Explosives Operations Site Manager

Amro Fabricating Corporation•Mukilteo, WA

About The Position

The Explosives Operations Site Manager is responsible for ensuring that all explosive-related activities at the site are conducted safely, compliantly, and effectively. This role is the steward of internal explosives policies for their site—translating them into work processes, ensuring processes are followed in day-to-day operations, auditing their effectiveness, and driving continuous improvement while supporting dynamic operational needs. The ideal candidate is a disciplined, detail-oriented professional who can balance strict adherence to safety standards with the flexibility required in a high-pressure, fast-moving production environment. Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Safety, Applied Science, or relevant discipline; or equivalent experience.
5+ years of experience in explosive operations, energetic materials handling, ordnance assembly/test, or similar high-hazard, high scrutiny, environments.
Demonstrated experience interpreting, developing, or enforcing technical procedures and safety policies.
Strong audit, investigation, and process-improvement skills.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to coach, influence, and de-escalate.
Proven ability to operate under pressure, make sound decisions, and hold ground on safety-critical issues.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as an explosives handler, EOD technician, or energetics operations lead.
Familiarity with DoD, ATF, WA L&I, NFPA, and local regulatory requirements related to explosives.
Experience with LEAN, root-cause methodologies (5-Why, Fishbone, etc.), or quality systems.
Certifications in safety, energetics, or hazardous operations are a plus.

Responsibilities

Own and maintain the site’s explosives processes, general work instructions, and integrate those with program specific work instructions.
Translate organizational and regulatory requirements into actionable, practical processes for operators and engineers.
Assist in updating policies and procedures in response to audit findings, operational needs, or safety events.
Ensure required documentation is clear, compliant, and accessible.
Serve as the first-level safety review for explosive operations to ensure all work is performed “by the book.”
Monitor operations daily to verify adherence to procedures, PPE requirements, equipment configurations, and safe-work practices.
Provide immediate guidance and corrective action support when deviations or unsafe conditions are observed.
Participate in incident investigations and root-cause analysis as a subject-matter expert.
Conduct routine site process audits to assess compliance, identify gaps, and verify process health.
Participate in external audit hosting, track audit findings, and drive closure of corrective actions.
Maintain readiness for regulatory inspections and internal safety reviews.
Develop and present compliance metrics to leadership.
Act as a hands-on resource during surge periods, providing additional oversight, troubleshooting, or operational assistance as needed.
Collaborate closely with production, test, engineering, and safety teams to ensure alignment between policy and real-world constraints.
Support planning and risk reviews for new processes, equipment, or operational changes.
Model an unwavering commitment to safety while remaining approachable, practical, and solution-focused.
Champion a culture of procedural discipline, continuous improvement, and open communication.
Provide training and mentorship to employees on explosive safety practices and compliance expectations.