Lead, Environment Health and Safety (EHS)

Stealth-mode Battery Startup•San Jose, CA

About The Position

We are a stealth-mode battery startup developing cutting-edge battery technology. Our mission is to revolutionize battery technology to accelerate the global transition to clean energy. By leveraging innovative materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and next-generation energy storage architectures, we are building the future of sustainable energy. This role will build and run the company's environmental, health, and safety program from the ground up, with a strong emphasis on high voltage electrical safety given the nature of our manufacturing processes. This is a hands-on, build-it role for someone who wants to shape EHS infrastructure at a growing company, not administer an existing one. You will manage a small team and report directly to leadership.

Requirements

10+ years of EHS experience in a manufacturing environment, with direct experience in battery, automotive, energy storage, or other high-voltage industrial settings.
Demonstrated ownership of a high voltage electrical safety program: NFPA 70E application, arc flash studies, LOTO for HV systems, and qualified electrical worker programs.
Working knowledge of battery-specific hazards, including thermal runaway, electrolyte handling, and lithium-related hazardous materials management.
Strong command of OSHA and EPA regulatory requirements; experience managing regulatory inspections and audits.
Experience building an EHS function from an early stage, not just running an established one.
Prior people management experience; comfortable operating with a small team in a fast-moving, resource-constrained environment.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or equivalent (CIH, CHMM).
Willingness to travel between sites, including future locations.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and own the company-wide EHS management system, including policies, procedures, and site-level programs across all manufacturing locations.
Own high voltage electrical safety program end to end: lockout/tagout for HV systems, arc flash risk assessment, PPE category selection, qualified electrical worker training and certification, and de-energization/energization procedures for battery pack and cell handling.
Lead incident investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective action tracking for all EHS events, with particular attention to electrical and thermal (battery) hazards.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and state-level environmental and workplace safety regulations, including recordkeeping (OSHA 300 logs), permitting, and hazardous waste management specific to battery manufacturing (electrolytes, lithium-containing materials, solvents).
Build and deliver EHS training programs, including HV electrical safety, battery hazard awareness, chemical handling, PPE use, and emergency response, for all manufacturing personnel.
Partner with Manufacturing, Facilities, and Engineering leadership to embed safety-by-design into new equipment installation, process changes, and facility buildout at future sites.
Manage site emergency response plans, including thermal event / battery fire response protocols in coordination with local fire authorities.
Own EHS audit programs (internal and third-party), track findings to closure, and prepare the company for customer and regulatory audits.
Build and manage a small EHS team as the company scales; set hiring plans and development paths for direct reports.
Report EHS metrics, incident trends, and program status to executive leadership and the Board as needed.