Lead Safety Officer

AT Process Technologies (ATP) is a pioneering manufacturing company focused on the development and deployment of modular energetics production plants. Using breakthrough chemistry and automation that operates continuously and generates little to no waste, ATP is expanding energetics production to meet the munitions demands of the US and Allies safely, rapidly, and cost effectively.

Summary

We are seeking an experienced Lead Safety Officer to build and lead ATP’s safety program across our Waltham, MA R&D facility and our Berwick, ME pilot site, with oversight responsibility for our upcoming manufacturing site. You will be the company’s senior safety authority for energetic materials operations, owning explosives safety, process safety, and occupational safety. You will not be inheriting a mature safety organization; instead, you will have the autonomy to design the programs, procedures, and culture that allow ATP to scale energetics production safely.

Critical Responsibilities

• Build and own ATP’s explosives safety program from the ground up, aligned with DoD 4145.26-M, DESR 6055.09, and ATF requirements under 27 CFR Part 555. Manage hazard classification, QD siting, explosive limits, and explosives safety site plans for new operating and storage locations.

• Implement and administer an OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 PSM program covering our energetics processes. Lead and facilitate process hazard analyses (HAZOP, What-If, FMEA), and own management of change (MOC), pre-startup safety reviews (PSSR), operating procedures, and mechanical integrity for new and modified equipment.

• Serve as the safety lead for the Berwick, ME pilot site as it moves from permitting to operations. Partner with Engineering and the Site Director on facility layout, electrical area classification, ESD and grounding/bonding design, magazine and hazardous material storage, fire protection, and emergency response planning, and act as a primary liaison with local fire officials and other authorities having jurisdiction.

• Oversee safety for energetic synthesis and characterization work at our Waltham, MA facility, including small-scale handling limits, sensitivity testing (impact, friction, ESD, thermal), chemical hygiene, and the transition of processes from bench scale to pilot scale.

• Provide program oversight and periodic on-site support for our future manufacturing site, including PHA and PSSR participation during recommissioning, alignment of site safety programs with ATP standards, and support to local site personnel.

• Develop and maintain written programs and training for hazard communication, lockout/tagout, PPE, respiratory protection, confined space, hot work, and powered industrial trucks. Own OSHA recordkeeping, incident investigation and root cause analysis, and corrective action tracking across all sites.

• Partner with Logistics and Compliance to ensure safe packaging, storage, and movement of explosives and hazardous materials, including DOT 49 CFR hazard classification, EX approvals, and training for hazmat employees.

• Hold and model stop-work authority. Build a culture where engineers, chemists, and technicians actively own safety, through practical training, operational walk-downs, near-miss reporting, and leading-indicator metrics reported to leadership.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of EHS or process safety experience, with at least 5 years directly supporting explosives, propellants, or energetic materials operations at a DoD ammunition plant, GOCO facility, defense prime contractor, national laboratory, or commercial energetics manufacturer.

• Hands-on working knowledge of DoD 4145.26-M, DESR 6055.09 / DDESB requirements, ATF explosives storage and licensing, OSHA PSM, and DOT hazardous materials regulations.

• Proven experience standing up safety programs for a new facility, process, or pilot plant, rather than only maintaining an existing, mature program.

• Demonstrated experience facilitating PHAs and HAZOPs for energetic or highly hazardous chemical processes, and translating findings into practical engineering and administrative controls.

• CSP, ASP, or CHMM strongly preferred. Formal explosives safety training (e.g., Defense Ammunition Center courses) is a plus.

• Must be a U.S. person as defined under ITAR. Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance is required. Ability to travel regularly between Waltham and Berwick and periodically to the Manufacturing site.

• Able to work alongside engineers and chemists as a trusted partner, enabling a fast-moving development program while holding firm on non-negotiable safety requirements.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs

• U.S. Person and ability to obtain a security clearance

• Ability to work on-site and travel as needed

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AT Process Technologies 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 protected veteran status

Reasonable Accommodation

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact careers@atp.us.

E-Verify

AT Process Technologies participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees.