The RoleCowboy 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.
ResponsibilitiesSafety 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 BenefitsThe 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
- 10 paid holidays per calendar year
- Relocation assistance if applicable
- Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
ITAR RequirementsExport 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.
DisclaimerThis 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.
