Senior EHS Specialist

* 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…