Environmental Health & Safety Lead
About The Position
Astro Mechanica is seeking a hands-on Environmental Health & Safety Lead to own safety for test operations and build the company’s EHS function as it scales. The role works directly with engineering, test, manufacturing, facilities, and leadership to make high-energy work—including combustion testing, fuels, high-pressure systems, rotating equipment, and high voltage—safer and more repeatable. It involves substantial time on the production floor, in labs, and at test sites, leading training, participating in test readiness reviews, verifying controls in the field, and resolving problems in real time. The initial priority is establishing a safety baseline for the test site, followed by permits and programs that support operations. The EHS program will be built in phases, beginning with test site safety and extending to manufacturing as the company adds people, equipment, facilities, and test activity. The role also includes planning EHS requirements ahead of the manufacturing floor build-out, managing agency engagement, maintaining inspection-ready records, and partnering with legal counsel on agency citations and charges. Astro Mechanica develops aerospace technology for critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. The company applies aerospace engineering and quality standards to its products and describes itself as a collaborative, engineering-focused team with a flat structure.
Requirements
- At least 7 years of EHS experience in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, energy, or other high-consequence hardware environments.
- A proven track record of establishing EHS programs from scratch or near scratch in a startup or rapidly scaling operation.
- Ability to execute a defined safety plan directly and grow the EHS function as the company scales.
- Deep working knowledge of Cal/OSHA, including the Injury and Illness Prevention Program, and core programs such as LOTO, machine guarding, electrical safety, and industrial hygiene.
- Hands-on experience with high-hazard operations, ideally testing high-voltage, electricity-producing machines, as well as combustion testing, pressure systems, fuels, or crane and rigging.
- Experience securing permits and working with fire departments, CUPAs, air districts, and other AHJs.
- Experience selecting and managing EHS consultants and training providers.
- Sound judgment under pressure, including the ability to stop unsafe work and help redesign it so work can proceed.
Nice To Haves
- Aerospace propulsion or hot-fire test experience.
- Credentials such as CSP, CIH, CHMM, or HAZWOPER.
Responsibilities
- Define and implement the safety baseline for test operations and the new test site, including the site safety plan, emergency response, test readiness reviews, and California-required programs such as the Injury and Illness Prevention Program.
- Build the EHS program in phases, including a risk register, written programs, training matrix, inspections, and corrective-action process.
- Select and manage EHS consultants and training providers, and determine the company’s current and future EHS needs.
- Prioritize EHS requests from engineering, test, and facilities into a single plan.
- Own core safety programs, including LOTO, electrical safety, hot work, confined space, fall protection, chemical safety, and PPE.
- Lead hazard analyses, test readiness reviews, and management of change for combustion, fuel, high-pressure, and high-voltage testing.
- Deliver hands-on training and field support for commissioning, heavy lifts, rigging, forklifts, and aerial lifts.
- Own permitting and agency engagement with Cal/OSHA, fire departments, CUPAs, and BAAQMD; prioritize permits that gate test operations, including fuel delivery, followed by air and environmental permits, and keep records inspection-ready.
- Build emergency response plans and lead incident investigations, driving corrective actions to closure.
- Plan EHS requirements for the manufacturing floor ahead of its build-out, including needed certifications and programs.
- Respond to agency citations and charges in partnership with legal counsel.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
- 401(k) program.
- Transparent stock option plan.
- Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time.
- Flexible work environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
