The Safety Officer – Test & Launch is responsible for ensuring LEAP’s rocket engine testing, stage testing, and launch operations are planned and executed safely, in compliance with applicable regulations, permits, approved procedures, and established aerospace safety requirements. This role leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational safety programs supporting LEAP’s test and launch activities. The Safety Officer works closely with engineering, test, launch, and operations teams to identify hazards, assess operational risk, establish effective controls, and ensure safety requirements are integrated into test and launch planning and execution. The Safety Officer serves as a primary safety interface with local and regional fire departments, launch ranges, emergency response organizations, regulatory authorities, and other external stakeholders. Responsibilities include supporting emergency response planning, coordinating safety requirements for hazardous operations, participating in operational readiness reviews, and ensuring appropriate safety controls are in place for test and launch activities. This is a primarily field-based position requiring on-site presence during hazardous operations and travel to LEAP test and launch sites. The successful candidate will work directly with technical teams and operators in dynamic, high-consequence environments and exercise sound judgment under operational pressure. Reports directly to the CEO initially, with reporting expected to transition to Mission Assurance as that function is established. The Safety Officer provides independent safety oversight and may escalate unresolved safety concerns directly to the CEO, including after the reporting transition, without requiring approval from test or launch leadership.

Core Responsibilities

• Operational Safety & Stop-Work Authority: Actively support safe test and launch execution in the field. Exercise explicit authority to stop or suspend unsafe test and launch operations when hazards are uncontrolled, required safety controls are not verified, or conditions deviate from approved procedures. Verify corrective actions and required safety controls before supporting authorization to resume operations.
• Risk Management & Hazard Analysis: Conduct formal hazard analyses, job hazard analyses, field inspections, and operational risk assessments. Maintain risk registers, identify and track mitigations and corrective actions, and verify their effectiveness. Ensure residual risks and risk acceptance by the designated accountable authority are documented before operations proceed.
• Test & Launch Readiness: Participate in test and launch readiness reviews and go/no-go decisions. Verify implementation of required safety controls, personnel readiness, approved procedures, site conditions, and emergency preparedness before operations. Identify unresolved safety risks and escalate them for resolution.
• Hazardous Operations: Establish and verify controls for rocket propulsion testing, cryogenics, propellant storage and handling, pressure systems, ignition systems, and associated hazardous activities. Work with engineering and operations teams to define and enforce exclusion zones, access controls, safe operating limits, and procedures.
• Incident Investigation & Corrective Action: Lead investigations of accidents, near-misses, and operational safety incidents to identify root causes and contributing factors. Develop, track, and verify corrective and preventive actions, and incorporate lessons learned into procedures, training, and readiness reviews.
• Emergency Response & Contingency Planning: Develop, maintain, and exercise site-specific emergency response plans and contingency procedures for test and launch operations. Lead drills, coordinate with fire departments, emergency responders, and launch ranges, and support incident coordination and emergency communications.
• Regulatory Compliance & Safety Assurance: Monitor applicable test and launch safety requirements, permits, OSHA requirements, and relevant industry and range standards. Maintain operational safety documentation and review engineering and operational changes to ensure appropriate controls are incorporated.
• Training & Field Safety: Deliver practical safety training and operational briefings for employees and contractors. Inspect test and launch equipment and facilities, verify appropriate PPE and safe work practices, and maintain records of training, inspections, drills, and safety reviews.

What You Bring to the Team

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Safety, Engineering, Emergency Management, Occupational Safety, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 7+ years of experience in operational safety, industrial safety, aerospace safety, hazardous operations, emergency management, or a related field.
• Experience developing and implementing safety programs for hazardous industrial or technical operations.
• Strong understanding of fire prevention, hazardous materials, emergency response, and industrial safety principles.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with technical personnel, emergency responders, regulatory authorities, and senior leadership.

Bonus Points

• Hands-on experience supporting rocket propulsion testing, stage testing, or launch operations; rocket experience is preferred, not required.
• Experience supporting commercial or government launch range operations.
• Familiarity with OSHA, NFPA, IFC, and applicable hazardous materials requirements.
• Experience developing emergency response plans for cryogenic or flammable materials.
• Familiarity with FAA, NFPA, range, SPACE SYSTEMS COMMAND MANUAL 91-710, VOLUME 1, or other regulatory requirements applicable to rocket testing.
• Experience leading emergency response exercises and drills.
• OSHA 30-hour, Certified Safety Professional (CSP), HAZWOPER, or other relevant credentials

Compensation

Salary Range: $100,000 - $145,000

The estimated salary range for this role reflects various compensation factors. The final offer depends on factors such as work experience, education, training, key skills, and business needs.

In addition, LEAP provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes:

• Equity Program: As an early team member, LEAP’s equity plan gives you a stake in the company’s success, aligning your contributions with long-term growth.
• Retirement Planning: Save for the future with a 401(k) plan that includes competitive company matching.
• Growth Opportunities: Take advantage of a professional development stipend to advance your skills and expertise.
• Flexible Time Off: Enjoy PTO as needed and holiday breaks to help you balance work and life, including two week long company winter breaks and paid leave to support a family member, bond with a new child, or manage your own health needs
• Remote Work Flexibility: Our team operates on a hybrid model. We expect you to work with your team for specific details on work location.
• Health Benefits: LEAP provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage at minimal to no cost for employees. Coverage for dependents and HSA are also available.
• Insurance Coverage: We cover basic life and long-term disability insurance, with options to add extra coverage to ensure peace of mind for you and your family.

LEAP is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace in Colorado. Our team brings together exceptionally talented and diverse individuals who are pushing the boundaries of space access and logistics. We welcome all qualified applicants and provide equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. This includes individuals with a criminal history, in compliance with applicable regulations. We actively encourage applications from minorities, women, Veterans, and people with disabilities. At LEAP, we strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment throughout the hiring process. If you’re excited about making a real-world impact in space technology, we want to hear from you!