Safety Manager

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Crane (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Paid Time-Off

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions in Crane, IN seeks a Safety Manager for the MACH-TB program to oversee system safety in AI&T activities, handling hypersonic test vehicles and launch systems. You will lead safety programs, perform hazard analyses, maintain safety documents, coordinate with engineering and test teams, and support DoD/regulatory safety requirements across the lifecycle.

Travel up to 25% and promote a strong safety culture through training and continuous improvement; DoD

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or 10+ years of experience.
• 5+ years in leadership/management within engineering, laboratory or manufacturing environments, 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute system safety programs that comply with DoD, customer, and regulatory requirements (including MIL-STD-882).
• Perform 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 and Launch Vehicles.
• Support design, development, integration, test, and operational activities to embed safety requirements across the lifecycle.
• Participate in design reviews, test readiness reviews, and formal safety review boards.
• Prepare, review, and maintain SSPPs, Hazard Tracking Logs, and safety assessment reports.
• Support ground and flight test activities, range operations, and other high-hazard environments.
• Investigate incidents and perform root-cause analyses with corrective actions.
• Perform root-cause analysis for near-misses or incidents to support continuous improvement.

Skills

System safety principles

Hazard analyses

Technical writing

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

Job Description

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 Affended 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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