The Principal EHS Specialist will serve as the company’s sole Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) expert and will be responsible for creating, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive EHS management system across multiple sites and operating environments.
This role is responsible for:
• 1x US office-only site (Eagan)
• 1x US Manufacturing / R&D site (Maple Grove)
• Supporting readiness, planning, and execution for an additional Minnesota site in Brooklyn Park
• Providing EHS governance oversight for two Australian sites (one office-only and one manufacturing)
Our ideal candidate is an experienced, hands-on EHS leader who can operate independently as an individual contributor while leading others in creating scalable systems and programs that support business growth, compliance obligations, and a strong safety culture. While independent, the role may leverage external consultants and specialty resources as needed (e.g., industrial hygiene, environmental monitoring, Australian regulatory support, etc.).
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Training & Compliance Readiness
• Lead the safety culture, build engagement with leadership and employees, creating a safety-first mindset for the organization.
• Build, deliver, and manage an annual EHS training program, including onboarding and annual refreshers
• Maintain training records, compliance documentation, and audit readiness
• Coordinate contractor/vendor safety training and communication where applicable
EHS Program Development & Ownership
Develop, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive Environmental, Health & Safety management system, including:
- Workplace Safety & Risk Management
o Hazard Communication / Employee Right-to-Know
o Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), equipment risk assessments, and machine safety
o Lockout / Tagout (LOTO), confined space, ladder safety, fall protection, ergonomics, slips/trips/falls prevention, and PPE programs
- Operational & Facility Safety
o Warehouse and forklift safety
o Laser safety
o Compressed gas safety
o Eye wash and emergency shower programs
- Emergency Preparedness & Incident Response
o Emergency Response Team (ERT), First Aid, and AED oversight
o Fire prevention and extinguisher inspection readiness
o Chemical spill response and spill team readiness
o Mock drills and emergency preparedness exercises
- Environmental & Regulated Materials
o Biohazard, bloodborne pathogen, and sharps waste management
o Electronic waste (e-waste) management
o Air and wastewater monitoring in accordance with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requirements, as applicable
- Compliance, Governance & Continuous Improvement
o Safety Committee and AWAIR program leadership
o Regulatory compliance, audits, and inspections
o Incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)
o EHS training, annual compliance reviews, and documentation
o Continuous improvement initiatives and safety culture development
Site EHS Support (Office + Manufacturing / R&D)
• Provide direct EHS support and risk management for office and technical operations
• Engage with the safety committee to conduct routine site inspections, walkthroughs, and risk reviews
• Manage the company’s hazardous waste program, including collection, storage, transportation and disposal
• Partner with and provide day-to-day EHS guidance to Engineering, Operations, R&D, and Facilities
• Support safe installation, operation, and modification of equipment, tools, and facility systems
• Respond to EHS incidents and urgent operational safety needs as required
Audits, Inspections, and Continuous Improvement
• Perform scheduled audits and inspections to verify program effectiveness and compliance
• Maintain inspection logs, program documentation, and corrective action tracking
• Own annual compliance reviews and program refresh cadence
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the organization, with measurable goals and results
Incident Investigation & Corrective Actions
• Own the incident management process including reporting, investigation, root cause analysis, and CAPA
• Ensure timely closure of corrective actions and communication of lessons learned
Expansion Support (Minnesota Growth)
• Serve as EHS lead for Minnesota site expansion efforts including due diligence and readiness planning
• Support new site EHS readiness checklists and commissioning activities
• Deploy standardized scalable programs for new sites
Australia Collaboration, Safety Program Oversight & Governance
• Provide EHS program oversight for Australia office and manufacturing sites
• Partner with local site leadership and external consultants to meet local compliance requirements
• Establish consistent reporting, audit cadence, and corrective action closure across global sites
Skills, Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• 8+ years of progressive EHS experience, preferably including manufacturing and/or R&D environments
• Proven experience building and deploying EHS programs and systems from the ground up
• Strong working knowledge of MN OSHA & Federal OSHA requirements and EHS best practices
• Experience leading audits, inspections, incident investigations, and corrective action programs
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and leaders without direct authority
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; capable trainer and program developer
• Highly organized, self-directed, and capable of managing competing priorities with minimal supervision
• Experience working with external consultants and managing deliverables
Preferred:
• CSP, CHMM, or similar professional certification
• Experience supporting multi-site operations and/or global locations
• Experience in regulated industries (medical devices, life sciences, pharmaceuticals)
Physical Requirements
• Ability to move throughout office, warehouse, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and reach throughout the workday.
• May occasionally enter cleanroom or controlled manufacturing areas while following applicable gowning and safety procedures.
What We Offer:
• The opportunity to make a significant impact on the healthcare industry by advancing groundbreaking therapies.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Competitive compensation package, including salary, performance-based bonuses, and stock options.
• Career development opportunities and a chance to be part of a growing company that values its employees.
Health and Wellness Offerings:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Offerings
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401k + Company Match
• Life, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Bonus Plan Eligibility
• Employee Equity Program
• Paid Holidays & Vacation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Inclusive Team Environment
