Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) Operations Lead

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on injury prevention, operational risk mitigation, ergonomic improvements, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and implement EH&S operational strategies aligned with Coherent’s manufacturing and business objectives.
• Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive action programs.
• Monitor EH&S performance metrics, KPIs, and audit findings to drive measurable operational improvements.
• Lead Emergency Medical Response Team and coordinate training at the site for CPR, AED, First Aid
• Ensure timely submission and renewal of all required environmental permit applications and Complete environmental calculations as needed.
• Lead environmental inspections and audits.
• Ensure all local, state and federal environmental reporting requirements are met.
• Coordinate and conduct any required environmental sampling.
• Prepare and submit environmental reports including, but not limited to, Tier II, TRI, emissions reporting and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) data and safety scorecards.

Laser Safety Officer (LSO) Responsibilities

• Serve as the designated Laser Safety Officer (LSO) for all laser operations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain laser safety programs in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Conduct laser hazard evaluations and risk assessments for manufacturing, laboratory, service, and R&D environments.
• Approve laser operating procedures, engineering controls, PPE requirements, and administrative controls.
• Ensure compliance with all enclosures, interlocks, signs/labeling, PPE, etc.
• Lead laser safety audits, inspections, and training programs.
• Support incident response and investigation related to laser exposure or laser-related hazards.
• Partner with engineering teams on safe integration of new laser systems and manufacturing processes.

EHS Training Lead

• Lead efforts for planning site EHS training for employees, contractors, and other visitors.
• Implement & manage the company’s learning management system (LMS) and training matrices.
• Maintenance of PowerPoints, and other training materials.
• Ensure EHS training is completed, including written feedback by participants.
• EHS training records maintained for easy access.

EHS & Laser Safety Committee Activities

• Lead/support site EHS & Laser Safety Committee.
• Work with the committees to develop site safety initiatives.
• Drive completion of the safety observations and corrective actions.

Other EHS Activities

• Ensure all safety programs are current, comprehensive and operationally effective to protect employees, contractors and visitors.
• Manage SDS program including program for approving new chemicals to site.
• Lead Medical Surveillance efforts for the site, as required.
• Lead Industrial Health program and related efforts for the site.
• Participating in execution of the Respirator Fit-Testing Program for the site, as required.
• Manage the Prescription Safety Glasses & safety shoes programs for the site.
• Conduct JSAs, EHSRs, Incident Investigations/RCAs as directed by the Regional EHS Manager, Auditor, or as required by tasks, programs and projects within the site.
• Follow-up and manage on employee EHS Concerns and Near Miss events received verbally or through the sites notification system.
• Attend meetings or functions as the subject matter expert on EHS and Facilities, as necessary.
• Escort and assist regulatory inspectors as necessary.
• Coordinate waste programs, including hazardous, non-hazardous, Universal waste and recycling programs.
• Perform monthly audits for general and laser safety.

EHS & Laser Safety Committee Activities

• Lead/support site EHS & Laser Safety Committee.
• Work with the committees to develop site safety initiatives.
• Drive completion of the safety observations and corrective actions.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental safety, Occupational Safety and Health, or related field desired; equivalent experience considered.
• 7+ years EHS experience required – (2 years laser safety experience can be substituted).
• Semiconductor or laser related industry experience in engineering, manufacturing, or manufacturing engineering preferred.
• Firm knowledge of regulations under OSHA, DOT, RCRA, and EPA, along with familiarity of LEAN principles.
• Knowledge of cleanroom environments, tool installation and hookups.
• Trainer in EHS topics, including but not limited to First Aid/CPR, Forklift Operations Certification, Emergency Response, Fire Safety, is a plus.
• Participate in required safety training (RCRA, DOT Hazmat Shipper, etc.).

Skills & Other Requirements

• Lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, climbing ladders and frequent periods of walking and standing.
• Safety Requirements: Follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality And Environmental Responsibilities

• Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

• Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE): Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!