Manager, Environmental Health & Safety

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

MANAGER, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY 

As an Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager based at Rocket Lab’s site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will be leading a team of hard-working and mission-focused professionals in supporting the development, implementation, and management of a comprehensive EHS program. This program ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations while protecting the environment, company property, and the health and safety of employees, contractors, customers, and visitors. To be successful in this role, you must be action-oriented, self-starting, organized, and a strong communicator with excellent analytical and leadership skills. You’ll be responsible for setting the tone, driving productivity, and ensuring deadlines and targets are consistently met.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Ensure site compliance with federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations and company policies to reduce risks and guide campus focus on environmental sustainability.
• Maintain EHS contingency plans, including fire prevention and hazardous spill control procedures, in accordance with government regulations and insurance requirements.
• Participate in Operations Metric Reviews, providing updates to EHS-related metrics in alignment with Operations Goals and Objectives.
• Develop and maintain regular inspection schedules for workplace safety audits.
• Direct training sessions on emergency preparedness, confined spaces, electrical safety, machine guarding, fall protection, forklift safety, and other safety-related topics.
• Maintain records of hazardous waste, air emission permitting, water pollution discharge, industrial health monitoring, and employee hazard exposure in compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, RCRA, and other regulations.
• Administer onsite annual industrial hygiene monitoring.
• Investigate all accidents and near misses, prepare reports with findings and recommendations, and implement approved corrective actions.
• Develop procedures to ensure contractors, suppliers, consultants, and visitors comply with relevant legislation and safety policies.
• Represent Rocket Lab with local and national health, safety, and environmental bodies.
• Manage and control Rocket Lab’s recycling and waste management procedures.
• Provide technical support to the EES/FAC department on projects and building modifications with environmental impacts and aspects.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in the semiconductor industry, consulting, or with a regulatory agency.
• 5+ years of management experience in the field.
• Demonstrated success in implementing and operating Process Safety Management standards.
• Knowledgeable of EHS Federal/State/Local regulations (OSHA, EPA, DOT, RCRA, etc.).
• Hands-on experience in the handling, storage, manifesting, and disposal of hazardous waste, including employee training and record-keeping provisions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including word processing and database applications.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree or a professional designation such as ASP or CSP.
• Project Management Certification or experience.
• Knowledge of industrial hygiene sampling strategies.
• Experience with SDS management systems.
• Experience in program development and continuous environmental improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with environmental sampling and analysis techniques and protocols.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities.

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