Safety Specialist

Job Title: Safety Specialist Location: Socorro, NM

Job Summary: The Safety Specialist will play a critical role in ensuring the safety and compliance of our operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in safety management within manufacturing or aerospace environments, with expertise in industrial hygiene, process safety management, and regulatory compliance. This role involves hands-on leadership, internal audits, safety training oversight, and active involvement in risk management and incident investigations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Internal Audits: Plan, conduct, and document internal safety audits to ensure compliance with company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and other relevant standards.
• Safety Program Management: Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive safety programs, including industrial hygiene, hazard communication, respiratory protection, and ergonomics.
• Process Safety Management (PSM): Oversee PSM activities, including change control processes, hot work permits, and contractor safety oversight.
• Training Oversight: Design and deliver safety training programs, including topics such as confined space entry, lockout/tagout (LOTO), PPE use, and fire safety. Ensure all personnel complete required training on time and maintain accurate training records.
• Job Hazard Analysis (JHA): Conduct thorough job hazard analyses to identify potential risks and implement effective control measures.
• Incident Investigation: Lead root cause analyses for workplace injuries and illnesses using methodologies such as the "5 Whys." Ensure corrective actions are implemented and documented appropriately.
• Industrial Hygiene: Perform air monitoring, noise surveys, and other assessments to evaluate exposure risks. Recommend and implement engineering or administrative controls as needed.
• OSHA Compliance & Record Keeping: Maintain up-to-date OSHA records, including OSHA 300 logs, and ensure compliance with safety regulations and reporting requirements.
• Leadership & Advocacy: Act as a safety advocate, fostering a culture of safety awareness and continuous improvement across the organization.
• Collaboration: Interface with management, engineering, and operations teams to address safety concerns and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Audit Support: Assist with external audits and inspections, including those related to workers' compensation, general liability, and financial audits.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health, Environmental Health, Safety Management, or a related field. A Master's degree in Occupational Health or Industrial Hygiene is preferred.

Certifications:

• Professional certification required (one or more):

• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in safety management, industrial hygiene, or process safety within manufacturing, aerospace, or similarly hazardous industries.
• Explosive Experience: 5 years of experience working with explosives safety is required.
• Proven experience managing safety programs, conducting audits, and implementing corrective actions.
• Experience mentoring and training safety professionals or interns is a plus.
• Nice to have: Experience in radiation safety, laser safety, process safety management, and fall protection.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices.
• Expertise in industrial hygiene practices, including air monitoring, noise assessments, and hazardous chemical risk evaluations.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing safety policies and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to lead and influence others.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.

Working Conditions: This is an onsite position based in Luling, TX, requiring regular presence at the facility. Occasional travel may be required for training or other business-related needs. Candidates must reside no more than 100 miles from Socorro, NM.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.