Hazardous Materials Technician

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

As a Hazardous Materials Technician, you will support safe and compliant manufacturing operations by managing hazardous and non-hazardous materials throughout their lifecycle. This role is responsible for waste management, chemical inventory control, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness, and environmental monitoring while partnering with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), operations, and engineering teams to maintain a safe and efficient workplace.

Responsibilities

• Collects, analyzes, segregates, packages, and manages hazardous and non-hazardous production waste streams.
• Inspects Satellite Accumulation Areas (SAAs) and Central Accumulation Areas to ensure proper containment, grounding, labeling, and regulatory compliance.
• Receives, inventories, barcodes, and tracks manufacturing chemicals while verifying Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensuring proper storage by hazard classification.
• Prepares hazardous waste documentation, including Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifests, Land Disposal Restrictions (LDRs), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reporting, while ensuring compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements.
• Leads hazardous waste management activities, including labeling, storage inspections, and coordination of waste pickups.
• Maintains the facility’s SDS database and ensures newly introduced chemicals are properly documented.
• Conducts audits of spill response equipment and replenishes supplies to maintain facility readiness.
• Collaborates with EHS, operations, and engineering teams on waste-reduction initiatives and root-cause analyses related to safety events and near-misses.
• Inspects facility outfalls, stormwater drains, and containment systems to prevent environmental releases.
• Participates in emergency response activities, safety training initiatives, and emergency preparedness drills as a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT).

Required Qualifications

• Two or more years of hands-on experience in an industrial safety or waste management environment.
• Current 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), RCRA, and DOT Hazardous Materials training certifications, or the ability to obtain them within 60 days of hire.
• Knowledge of chemical hazards, compatibility charts, spill mitigation protocols, and safe work practices.
• Experience operating industrial forklifts, drum lifters, air-monitoring equipment, and chemical transfer pumps.
• Ability to safely maneuver 400-pound drums using drum carts.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, climb ladders, and lift more than 50 pounds unassisted.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, up to six to eight hours per day, throughout manufacturing facilities during inspections and audits.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders to access equipment and work areas.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds of equipment, sampling devices, and related materials.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel to collect samples and inspect equipment.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate testing equipment and safety devices.
• Ability to wear and tolerate personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, for extended periods.
• Visual acuity to identify safety hazards, read gauges, and detect potential issues.
• Ability to communicate safety information effectively in potentially noisy environments.
• Exposure to manufacturing noise levels that may require hearing protection.
• Exposure to chemicals, dust, fumes, vapors, moving machinery, variable lighting conditions, confined spaces, uneven surfaces, and outdoor weather conditions while performing job duties.
• The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.