Manager - EH&S and Explosives Safety

Position: Manager - Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) and Explosive Safety
Location: White Hall, AR (On-site) 

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are building something new in Arkansas: a 1,067-acre advanced manufacturing campus supporting the U.S. Army. We need a leader who will build our EH&S and explosives safety program from the ground up, starting in design and construction and carrying it through full-rate production.

This is not a role for someone who wants to inherit a binder and maintain it. You will write the program, shape the facility design, train the workforce, and earn the trust of our Army partners at Pine Bluff Arsenal. If you care about people going home safe every day and want your fingerprints on a facility that will serve the nation for decades, we want to talk with you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Explosives Safety

• Own the explosives safety program for all ammunition and explosives (AE) operations, including handling, processing, storage, and waste.
• Lead quantity-distance (QD) analysis and explosives site plan development; coordinate review and approval through the Pine Bluff Arsenal safety office, U.S. Army Technical Center for Explosives Safety (USATCES), and the DoD Explosives Safety Board (DDESB) as required.
• Ensure compliance with applicable DoD and Army explosives safety standards as required by contract and lease, including DoD Manual 4145.26 (flowed down through DFARS 252.223-7002), DESR 6055.09, and DA PAM 385-64.
• Establish explosives limits, hazard classification support, lightning protection, static control, and hazardous location electrical requirements for all AE facilities.
• Lead mishap reporting and investigation for AE events per contract requirements.

Process Safety Management

• Build and maintain the OSHA Process Safety Management program (29 CFR 1910.119, as applied to explosives manufacturing through 29 CFR 1910.109(k)).
• Lead or facilitate PHA/HAZOP studies, management of change (MOC), pre-startup safety reviews (PSSR), and mechanical integrity programs in partnership with engineering and licensor teams.

Occupational Safety and Health

• Develop and implement the site safety and health program: written programs, training, PPE, industrial hygiene monitoring, lockout/tagout, confined space, hot work, and contractor safety.
• Oversee construction-phase safety coordination with design-build and construction contractors.
• Track and report safety metrics; lead a culture where stopping work for safety is expected and respected.

Environmental Compliance

• Manage air, water, waste, and stormwater permitting and compliance with Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ), EPA, and installation requirements.
• Manage hazardous and energetic waste streams, including RCRA obligations and any thermal treatment permitting.
• Carry forward NEPA Environmental Assessment commitments and Clean Water Act Section 404 permit conditions into operations, including mitigation measures and seasonal restrictions.

Leadership and Partnership

• Build and lead the EH&S team as the campus ramps from pre-construction through production.
• Serve as the primary EH&S interface with Pine Bluff Arsenal command, safety, and environmental staff, USACE, and regulators.
• Work closely with technology licensors and our Korean parent company engineering teams to translate their process safety data into U.S. regulatory compliance.
• Advise leadership on EH&S risk, budget, and schedule impacts with clear, honest recommendations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, mechanical, or safety engineering, environmental science, occupational safety, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of EH&S experience, including at least 5 years in ammunition, explosives, or energetics manufacturing (LAP, GOCO, or commercial).
• Hands-on experience with QD siting, explosives site plans, and explosives safety program implementation under either DoD Manual 4145.26 or DESR 6055.09 / DA PAM 385-64.
• Working knowledge of OSHA PSM, RCRA, Clean Air Act, and Clean Water Act compliance.
• Experience standing up or significantly expanding an EH&S program at a new or greenfield facility.
• Must be a U.S. person as defined in 22 CFR 120.62, due to access to export-controlled technical data.
• Ability to obtain and maintain installation access at Pine Bluff Arsenal.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
• Completion of Army or DoD ammunition and explosives safety coursework.
• Experience working with international partners or licensors; Korean language ability is a plus.
• Eligibility for a U.S. security clearance.

WHAT WE OFFER

A chance to build a safety program right the first time, on a team that values people, recognizes good work by name, and does not cut corners. Competitive compensation, relocation assistance, and a full benefits package.

Hanwha Defense USA is committed to pay transparency and equitable compensation practices. The salary range listed for this position represents a good faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant skills/experience, education and certifications, market and business considerations, and internal pay equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for discretionary annual bonuses, benefits, and other forms of compensation as part of Hanwha Defense USA's total rewards package. 

Hanwha Defense USA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.