Senior Environment Health & Safety Engineer
Job description
Senior Environment Health & Safety Engineer at The Exploration Company.
About the role
The Exploration Company is pioneering a new era of space exploration through the development and operation of Nyx, a modular and reusable orbital vehicle designed for cargo and, eventually, human transport, with the future capability of in-orbit refuelling. As the EHS Engineer joining this ambitious team, you will own the end-to-end compliance of health, safety, and environmental standards across all company functions and projects. You will act as the primary guardian of workplace safety, ensuring that every process, facility, and activity aligns with the strictest regulatory requirements and the company's zero-accident policy. This role requires you to analyze complex operational risks, implement robust preventative controls, and drive a proactive safety culture that protects both people and the environment. You will be responsible for fostering a unified safety mindset where every team member feels empowered and responsible for EHS principles. Ultimately, your work will ensure that ambitious space exploration goals are achieved without compromising on the fundamental commitment to responsible and sustainable operations.
Key facts
What you'll do
Conduct comprehensive compliance oversight to ensure the organization adheres to all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations and standards established by local, national, and EU authorities, including mandatory trainings and required documentation submissions to German governmental agencies.
Develop, implement, and maintain a wide range of safety programs and policies specifically designed to minimize workplace hazards and cultivate a consistently safe working environment for all personnel.
Execute systematic inspections and audits of facilities, equipment, and operational processes to verify ongoing adherence to EHS standards and to identify actionable opportunities for continuous improvement.
Analyze performance data to propose strategic system improvements and monitor key performance indicators rigorously to uphold the company's zero accident policy and enhance overall operational safety.
Manage the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste streams to minimize environmental impact and ensure full regulatory compliance.
Champion workplace health, safety, and environmental concerns across all levels of the organization, from executive leadership to operational staff, by ensuring access to relevant training programs and spearheading EHS awareness campaigns and introductory initiatives.
Perform and support detailed risk analyses to help reduce employee risk exposure by implementing appropriate measures that are concordant with all applicable regulations and industry best practices.
Develop and coordinate robust emergency response plans and procedures to ensure effective management of potential emergencies such as fires, chemical spills, or natural disasters.
Investigate accidents, incidents, and near-misses thoroughly to determine root causes and implement timely corrective actions that prevent recurrence and strengthen the safety management system.
Provide expert advice on health and safety matters related to products and projects, actively contributing to the risk management process and conducting thorough hazard analyses at the project level, including FMEA, HAZID, and HAZOP.
Support teams throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept to decommissioning, to ensure adherence to all applicable requirements and propose timely actions to contain risk exposure.
Maintain detailed records of all EHS activities, assessments, and audits to ensure traceability and provide data-driven insights for decision-making.
Collaborate closely with internal departments and external authorities to facilitate smooth communication and alignment on all EHS matters.
Promote a culture of safety and continuous learning by coaching and guiding colleagues on best practices, standards, and regulatory updates.
Requirements
Possess a relevant degree and/or certification in environmental health and safety management, demonstrating a strong foundational knowledge of the field.
Have first-hand experience in an EHS role, preferably within one of the following industries: aerospace, oil & gas, automotive, or a closely related sector with similar risk profiles.
Show a deep understanding of French EHS regulations, including specific knowledge of the Code du travail and ICPE frameworks.
Bring direct experience with risk assessment methodologies, safety audits, and comprehensive incident investigation techniques.
Demonstrate exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.
Communicate fluently in both German and English, ensuring clear and precise interaction with all stakeholders.
Act as a unifying force within the team, encouraging everyone to follow safety protocols and fostering a collaborative environment.
Operate with a detail and solution-oriented mindset, possessing a strong ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Support and actively drive culture change initiatives aimed at creating a robust and sustainable culture of safety across the organization.
Show knowledge of the standards ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 and their practical application within a complex operational environment.
Nice to have
Acquire knowledge and experience with hazards specifically linked to chemicals, pressurized gases, cryogenic fluids, and electrical installations.
Practical notes
Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate, including visa sponsorship where applicable.
All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful completion of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible.
If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to their platform to complete the pre-employment checks. Please note that an offer of employment will not be confirmed until this process is finalized.
Candidates must be authorized to work in Germany.