The Role

Cowboy Space is building the next generation of commercial rocket engines. We're looking for a Senior Site Safety Manager to establish occupational safety leadership at our Seattle manufacturing facility (300,000 SF). You'll own safety compliance, training development, PPE protocols, and OSHA standards across facility build-out and operations. You report to the Safety Director and make autonomous decisions on HIGH-risk issues. This is a hands-on, senior-level role for someone who builds safety systems and holds people accountable.

Responsibilities

Safety Leadership & On-Site Authority

• Establish on-site safety presence and leadership; set expectations for safety compliance across all operations

• Make autonomous HIGH-risk decisions: stop unsafe work, enforce non-negotiable safety standards, escalate issues appropriately

• Conduct daily facility inspections (machinery, propellant labs, storage, electrical, exits); document hazards and track remediation

• Monitor OSHA compliance in real-time operations; maintain detailed compliance documentation and audit readiness

• Establish and enforce clear safety protocols; hold all personnel (including management) accountable to standards

Training Program Development & Implementation

• Design and deliver comprehensive, competency-based safety training curriculum before operations begin

• Develop mandatory trainings: LOTO machinery-specific hazard recognition, propellant handling, emergency response, site orientation

• Implement operator certification program; verify demonstrated competency before ANY equipment use

• Establish refresher and ongoing training schedules; maintain complete training records with documented sign-offs

• Develop and deliver specialized training for new equipment, processes, or regulatory requirements

• Create train-the-trainer programs for operations leads to sustain training culture at scale

PPE Protocol Development & Enforcement

• Conduct hazard assessment across all work areas to determine PPE requirements by zone/task

• Design and establish site-wide PPE protocols (selection criteria, fit-testing, maintenance, storage, replacement)

• Ensure all PPE meets ANSI standards and aerospace requirements; maintain certification and approval documentation

• Enforce PPE compliance daily; use non-compliance as training and discipline opportunity

• Audit PPE stock, fit-testing records, and compliance monthly; identify gaps and trends

OSHA Compliance & Regulatory Stewardship

• Maintain expert knowledge of OSHA 1910 standards (machinery guarding, LOTO, hazard communication, recordkeeping, reporting)

• Audit facility against OSHA requirements monthly; document findings and drive remediation to completion

• Maintain detailed incident documentation, first aid records, and regulatory correspondence

• Prepare comprehensive audit readiness files; conduct mock OSHA inspections quarterly

• Track regulatory changes and updates; implement new requirements proactively

• Prepare incident reports, citation responses, and regulatory communications

Facility Build-Out & New Equipment Safety

• Establish site-specific safety plan during facility erection; coordinate safety during construction/build-out activities

• Conduct pre-installation safety reviews for all new machinery and equipment; identify guarding and interlock requirements

• Oversee equipment installation from a safety perspective; verify compliance before putting into service

• Conduct pre-operations audit; sign-off gate before machinery activation

• Develop facility-specific hazard maps and safety zones; communicate to all personnel

• Coordinate contractors and vendors on safety requirements; enforce compliance

Incident Response & Analytics

• Establish near-miss and incident tracking system; set expectations for reporting and investigation

• Respond to incidents within 24 hours; conduct preliminary investigation and determine corrective actions

• Lead root cause analysis; develop remedial training or system improvements to prevent recurrence

• Prepare monthly incident summary with trend analysis; identify patterns and systemic issues

• Maintain compliance with recordkeeping and regulatory reporting requirements

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional occupational safety experience in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, or defense

• A.A., B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical field.

• Demonstrated success developing comprehensive safety training programs with competency verification

• Expert-level knowledge of OSHA 1910 standards and proven track record of compliance auditing

• Experience establishing PPE protocols, fit-testing programs, and hazard-based PPE selection

• Hands-on experience overseeing safety during facility construction, equipment installation, or site build-out

• Track record of building safety culture from ground up; leading safety programs at new or rapidly scaling facilities

• Proven autonomous decision-making in high-hazard environments; experience stopping unsafe operations

• Experience with propellant, pressure vessel, cryogenic, or high-energy equipment operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace, spaceflight, or commercial space industry experience

• Experience with rocket propellant, cryogenic operations, or specialized fuel handling

• Background establishing safety programs during facility startup or rapid scaling

• Experience conducting incident investigations and root cause analysis

• Familiarity with design review processes and engineering safety integration

Knowledge & Certifications

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) OR Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

• Proficiency with occupational safety audits, hazard assessments, and compliance documentation

• Working knowledge of ANSI PPE standards, fit-testing protocols, and hazmat handling

• Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing or FAA-regulated environments preferred

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $145,000 - $170,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Paid time off

• 10 paid holidays per calendar year

• Paid parental leave

• Relocation assistance if applicable

• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants 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. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.