, audits, and safety inspections across all facilities to identify hazards, assess risks, and take an active role in “working the problem” by taking the necessary actions to develop and implement corrective measures to reduce risks and prevent incidents.
• Develop programs and take the appropriate steps to ensure compliance with emergency response plans for workplace accidents, chemical spills, fire safety, and natural disasters.
• Lead investigations of accidents, injuries, and near‑miss incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
• Design and deliver safety training programs to educate employees on safe work practices, environmental protocols, and emergency response procedures.
• Foster a company‑wide safety culture by encouraging open communication on safety issues, recognizing safe behaviors, and engaging employees at all levels in safety initiatives. Establish and execute continual improvement initiatives.
• Prepare reports on EHS performance metrics, incidents, and compliance for senior management and regulatory bodies. Play a substantive role in developing and advocating for necessary programs to ensure compliance with ESH performance metrics. Ensure that all documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Develop and manage the EHS budget, ensuring cost‑effective management of programs and initiatives.
• Work with operations, Legal, People & Culture, engineering, and other departments to integrate EHS strategies into business processes and projects.
• Oversee EHS workforce plan; hire, develop, train and mentor all levels of EHS employees and support staff.
• Oversee the management of consultants, as needed, including soliciting proposals, reviewing bids, contract negotiations, overseeing work assignments, reviewing deliverables, and billing.

You’ll Bring These Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in health & safety, Environmental Technology, or similar field
• Certified Health & Safety Professional
• 15+ years’ experience in occupational health and safety in manufacturing, aerospace environment, or construction environment
• Knowledge and practical experience in emergency management and / or occupational health and workplace hygiene
• Occupational health & safety skills to include risk assessment, policy, training, project management, hazardous substances, and safety in manufacturing engineering

Additional Requirements

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.
• Ability to remain focused while working in hazardous environments, while wearing appropriate PPE.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status. Please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$150,000 — $203,000 USD

What To Expect

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

For Candidates Seeking to Work in U.S. Offices Only

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at View email address on click.appcast.io. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

For Candidates Seeking to Work in New Zealand Offices Only

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, see the applicable regulations.