Manager, Environmental Health & Safety

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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. 

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.
  • OR 10+ years of leadership experience in a environmental, health and safety position in lieu of a Bachelors degree
• 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

 

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

 

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.