Senior EHS Manager

About the role

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Job Overview

The Senior EHS Manager owns the environmental, health, and safety program across Saronic's Austin operations, including office, production/manufacturing, and waterfront activities. You will build and lead a safety culture that protects our people while keeping pace with a fast-moving hardware and maritime environment.

This is a hands-on leadership role: you will help the VP of EHS to set strategy and policy, but you will also be on the production floor and at the waterfront, coaching teams and solving problems in real time. Success means an organization where safe work is the fastest way to work, and where compliance is a baseline rather than a goal.

Responsibilities

• Program leadership - Support the VP of EHS on developing the EHS vision, strategy, and roadmap across all Saronic operations, aligning safety objectives with production and growth goals.
• Maritime & manufacturing safety - Support the VP of EHS on establishing and enforcing procedures for safe work for vessel construction, systems integration, mechanical and electrical assembly, and on-the-water testing and launch/recovery operations.
• Regulatory compliance - Support the VP of EHS on ensuring compliance with OSHA, EPA, USCG, and applicable state, local, and maritime regulations (including relevant 29 CFR, 33 CFR, and environmental permitting requirements), and serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory inspections and audits.
• People leadership - Support the VP of EHS on hiring, managing, and mentoring a team of EHS professionals; set clear goals, develop talent, and hold the organization accountable for safety performance.
• Risk management - Lead robust hazard identification, job hazard analysis (JHA), and risk assessment processes; drive corrective and preventive actions to closure.
• Incident management - Lead or oversee investigate incidents and near-misses, perform root-cause analysis, track leading and lagging indicators, and report EHS metrics to senior leadership.
• Training & culture - Build and deliver engaging safety training and onboarding across the workforce, from shop-floor technicians to engineers and leadership.
• Operational programs - Own emergency response, spill prevention, hazardous materials handling, PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space, fall protection, and industrial hygiene programs.
• Cross-functional partnership - Provide safety-by-design input to engineering and manufacturing teams so hazards are engineered out early, and partner cross-functionally as the company and its facilities scale.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of applicable maritime EHS experience (e.g., shipyard, naval, marine construction, offshore, Coast Guard, or comparable waterfront/vessel operations).
• 5+ years in a people-leadership role, directly managing and developing EHS staff or safety teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field - or equivalent experience.
• Deep, working knowledge of OSHA (general industry and/or maritime/shipyard standards), EPA, and USCG regulations as applied to vessel construction and waterfront operations.
• Demonstrated record of building safety programs and driving measurable improvements in a manufacturing, industrial, or maritime setting.
• Strong command of hazard analysis, incident investigation, and root-cause methodologies.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to earn trust on the shop floor and in the boardroom.
• U.S. person status / clearance eligible (role supports national security programs; may require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Professional certification such as CSP, CIH, CHMM, or equivalent.
• Experience in a high-growth, startup, or defense-technology environment.
• Familiarity with shipyard competent person requirements and marine chemist coordination.
• Experience with safety management systems (e.g., ISO 45001) and EHS data/reporting tools.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Occasional standing and walking within the office
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)
• This role is based on-site in Austin, TX and regularly works across office, manufacturing, and waterfront/on-the-water environments. The position requires the ability to move about production floors and dock/vessel areas, wear required PPE, and occasionally lift or carry equipment. Travel up to 50% to additional sites or test locations may be required.

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

Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. 1324b(a)(3)