Director, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.  

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 

FACILITIES 

Rocket Lab’s Facilities team is responsible for maintenance, operations, and improvements projects across our locations, making sure that the facilities our teams use every day are well looked after and operating as they should. 

DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY  

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for and accountable for leading the development, implementation, and management of environmental health and safety programs across all US locations. This role  requires active engagement and initiative to take the appropriate actions to ensure that the company complies with all federal, state, and local regulations, while promoting a culture of safety, environmental responsibility, and risk management. The Director will work closely with various departments to develop and implement safety programs to foster an environment that prioritizes the well-being of employees and minimizes environmental impact. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• Create, update, and enforce environmental, health, and safety policies and programs that are in line with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. 
• Ensure the company is compliant with all relevant state and federal regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, and local laws), including managing permits, safety logs, reports, inspection records, audits, and corrective actions. Manage all environmental policies and programs, including hazardous and non-hazardous waste management, air permitting, pollution and spill prevention and response, storm and wastewater management, etc. 
• Oversee environmental compliance programs, including hazardous waste management, air and water quality standards, and sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the company’s environmental footprint. 
• Conduct regular risk assessments, audits, and safety inspections across all facilities to identify hazards, assess risks, and take an active role in “working the problem” by taking the necessary actions to develop and implement corrective measures to reduce risks and prevent incidents. 
• Develop  programs and take the appropriate steps to ensure compliance with emergency response plans for workplace accidents, chemical spills, fire safety, and natural disasters. 
• Lead investigations of accidents, injuries, and near-miss incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences. 
• Design and deliver safety training programs to educate employees on safe work practices, environmental protocols, and emergency response procedures. 
• Foster a company-wide safety culture by encouraging open communication on safety issues, recognizing safe behaviors, and engaging employees at all levels in safety initiatives. Establish and execute continual improvement initiatives. 
• Prepare reports on EHS performance metrics, incidents, and compliance for senior management and regulatory bodies.  Play a substantive role in developing and advocating for necessary programs to ensure compliance with ESH performance metrics. Ensure that all documentation is accurate and up to date. 
• Develop and manage the EHS budget, ensuring cost-effective management of programs and initiatives. 
• Work with operations, Legal, People & Culture, engineering, and other departments to integrate EHS strategies into business processes and projects. 
• Oversee EHS workforce plan; hire, develop, train and mentor all levels of EHS employees and support staff. 
• Oversee the management of consultants, as needed, including soliciting proposals, reviewing bids, contract negotiations, overseeing work assignments, reviewing deliverables, and billing. 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in health & safety, Environmental Technology, or similar field 
• Certified Health & Safety Professional 
• 15+ years’ experience in occupational health and safety in manufacturing, aerospace environment, or construction environment 
• Knowledge and practical experience in emergency management and / or occupational health and workplace hygiene 
• Occupational health & safety skills to include risk assessment, policy, training, project management, hazardous substances, and safety in manufacturing engineering 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.    
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.   
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings  
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.  
• Ability to remain focused while working in hazardous environments, while wearing appropriate PPE  
• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs unassisted