Environmental Health and Safety, Engineering & Technical Program Manager
WFA Digital Insight
As the demand for environmental health and safety specialists continues to rise, with a growing need for professionals who can navigate complex technical environments, Openai is seeking a highly skilled EHS Manager to support their expanding operations. With the global focus on sustainability and safety, this role stands out for its emphasis on risk-based decision making and scalable program design. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate strong operational judgment and the ability to collaborate effectively with technical teams, and be aware that the role requires onsite presence in the San Francisco Bay Area. The market for EHS professionals is expected to see significant growth, with some estimates suggesting a 25% increase in job openings by 2027.
Job Description
About the Role
The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) team at Openai plays a critical role in enabling the company's safe, compliant, and scalable operations across its growing global presence. This team partners closely with various departments, including Engineering, Research & Development, Workplace, Operations, Security, and IT, to design and implement practical safety programs that support innovation while protecting people and the environment.As an EHS Manager, Engineering & Technical Operations, you will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of safety programs that support hardware engineering, research and development, and technical operations environments. Your expertise will be crucial in assessing and controlling exposure risks, strengthening safe work practices, and building scalable EHS programs that enable innovation while protecting people, facilities, and equipment.
What You Will Do
- Lead EHS programs across multiple sites, focusing on industrial hygiene and product and equipment safety risks
- Conduct exposure and hazard assessments, implementing effective controls aligned with the hierarchy of controls
- Develop, maintain, and scale Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety standards for technical workflows, equipment use, materials handling, and high-risk operations
- Partner with engineering and technical teams to embed safety-by-design principles into equipment, workspaces, and evolving technical processes
- Provide EHS advisory support on product and equipment safety, identifying hazards during development, testing, and deployment phases
- Strengthen compliance frameworks across relevant safety standards, ensuring programs align with regulatory expectations
- Support regulatory readiness across sites, including preparing teams for inspections and coordinating responses to agency inquiries
- Own or co-own programs such as hazard communication, chemical management, and equipment safety
- Lead incident and near-miss investigations, developing corrective and preventive actions and analyzing trends for continuous improvement
- Deliver targeted training and support onboarding and work authorization processes, reinforcing a strong on-the-floor safety culture
What We Are Looking For
- 8-10+ years of EHS experience supporting engineering, research and development, technical operations, or other complex technical environments
- Strong capability in industrial hygiene principles, including exposure assessment, monitoring approaches, and control selection
- Experience advising teams on product or equipment safety hazards, including mechanical, electrical, thermal, or chemical risks
- Technical fluency across multiple disciplines such as mechanical systems, electrical hazards, equipment safety, and materials handling
- Strong operational judgment and the ability to collaborate effectively with technical teams
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with teams at all levels
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing tasks and managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and develop practical solutions
Nice to Have
- Experience with regulatory compliance frameworks and standards, including OSHA/Cal-OSHA, NFPA, and ANSI
- Knowledge of safety management systems and auditing principles
- Certification in a relevant field, such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work with a leading technology company
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and equipment
- Flexible working hours and remote work options (note: this role requires onsite presence in the San Francisco Bay Area)
- Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs
- Generous paid time off and holiday policy
How to Stand Out
- Tip: Highlight your experience in industrial hygiene and safety program development in your application.
- Ensure your resume and cover letter are tailored to the EHS role, emphasizing relevant technical skills and certifications.
- Develop a portfolio that showcases your ability to design and implement practical safety programs and your experience in risk assessment and control.
- Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience in leading EHS programs and collaborating with technical teams during the interview process.
- Research Openai's current projects and initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of their operations and how your skills align with their needs.
- Consider obtaining relevant certifications, such as CSP or CIH, to enhance your candidacy and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
- Be prepared to negotiate your salary based on your experience and the market rate for EHS professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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