About the Role The HSE Manager / Senior Manager leads the Health, Safety & Environmental programs across manufacturing, test, and launch operations. This role provides technical leadership, regulatory compliance oversight, and operational risk management for one of the most dynamic aerospace environments in the industry• including cryogenic and hypergolic propellants, pressure systems, energetic devices, high-risk fabrication processes, high-volume testing, and launch site activities.
This role directly manages HSE Engineers/Specialists and partners with Engineering, Manufacturing, Test Ops, Launch Ops, and Quality to integrate safety into all phases of hardware and mission operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership & Strategy
- Lead the company's HSE program across manufacturing, test, and launch operations.
- Develop and implement HSE management system elements with focus on ISO45001, ISO14001 and SIF prevention.
- Lead corporate HSE strategy; establish standards, policies, procedures across multiple sites.
- Serve as the senior SME on environmental compliance, occupational safety, hazardous operations, pressurized systems, emergency response, and process safety.
- Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing HSE team.
Operational Safety & Hazard Controls
- Oversee hazard identification, TRA/JSA, risk assessment, and implementation of controls for identified high risk activities.
- Maintain and continuously improve HSE and SIF prevention written programs, training, and communication.
- Ensure compliance with NFPA, OSHA 1910/1926, EPA, DOT, and aerospace-specific standards.
- Conduct incident investigations and corrective action planning.
Test & Launch Operations Support
- Provide HSE oversight for hazardous test operations including engine firings, high-pressure systems, LN2/LOX systems, and ground support equipment.
- Support launch operations including hazard reviews, emergency preparedness, and interface with Range Safety.
- Review Work Instructions for hazardous operations to ensure proper controls are implemented.
Environmental Program Management
- Oversee compliance with RCRA, TCEQ, DTSC, hazardous waste, air/water permits, SPCC, Tier II, TRI and applicable state requirements (CA, VA).
- Manage environmental monitoring and waste minimization.
- Maintain chemical inventory programs.
Regulatory Compliance & External Interface
- Serve as the point of contact for regulatory inspections, audits, environmental permitting, and compliance visits.
- Manage ATF ordinance compliance across multiple sites and serve as the Responsible Person for maintaining ATF licensing.
Training, Culture & Improvement
- Lead HSE training programs including hazardous operations, general safety, and emergency response.
- Drive safety culture through engagement and visibility.
- Develop metrics, dashboards, and reporting for HSE performance.
QUALIFICATIONS Required Manager Level: - Bachelor's in Safety, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related.
- 5+ years HSE experience in aerospace or high-hazard industry.
- Strong OSHA/EPA/NFPA knowledge.
- Experience with hazardous operations programs.
- Incident investigation and training experience.
Senior Manager Level: - 8• 12+ years experience with 3+ years leadership.
- Multi-site HSE ownership.
- Experience supporting test, launch, or DoD/NASA operations.
- Experience designing or managing test safety programs, propellant safety, or range safety.
Desired - CSP, CIH, CHMM or equivalent.
- HAZWOPER 40.
- Energetics/explosives safety experience.
- Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710 or NASA-STD-8719.
- Ability to operate machinery such as forklifts and boom lifts a plus.
Additional Requirements - Ability to travel between TX and CA sites.
- Ability to work extended hours during critical test/launch operations.
- Ability to work in outdoor conditions.
Disclaimer Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and
vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term
disability, and flexible PTO options.
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, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., 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.
