Manufacturing Manager Jobs in Rockingham, NC (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT KRAKEN KINETICS

Kraken Kinetics designs and manufactures advanced kinetic solutions that enable modern warfighting capabilities for the United States Armed Forces and its allies. We specialize in mission-tailored warheads and firing systems for unmanned and autonomous weapon platforms, delivering production-ready solutions at speed to address urgent national security challenges.

Our team brings decades of specialized Department of War experience across the full lifecycle of kinetic system development—from concept and design through testing, manufacturing, and operational deployment. Built on a foundation of work that helped lead the DoW into the era of kinetic drones, Kraken Kinetics combines commercial agility with deep technical expertise to deliver DEFINITIVE LETHALITY™ when it matters most.

POSITION SUMMARY

Location: On-site or Hybrid 2–3 days per week at our Pinehurst area location

We are seeking a highly motivated Safety Manager to lead Kraken Kinetics’ safety and compliance initiatives across four locations supporting operations that include light manufacturing, engineering, administrative functions, and explosives testing activities. In this role, you will lead the development, implementation, and oversight of comprehensive safety programs within a dynamic environment, continually drive compliance and risk management initiatives, and help foster a culture of operational excellence while ensuring adherence to applicable local, state, and federal safety requirements. This role will provide you with the opportunity to build and lead safety programs that support manufacturing and explosives testing operations, within a mission-driven, fast-paced operational environment. This position will report to Head of Compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement occupational safety and health policies, procedures, and training that are consistent with North Carolina Department of Labor (NC DOL) and Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, across the Company’s operations.

• Design and oversee a Hazard Control Program that includes routine hazard assessments and workplace evaluations to identify and classify hazards, improve controls, and maintain regulatory compliance.

• Lead response efforts for safety incidents, near misses, and operational events, including root-cause analysis, corrective action tracking, and lessons-learned implementation.

• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and training sections to incorporate safety planning and risk mitigation into daily operations, testing operations, and facility processes across all sites.

• Work closely with the Company Explosives Operations Manager to support safe R&D explosives testing operations and ensure compliance with applicable NC DOL, OSHA, and related regulatory requirements.

• Manage required safety records, regulatory reporting, permits, and compliance documentation in accordance with applicable NC DOL, OSHA, environmental, and other relevant federal, state, and local requirements.

• Monitor evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices and recommend improvements to strengthen Kraken’s safety posture and operational readiness

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in safety management within the manufacturing industry.

• Current OSHA 30 certification (General Industry) required, with the ability to maintain certification throughout employment.

• Extensive knowledge of OSHA standards, North Carolina Department of Labor standards, Workers' Compensation procedures, and compliance management practices.

• Experience developing and managing hazard and safety programs, including conducting risk assessments, performing safety audits, and delivering effective training to employees across diverse operational environments.

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite or management software for tracking safety metrics and reporting.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, with the ability to effectively train personnel on safety procedures, operational risk awareness, and regulatory compliance requirements.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Strong sense of accountability with the ability to proactively drive safety initiatives and follow issues through resolution.

• Resourceful and solutions-oriented, with the ability to identify practical risk mitigation strategies in dynamic operational environments.

• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build trust across operations, engineering, and leadership teams.

• Adaptable and capable of managing evolving priorities within fast-paced manufacturing, testing, and field operations environments.

• Highly organized with a detail-oriented approach to compliance, documentation, training coordination, and operational safety oversight.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Kraken Kinetics is committed to offering a competitive compensation package to attract and retain top talent. This full-time, exempt position offers an annual salary range of $85,000- $105,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits included:

• Generous PTO policy

• Comprehensive medical coverage (80% company-paid for employee + dependents).

• Vision & dental (100% company-paid)

• Short and long-term disability coverage (100% company-paid)

• Generous 401(k) retirement plan

• Company-paid life insurance

• Great teammates and well stocked snacks

LIFE IN MOORE COUNTY, NC (PINEHURST AREA)

Kraken Kinetics is based in Moore County, North Carolina, home to Pinehurst, a nationally recognized destination offering an exceptional quality of life.

Employees benefit from a low cost of living, minimal congestion, and a strong sense of community, with easy access to larger metropolitan areas, including Raleigh-Durham.

Whether you're looking to accelerate your career or put down long-term roots, the Pinehurst area offers a compelling alternative to traditional tech and defense hubs.

We are committed to supporting relocation for the right candidates.

Watch what it’s like to live here:
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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Kraken Kinetics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applicants of all backgrounds.

Compensation Range: $85K - $105K