Environment, Health & Safety; EH&S Operations Lead

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on injury prevention, operational risk mitigation, ergonomic improvements, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and implement EH&S operational strategies aligned with Coherent’s manufacturing and business objectives.
• Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive action programs.
• Monitor EH&S performance metrics, KPIs, and audit findings to drive measurable operational improvements.
• Lead Emergency Medical Response Team and coordinate training at the site for CPR, AED, and First Aid.

• Ensure timely submission and renewal of all required environmental permit applications.
• Complete environmental calculations as needed.
• Lead environmental inspections and audits.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental reporting requirements.
• Coordinate and conduct required environmental sampling.
• Prepare and submit environmental reports, including Tier II, TRI, emissions reporting, and CSR data & safety scorecards.

• Serve as the designated Laser Safety Officer for all laser operations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain laser safety programs in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Conduct laser hazard evaluations and risk assessments for manufacturing, laboratory, service, and R&D environments.
• Approve laser operating procedures, engineering controls, PPE requirements, and administrative controls.
• Ensure compliance with all enclosures, interlocks, signs/labeling, PPE, etc.
• Lead laser safety audits, inspections, and training programs.
• Support incident response and investigation related to laser exposure or hazards.
• Partner with engineering teams on safe integration of new laser systems and manufacturing processes.

• Lead efforts for planning site EHS training for employees, contractors, and other visitors.
• Implement and manage the company’s learning management system (LMS) and training matrices.
• Maintain Power Points and other training materials.
• Ensure EHS training is completed, including written feedback by participants.
• Maintain EHS training records for easy access.

• Lead or support site EHS & Laser Safety Committee.
• Promote a safety culture for the site.
• Work with committees to develop site safety initiatives.
• Drive completion of safety observations and corrective actions.

• Ensure all safety programs are current, comprehensive, and operationally effective.
• Manage SDS program and approval of new chemicals.
• Lead Medical Surveillance efforts as required.
• Lead Industrial Health program and related efforts.
• Participate in execution of Respirator Fit‑Testing Program as required.
• Manage Prescription Safety Glasses & safety shoes programs.
• Conduct JSAs, EHSRs, Incident Investigations/RCAs as directed by the Regional EHS Manager, Auditor, or as required by tasks, programs, and projects.
• Follow up and manage employee EHS concerns and near‑miss events.
• Attend meetings as subject matter expert on EHS and Facilities.
• Escort and assist regulatory inspectors as necessary.
• Coordinate waste programs, including hazardous, non‑hazardous, universal waste, and recycling programs.
• Ensure monthly audits are completed for general and laser safety.
• Perform other projects as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental safety, occupational safety and health, or related field desired; equivalent experience considered.
• 7+ years EHS experience required – 2 years laser safety experience can be substituted.
• Semiconductor or laser‑related industry experience in engineering, manufacturing, or manufacturing engineering preferred.
• Knowledge of cleanroom environments, tool installation and hookups.
• Firm knowledge of regulations under OSHA, DOT, RCRA, and EPA, along with familiarity of LEAN principles.
• Certified trainer in EHS topics (First Aid/CPR, Forklift Operations, Emergency Response, Fire Safety) is a plus.
• Participation in required safety training (RCRA, DOT Hazmat Shipper, etc.) required.
• Mandatory member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT); must respond to emergencies, wear PPE/SCBA,…