RoleThis 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.
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.
Qualifications- 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.
