Principal EHS Specialist

Merck•Carlsbad, CA

About The Position

As a recognized technical authority in environment, health, and safety, you will lead the development and continuous improvement of site EHS programs — translating complex regulatory requirements into practical solutions that protect people and the environment. Operating with a high degree of independence, you will guide site management and senior stakeholders on hazardous materials, radiation safety, and process risk, applying advanced analytical thinking to solve non-routine compliance challenges. You will shape local EHS strategy aligned with broader organizational goals, serve as a senior advisor and best-practice resource across cross-functional teams, and drive the sustained achievement of a hazard-free, injury-free workplace — outcomes that reflect a deep commitment to human health and environmental stewardship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Environmental Health, Occupational Safety, Safety Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field
8 or more years of EHS experience with a significant focus on hazardous materials management.
External applicants must be eligible to work in the US. This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience supporting EHS regulatory compliance, including developing and maintaining site-level procedures, conducting internal audits, and managing EHS risk programs.
Experience serving as a site Dangerous Goods Manager or Radiation Safety Officer, or equivalent functional responsibility.
Knowledge of California state EHS regulations and experience with environmental permitting, data collection, and regulatory reporting.
Professional certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certificate in Hazardous Materials Management (CHMM).
Experience with incident investigation methodologies including Root Cause Analysis, and familiarity with HAZWOPER, ISO 45001/ISO 14001, and behavior-based safety programs.
Proven ability to communicate effectively with regulatory authorities, senior executives, and diverse employee populations, and to lead EHS programs within a matrix organization.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and continuous improvement of site EHS programs.
Translate complex regulatory requirements into practical solutions that protect people and the environment.
Guide site management and senior stakeholders on hazardous materials, radiation safety, and process risk.
Apply advanced analytical thinking to solve non-routine compliance challenges.
Shape local EHS strategy aligned with broader organizational goals.
Serve as a senior advisor and best-practice resource across cross-functional teams.
Drive the sustained achievement of a hazard-free, injury-free workplace.