Safety and Facilities Specialist in Laurel, Maryland at Antenna Research Associates Inc

ARA is a leading C5ISR company that designs, manufactures, tests and installs innovative technologies that provide the national security community with unparalleled situational awareness, threat detection, and communications capabilities.

Our disruptive, integrated solutions, assemblies and subsystems rise to the challenging demands of discerning, mission-critical customers.

We leverage our capabilities to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers and empower them to remain ahead of evolving threats and complexities in a dynamic security landscape.

We are seeking a highly qualified Safety & Facilities Engineer to support operations within a regulated defense manufacturing environment. This role requires a strong engineering foundation, formal OSHA training, and experience operating within highly controlled, compliance-driven industries.

The Safety & Facilities Engineer will lead Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) initiatives, ensure full compliance with regulations enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and support facility infrastructure critical to defense production. The ideal candidate understands the operational rigor, documentation standards, and audit readiness required in defense and aerospace environments.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve EHS programs in compliance with OSHA, EPA, state, and local regulations.
• Ensure adherence to defense-industry regulatory frameworks, including:
  • International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
  • Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards
• Lead internal and external audits, inspections, and regulatory reporting.
• Conduct detailed hazard analyses (JSA/JHA), risk assessments, and root cause investigations.
• Manage hazardous materials programs including storage, labeling, documentation, and disposal.
• Oversee Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space, fall protection, machine guarding, and respiratory protection programs.
• Develop and maintain Safety Data Sheet (SDS) systems and chemical hygiene plans.
• Deliver OSHA-compliant safety training and onboarding for all employees and contractors.
• Prepare executive-level reports on safety metrics, incidents, corrective actions, and compliance status.
• Oversee and maintain critical building systems including:
  • Industrial HVAC systems
  • Electrical distribution systems
  • Compressed air systems
  • Fire suppression and life safety systems
  • Manufacturing floor infrastructure
• Ensure facility compliance with local building codes and defense-industry safety requirements.
• Support secure facility requirements including controlled access areas and sensitive production spaces.
• Co-Plan and co-manage capital improvement projects, facility expansions, and production line modifications.
• Coordinate and supervise contractors and external vendors to ensure compliance with safety and security protocols.
• Develop preventive and predictive maintenance programs for manufacturing infrastructure.
• Support operational continuity and emergency preparedness planning.
• Apply engineering controls to eliminate or reduce workplace hazards.
• Perform data-driven analysis of safety performance indicators and recommend continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support lean manufacturing and process improvement efforts from a safety and infrastructure perspective.
• Lead emergency response coordination and crisis management protocols.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation for regulatory agencies and defense customers.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Competency Statements

• Adaptability - Adapts to change, open to new ideas and responsibilities
• Communication - Ability to communicate thoughts clearly, both oral and written in a honest, open and timely manner
• Job Knowledge - Understands facets of job, aware of duties and responsibilities, keeps job knowledge current
• Technical Skill - Possesses the knowledge and skills needed to perform a job or role effectively
• Dependability - Meets deadlines, works independently or in a team environment, is accountable, maintains focus, good attendance record
• Quality - Strives to eliminate errors, accurate work is a priority, seeks opportunities to improve products
• Ethics - Honest, accountable, maintains confidentiality
• Initiative / Take Ownership - Takes action, seeks new opportunities, strives to see projects to completion, meaning own your job and see it through
• Decision Making – Problem solve and critical thinking skills, b able to reach a decision, takes thoughtful approach when considering options, seeks input from others, makes difficult decisions
• Customer Focus - Understands and can meet the needs in a customer-centric (Internal and External) environment and build strong relationships. Promotes a positive image of the company and strives to solve issues raised by customers

• 7-10 years of experience in manufacturing, industrial, aerospace, or defense environments.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, EHS programs, and hazardous materials management.
• Familiarity with defense regulatory compliance (ITAR, DFARS).
• Experience supporting facilities within highly regulated production environments.
• Working knowledge of NFPA standards and local/state building codes.
• Proven experience conducting incident investigations and implementing corrective actions.
• Strong technical writing, documentation, and audit preparation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data reporting tools.
• Ability to obtain or maintain required security clearance (if applicable).
• Valid driver’s license

• Journeyman Certification with equivalent industry experience OR Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Civil, Environmental, or related Engineering discipline required
• OSHA 30-Hour certification required (OSHA 10-Hour Instructor or additional OSHA certifications preferred).

Antenna Research Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to a policy of non-discrimination and affirmative action. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.