- Huntington Beach
SUMMARY
The 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 US
Karman 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, Vision
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement*
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the site EHS subject matter expert (SME), providing strategic guidance to leadership and cross-functional teams
- Act as a trusted advisor to site leadership, influencing business decisions through a risk-based EHS perspective
- Develop and execute a long-term EHS roadmap focused on risk reduction, compliance assurance, and cultural maturity
- Accountable for achieving measurable improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs) such as TRIR, DART, and environmental metrics
- Own and drive the site EHS strategy, aligning safety and environmental programs with business objectives and operational needs
- Lead the continuous improvement of EHS performance, including reducing recordables, near misses, and environmental risks
- Develop, implement, and improve EHS programs including IIPP, HAZCOM, LOTO, Confined Space, and other critical safety systems, ensuring programs are both compliant and operationally effective
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including Cal/OSHA and environmental requirements
- Lead complex incident investigations, including serious injuries and near misses, utilizing advanced root cause analysis methodologies
- Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to closure, ensuring sustainable solutions across departments
- Analyze and trend EHS data to identify systemic risks and proactively implement solutions
- Partner with leadership to build and strengthen a proactive safety culture, driving accountability at all levels
- Influence and coach supervisors and managers on safe behaviors, risk identification, and regulatory responsibilities
- Lead and continuously improve EHS training strategy and delivery, ensuring engagement and retention
- Direct 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 function
- Develop and standardize Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and risk assessments across departments
- Ensure environmental compliance, including hazardous waste management, reporting, and risk mitigation
- Lead emergency preparedness and response planning, including drills and continuous improvement efforts
- Drive EHS communication and reporting to leadership, including KPIs, trends, and strategic recommendations
- Support and influence capital projects, process changes, and new equipment implementation to ensure EHS integration from the start
- Other Duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, or a related field (EPA, MDEQ)
- 7+ years of experience in the EHS field
- Demonstrated experience leading site-wide EHS programs and influencing senior leadership
- Project management experience across various safety programs in manufacturing environments
- Technical expertise in incident investigations and risk mitigation
- Collaborative approach working with multiple departments
- Advanced knowledge of CalOSHA, SCAQMD, DTSC, RCRA regulations
- Proficient in Microsoft Office tools like Excel and Word
- Professional certifications such as CSP (Certified Safety Professional) or CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist) strongly preferred
- HAZWOPER, 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in the EHS field
- Experience leading site-wide EHS programs and influencing senior leadership
- Project management experience across safety programs in manufacturing environments
- Technical expertise in incident investigations and risk mitigation
- Collaborative experience working with multiple departments
- Advanced knowledge of Cal/OSHA, SCAQMD, DTSC, and RCRA regulations
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word)
- CSP or CIH certification
- HAZWOPER, CPR/First Aid training
What We Do
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’s core mission priorities and meet our nation’s 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 130space and defense programs. For more information, visit our website at Karman-SD.com.
