Senior Director, Environmental Health & Safety

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SENIOR DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and management of environmental health and safety programs across all US locations. This role ensures the company complies with all federal, state, and local regulations, while promoting a culture of safety, environmental responsibility, and risk management. The Director will work closely with various departments to foster an environment that prioritizes the well-being of employees and minimizes environmental impact.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop and implement EHS policies: Create, update, and enforce environmental, health, and safety policies in line with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Regulatory compliance: Ensure the company is compliant with all relevant state and federal regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, and local laws), including managing permits, safety logs, reports, inspection records, audits, and corrective actions. Manage all environmental policies and procedures, including hazardous and non-hazardous waste management, air permitting, pollution and spill prevention and response, storm and wastewater management, etc.
• Environmental management: Oversee environmental compliance programs, including hazardous waste management, air and water quality standards, and sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the company’s environmental footprint.
• Risk assessment and mitigation: Conduct regular risk assessments, audits, and safety inspections across all facilities to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement corrective measures to reduce risks and prevent incidents.
• Emergency preparedness: Develop and manage emergency response plans for workplace accidents, chemical spills, fire safety, and natural disasters.
• Incident investigation: Lead investigations of accidents, injuries, and near-miss incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
• Employee training and development: Design and deliver safety training programs to educate employees on safe work practices, environmental protocols, and emergency response procedures.
• Safety culture promotion: Foster a company-wide safety culture by encouraging open communication on safety issues, recognizing safe behaviors, and engaging employees at all levels in safety initiatives. Establish and execute continual improvement initiatives.
• Reporting and documentation: Prepare reports on EHS performance metrics, incidents, and compliance for senior management and regulatory bodies. Ensure that all documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Budget management: Develop and manage the EHS budget, ensuring cost-effective management of programs and initiatives.
• Collaboration: Work with operations, Legal, People & Culture, engineering, and other departments to integrate EHS strategies into business processes and projects.
• Talent Management: Oversee EHS workforce plan; hire, develop, train and mentor all levels of EHS employees and support staff.
• Consultants and Contractors: Oversee the management of consultants, as needed, including soliciting proposals, reviewing bids, contract negotiations, overseeing work assignments, reviewing deliverables, and billing.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in health & safety, Environmental Technology, or similar field
• Certified Health & Safety Professional
• 15+ years’ experience in occupational health and safety in manufacturing, aerospace environment, or construction environment
• Knowledge and practical experience in emergency management and / or occupational health and workplace hygiene
• Occupational health & safety skills to include risk assessment, policy, training, project management, hazardous substances, and safety in manufacturing engineering

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.   
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.  
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings 
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise. 
• Ability to remain focused while working in hazardous environments, while wearing appropriate PPE 
• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs unassisted 

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.