Explosives Operations Site Manager
Karman Space & Defense
SUMMARY
The Explosives Operations Site Manager is responsible for ensuring that all explosive-related activities at the site are conducted safely, compliantly, and effectively. This role is the steward of internal explosives policies for their site—translating them into work processes, ensuring processes are followed in day-to-day operations, auditing their effectiveness, and driving continuous improvement while supporting dynamic operational needs.
The ideal candidate is a disciplined, detail-oriented professional who can balance strict adherence to safety standards with the flexibility required in a high-pressure, fast-moving production environment.
ABOUT US
Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement*
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Policy & Process Ownership
- Own and maintain the site’s explosives processes, general work instructions, and integrate those with program specific work instructions.
- Translate organizational and regulatory requirements into actionable, practical processes for operators and engineers.
- Assist in updating policies and procedures in response to audit findings, operational needs, or safety events.
- Ensure required documentation is clear, compliant, and accessible.
Operational Oversight & Safety
- Serve as the first-level safety review for explosive operations to ensure all work is performed “by the book.”
- Monitor operations daily to verify adherence to procedures, PPE requirements, equipment configurations, and safe-work practices.
- Provide immediate guidance and corrective action support when deviations or unsafe conditions are observed.
- Participate in incident investigations and root-cause analysis as a subject-matter expert.
Audit & Compliance
- Conduct routine site process audits to assess compliance, identify gaps, and verify process health.
- Participate in external audit hosting, track audit findings, and drive closure of corrective actions.
- Maintain readiness for regulatory inspections and internal safety reviews.
- Develop and present compliance metrics to leadership.
Operational Support
- Act as a hands-on resource during surge periods, providing additional oversight, troubleshooting, or operational assistance as needed.
- Collaborate closely with production, test, engineering, and safety teams to ensure alignment between policy and real-world constraints.
- Support planning and risk reviews for new processes, equipment, or operational changes.
Culture & Leadership
- Model an unwavering commitment to safety while remaining approachable, practical, and solution-focused.
- Champion a culture of procedural discipline, continuous improvement, and open communication.
- Provide training and mentorship to employees on explosive safety practices and compliance expectations.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Safety, Applied Science, or relevant discipline; or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of experience in explosive operations, energetic materials handling, ordnance assembly/test, or similar high-hazard, high scrutiny, environments.
- Demonstrated experience interpreting, developing, or enforcing technical procedures and safety policies.
- Strong audit, investigation, and process-improvement skills.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to coach, influence, and de-escalate.
- Proven ability to operate under pressure, make sound decisions, and hold ground on safety-critical issues.
- Preferred – Prior experience as an explosives handler, EOD technician, or energetics operations lead.
- Preferred – Familiarity with DoD, ATF, WA L&I, NFPA, and local regulatory requirements related to explosives.
- Preferred – Experience with LEAN, root-cause methodologies (5-Why, Fishbone, etc.), or quality systems.
- Preferred – Certifications in safety, energetics, or hazardous operations are a plus.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.
