EHS Senior Manager

Merck•San Jose, CA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

This role is for a Senior EHS Manager in a cutting-edge semiconductor R&D environment that is undergoing infrastructure upgrades. The individual will serve as the primary EHS authority, integrating EHS considerations into operations, research, and capital projects. The role ensures compliance with regulations and industry standards (OSHA, NFPA, SEMI S2/S8/S14) and drives proactive safety and risk management for high-hazard chemistries, process variability in R&D, cleanroom operations, and tool installations. Collaboration with R&D, Engineering, Facilities, and Construction teams is essential for managing capital projects, cleanroom expansions, and modified process safety systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Health & Safety, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related technical field.
10+ years of progressive EHS experience, ideally in semiconductor R&D, chemical manufacturing, or high-hazard environments.
Demonstrated expertise in high-hazard chemical safety, process safety management, and SEMI/industry safety standards.
Strong experience with process hazard analysis methodologies and risk assessment techniques (HAZOP, FMEA, What-If, LOPA).

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications (CSP, CIH, CHMM, NEBOSH, OSHA 30/510).
Experience with SEMI S2/S8/S14 standards and NFPA 318.
Strong knowledge of P&IDs, SOPs, interlock logic, and safety instrumented systems.
Experience managing large capital projects and construction safety in semiconductor/high-tech facilities.

Responsibilities

Own and drive the site-wide EHS strategy aligned with corporate standards, regulatory requirements, and semiconductor industry best practices.
Cultivate a proactive safety culture that supports innovation while upholding risk controls.
Provide expert counsel to senior leadership on EHS risks associated with new technologies and chemistries.
Lead programs in hazard identification via risk assessments, inspections and JHAs; emergency response; incident investigations; hazardous material handling; specialized training emphasizing semiconductor-specific hazards and cleanroom protocols.
Lead HAZOP/What-If analyses for new equipment, process changes, and facility modifications; oversee critical process safety elements (MOC, Mechanical Integrity, Emergency Planning, Risk Management Programs).
Develop and maintain EHS policies, procedures, and compliance programs during construction, retrofit, and operational ramp-up phases.
Manage contractor safety programs, onboarding, training, permitting, and daily safety performance.
Integrate safety into capital projects and cleanroom expansions with a focus on risk control.