Job Overview

Saronic Technologies is seeking a highly experienced Vice President of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) to lead, scale, and globalize our EHS organization as we expand from a domestic defense and maritime manufacturing base into an international leader in AI-driven autonomous maritime systems.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in defense, shipbuilding, and advanced manufacturing, with exposure to AI-enabled, robotics, or autonomous vehicle technologies. This individual will have a proven record of designing and implementing world-class EHS programs in high-risk, high-technology, safety-critical maritime environments.

This role will be responsible for scaling the EHS organization, establishing a unified EHS management system across global operations, and achieving key certifications including ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management), and compliance with ASTM 2920-24 (Environmental Sustainability for Defense Systems and Manufacturing).

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development
  
  • Develop and execute a global EHS strategy that supports the rapid growth of defense, maritime, and AI/autonomous manufacturing programs.
  • Scale the EHS organization across multiple international sites, ensuring regional compliance, consistent standards, and operational excellence.
  • Coordinate with Security, Legal, and Compliance in all strategic planning, including facility expansion, technology integration, facility and operational controls, and entry into new international markets.

• Regulatory Compliance & Certification
  
  • Lead efforts to achieve and maintain ISO 14000 and ISO 45001 certifications and ensure compliance with ASTM E2920-24, DoD/NAVSEA standards, ISM, and other applicable defense and maritime environmental and health and safety regulations.
  • Oversee audit programs, risk assessments, and corrective action plans across all operations, including those integrating AI, robotics, and autonomous technologies.

• Operational Excellence & Risk Management
  
  • Develop and implement scalable, data-driven EHS management systems.
  • Drive advanced risk management initiatives.
  • Oversight of serious incident investigations, regulator engagement, and executive communications.

Qualifications

• Education & Credentials
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Safety Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or related field (Master's preferred).
• Professional certifications such as CSP, CIH, CHMM, ICS, PE, or CPEA preferred.

• Preferred Experience
  
  • Minimum 15+ years of progressive EHS leadership experience in a global EHS program in defense, maritime, shipbuilding, or advanced manufacturing industries.
  • Experience in high hazard environments including shipbuilding or ship repair, aerospace or defense manufacturing, offshore oil & gas, heavy industrial manufacturing, large-scale energy.
  • Maritime experience in shipyard safety, pier-side and at-sea testing, vessel commissioning and sea trials.
  • Experience managing EHS for autonomous or remotely operated systems, robotics or unmanned platforms, complex software-hardware integration.
  • Proven track record in achieving ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications and ensuring ASTM E2920-24 compliance.d
  • Proven expertise in offshore EHS and safety compliance, leveraging industry standards such as API recommended practices, ISO 14001/45001, ISM-based safety management systems, and class-verified marine safety and environmental requirements.

• Skills & Attributes
• Strategic, visionary leadership with deep operational and technical EHS expertise.
• Strong understanding of risk management frameworks for autonomous and AI-enabled systems.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills across engineering, software, and manufacturing disciplines.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and cross-cultural leadership abilities.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, sustainability, and ethical responsibility

Physical Requirements

• Position occasionally requires the ability to work overtime and weekends when needed.
• Role requiresup to 20% travel between CA, TX, LA, and VA with opportunities to travel to other US cities.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs unassisted.

Benefits:

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services

Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care

Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents

Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match

Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company's success

Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage

Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline

Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office