About the Company
Powerus is building a next-generation American autonomous systems platform designed to move, protect, and sustain critical assets in high-consequence environments. The company combines advanced autonomy, manufacturing capability, operational expertise, and strategic acquisitions to support defense, national security, critical infrastructure, and commercial operations globally.
Mission
Our mission is to deliver resilient autonomous technologies that strengthen national security, improve operational safety, and expand the capabilities of organizations operating in complex environments.
Why Join Powerus
Powerus manufactures unmanned aerial systems at its Charlotte facility, working with composites, lithium battery packs, adhesives, coatings, and powered mechanical assemblies. The manufacturing footprint is growing and the compliance surface is growing with it. This role owns the health, safety, and environmental program for the company. You will build the management system, not inherit one.
About the Role
Powerus is seeking an Environmental Health and Safety Manager to establish and manage the company's HSE program across its manufacturing and flight test operations. The role is responsible for regulatory compliance with federal, state, and local health, safety, and environmental requirements, incident investigation, hazard assessment, employee safety training, and the development of policies and procedures that scale with the company's expanding operations.
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and maintain the company's health, safety, and environmental management system
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, NCDAQ, and applicable local regulations across manufacturing and test operations
- Conduct hazard assessments and job safety analyses for production processes, including work with lithium batteries, composite materials, adhesives, solvents, and powered mechanical equipment
- Investigate workplace incidents and near-misses, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions
- Develop and deliver employee safety training programs, including new-hire orientation, hazard communication, lockout/tagout, PPE, and emergency response
- Manage hazardous waste handling, storage, labeling, and disposal in accordance with RCRA and state requirements
- Maintain Safety Data Sheets, chemical inventories, and exposure monitoring records
- Manage workers' compensation claims and return-to-work programs
- Conduct regular facility inspections and safety audits
- Develop and maintain emergency action plans, including evacuation, fire response, and severe weather procedures
- Track and report safety metrics, including OSHA recordable rates, and present findings to leadership
- Interface with regulatory agencies during inspections and permit applications
Qualifications
- Must be located in the United States, within commuting distance of Charlotte, NC
- Experience managing an EHS or HSE program in a manufacturing environment
- Working knowledge of OSHA general industry standards (29 CFR 1910)
- Experience with hazardous materials management, including chemical handling, storage, and disposal
- Familiarity with EPA and state environmental compliance requirements
- Experience conducting incident investigations and root cause analysis
- Ability to develop written safety procedures and deliver training
- Bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety, environmental science, industrial engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
- U.S. Person status required (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)); this role involves access to ITAR- and EAR-controlled technical data
Preferred Skills
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or other ITAR-governed manufacturing environments
- Familiarity with lithium battery handling, storage, and transport regulations (DOT, IATA)
- Experience with composite material fabrication hazards, including dust control and resin handling
- Experience developing safety programs from the ground up at a growing company
- Familiarity with ISO 14001 or ISO 45001 management systems
- Active or prior U.S. security clearance
What We Look For
This role requires someone who can build a safety program that production will actually follow. The best candidates have managed EHS at a manufacturer small enough that they were doing inspections and writing procedures themselves, not just managing a team that did. You should be comfortable on the production floor, direct about hazards, and able to write a procedure that a technician will read.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Powerus is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and mission-driven workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
