EHS Specialist III - VSFB

HSE Specialist III

Firefly Aerospace is seeking an experienced HSE Specialist III to support launch operations at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB). This role serves as a key member of the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) team responsible for ensuring safe execution of launch vehicle processing, ground systems operations, hazardous operations, testing activities, and launch campaigns.

The HSE Specialist III provides field safety oversight, environmental compliance leadership, operational risk assessment expertise, incident prevention support, and regulatory guidance across all site activities. This role partners closely with Launch Operations, Ground Systems, Facilities, Engineering, Mission Assurance, contractors, Range Safety, and government stakeholders to identify hazards, implement risk controls, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and permits.

The ideal candidate possesses strong experience supporting high-hazard operations in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, energy, industrial, or launch environments and thrives in a fast-paced operational setting where safety and mission success are equally critical.

• Operational Safety & Launch Support
• Support launch vehicle integration, processing, testing, fueling, and launch operations through direct field safety oversight.
• Provide day-to-day HSE support to launch site personnel, contractors, and operational teams.
• Conduct Task Risk Assessments (TRA), Operational Hazard Analyses (O&SHA), risk assessments, and pre-task safety reviews.
• Participate in launch readiness reviews, mission planning meetings, and operational go/no-go discussions.
• Serve as the HSE representative during launch campaigns and critical hazardous operations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain site-specific HSE programs, procedures, and work instructions.
• Review hazardous operating procedures to verify appropriate engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Perform routine inspections, audits, and field observations of launch facilities, ground support equipment, and operational activities.
• Support operational safety assessments involving cryogenic systems, pressure systems, hazardous energy control, flammable materials, and hazardous materials operations.
• Provide ergonomic and human-factors recommendations to improve operational safety and efficiency.
• Support launch-day Red Team activities in coordination with Range Safety, emergency response personnel, and Fire Department representatives.
• Interface with Space Force organizations, Range Safety personnel, emergency response agencies, and regulatory authorities.

• Administer and continuously improve site safety programs including:
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
• Confined Space Entry
• Fall Protection
• Hazard Communication
• Machine Guarding
• Powered Industrial Trucks
• Respiratory Protection
• Pressure Systems Safety
• Cryogenic Safety
• Develop and deliver HSE training programs to employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Manage contractor safety compliance and conduct contractor safety evaluations.
• Track, trend, and report leading and lagging safety performance indicators.
• Maintain OSHA recordkeeping requirements, including OSHA 300 logs and associated reporting obligations.
• Lead HSE related incident investigations utilizing root cause analysis methodologies and ensure corrective actions are implemented and verified.
• Participate in mishap investigations, review boards, and corrective action reviews.

• Manage site environmental compliance programs in accordance with federal, California, Santa Barbara County, and VSFB requirements.
• Maintain compliance with environmental permits associated with air emissions, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, wastewater, stormwater, and industrial water systems.
• Administer the site's Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan.
• Manage hazardous waste generation, storage, labeling, accumulation, transportation, and disposal activities in accordance with RCRA and California hazardous waste regulations.
• Prepare and submit Tier II reports and maintain compliance with Santa Barbara County Hazardous Materials Business Plan requirements.
• Maintain site chemical inventories and support annual emissions reporting requirements for the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBCAPCD).
• Track emergency generator operating hours and ensure compliance with applicable air permit requirements.
• Support operation and environmental compliance of industrial wastewater systems, including monitoring, sampling, documentation, and regulatory reporting.
• Coordinate environmental inspections, audits, and agency interactions with SBCAPCD, DTSC, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and other regulatory agencies.
• Coordinate environmental monitoring programs supporting biological resources and species-of-concern requirements associated with VSFB operations.
• Evaluate operational changes and projects for environmental compliance impacts and…