Job Description

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Safety Manager for the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) program requires a unique blend of industrial safety expertise and high-stakes aerospace operational experience. In the Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) phase, safety is paramount due to the handling of experimental flight vehicles, solid rocket motors, and advanced thermal protection systems. This role partners with engineering, test, manufacturing, and program teams to identify hazards, assess risk, and ensure compliance with DoD, customer, and regulatory safety requirements. The Safety Manager plays a critical role in supporting high-risk operations, including development, test, and fielded systems.

LOCATION

• Crane, IN
  
  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

PRIMARY:

• Develop and execute system safety programs that comply with DoD, customer, and regulatory requirements (including MIL-STD-882 and related standards).
• Perform system safety analyses such as hazard analyses, risk assessments, fault tree analyses, and mishap risk evaluations.
• Provide AI&T Safety Oversight by developing and enforcing safety protocols for the Assembly, Integration, and Test of hypersonic experimental Test Vehicles (TV) and Launch Vehicles (LV).
• Support design, development, integration, test, and operational activities to ensure safety requirements are embedded early and maintained throughout the lifecycle.
• Participate in design reviews, test readiness reviews, and formal safety review boards.
• Prepare, review, and maintain system safety documentation including Safety Program Plans (SSPPs), Hazard Tracking Logs (HTLs), and safety assessment reports.
• Support ground and flight test activities, range operations, and other high-hazard environments.
• Investigate incidents, close calls, and mishaps; perform root?cause analyses and recommend corrective actions.
• Perform root-cause analysis for any near-miss or incident during vehicle integration or recovery to support continuous improvement and test cadence.
  
  

SECONDARY:

• Conduct safety audits, inspections, and assessments of facilities, operations, and test configurations.
• Coordinate with customers, government representatives, and internal stakeholders on safety-related matters.
• Interface with government and industry partners to align safety standards across the program.
• Support compliance with OSHA, DoD, and program-specific safety requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture through training, mentorship, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  
  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Manager-level supervisory responsibility, overseeing engineering and technician teams.

Experience And Skills

JOB SKILLS:

REQUIRED:

• Working knowledge of system safety principles and standards (e.g., MIL-STD-882).
• Experience performing hazard analyses and maintaining hazard tracking systems.
• Strong technical writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional technical and program teams.
  
  

PREFERRED:

• Experience supporting missile, space, aircraft, or hypersonic systems.
• Familiarity with range safety, explosives safety, or test safety requirements.
• Professional certifications such as CSP, ASP, or equivalent.
• Experience working on classified or government-contracted programs.
• Active or ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.
  
  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or 10+ years of experience.
• 5+ years in a leadership or management role within an engineering, laboratory, or manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years at the senior level.
• 7+ years of relevant engineering experience in laboratory operations, electrical/mechanical development, machining, testing, or prototyping (or equivalent combination of education and industry/military experience).
  
  

Travel

• Up to 25%
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position operates across engineering office spaces, advanced electrical laboratories, integrated test environments, precision machine shop areas, and facility operational zones. Work involves planning, oversight, scheduling, documentation review, process development, and cross-departmental coordination. The role requires adherence to facility safety protocols, ESD practices, and operational standards while supporting fast-paced, mission-driven workflows. The Safety Manager will regularly interact with engineers, technicians, mission providers, and department managers, and may be required to support hands-on assessments or oversight during integration, fabrication, or test activities.

Job Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

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