Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation
At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting-edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission-critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs - from R&D to flight testing, If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.
Safety Engineer
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Safety Engineer to take an active role in design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) program for our new industrial campus. You will lead a process safety initiative, define the safety culture, establish standardized operating procedures (SOPs), and ensure full compliance with federal and state regulations (OSHA/EPA) from day one.
Role will be at newly initiated Minnesota Aerospace Complex. This is a state-of-the-are aerospace research and test facility currently under development in Rosemount, Minnesota. It is intended to be the most advanced aerospace testing site in the United States, specifically focusing on hypersonic flight. The campus will incorporate multiple test facilities, fabrication facilities, and storage buildings.
Core Responsibilities
- Execute system safety tasks and manage deliverables—including Preliminary Hazard Analyses (PHAs), System Requirements Hazards Analyses (SRHAs), and Safety Assessment Reports (SARs)—to meet all MIL-STD-882 program milestones.
- Develop and Maintain Artifacts: Prepare, update, and deliver key MIL-STD-882 safety documents, including Subsystem Hazard Analyses (SSHAs), Operating and Support Hazard Analyses (O&SHAs), and Health Hazard Assessments (HHAs).
- Manage Hazard Tracking: Own the Hazard Tracking System (HTS) to ensure all identified risks are tracked, mitigated, and verified through design verification or testing.
- Lead Safety Reviews: Represent the safety program at milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) by presenting the System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) and current hazard statuses.
- Point of Contact – Serve as primary point of contact between the facility operations, project and stakeholders including third party engineers and regulators.
- Process Safety Management – Lead a process safety management program including directing best practices from design commencement through operation for multiple facilities on our aerospace campus. Support a rigorous hazard evaluation process and emphasize comprehensive risk mitigation. Our planned campus includes an aerothermal test facility with unique combustion processes and fuel systems.
- Program Development: Be familiar with Campus Safety Management System (SMS), including Emergency Response Plans, Hazard Communication, Confined Spaces, LASER safety, cryogenics, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) programs.
- Campus Integration: Partner with Facilities and Operations to ensure safety is integrated into the layout of the campus, including machine guarding, pedestrian-vehicle interface, and hazardous material and flammable fluid storage.
- Regulatory Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact for task execution pertaining to delivery milestones outlined in the Mil-STD-882 OSHA, EPA, and local fire marshals during inspections and permitting processes.
- Risk Assessment: Conduct comprehensive Job Hazard Analyses (JHA) and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR) for all new equipment and industrial processes.
- Incident Management: Lead all incident investigations, root cause analysis (RCA), and the implementation of corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Position requires a BA/BS degree from an accredited university in a biological, physical, engineering, or environmental science related field. Preference given for Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Industrial Engineering, or Environmental Science or a related discipline.
- Experience: 7+ years of safety experience in a heavy industrial environment (e.g., manufacturing, chemical, or aerospace), with at least 2 years in a leadership or program "stand-up" capacity.
- Regulatory Mastery: Expert knowledge of Department of Defense Mil-Std-882, Standard practice for system safety. Expert knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry) and NFPA 70E standards.
- Leadership: Proven ability to influence site-wide culture and secure "buy-in" from both executive leadership and frontline technicians.
Preferred Skills
- Construction-to-Ops: Experience transitioning a site from the construction phase (OSHA 1926) to full operational status (OSHA 1910).
- Software Systems: Proficiency in EHS Management Software (e.g., Enablon or VelocityEHS) for tracking metrics and audits.
- ISO Standards: Experience implementing ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) frameworks.
- Regulatory Expertise: Deep familiarity with NFPA 70E (Electrical Safety) and NFPA 45 (Lab Fire Protection) and NFPA 1.
- Certifications: Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation is highly preferred. CHMM, HAZWOPER, Incident Commander, and similar additional certifications are desirable.
Security: This position requires a security clearance, which necessitates U.S. citizenship. Employment will be contingent on candidate being able to obtain a security clearance.
Working Conditions
- This role requires frequent movement across a large industrial campus, including climbing stairs/ladders and entering production areas where PPE (steel-toed boots, safety glasses, hearing protection) is mandatory.
North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.
The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.
All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.