HR Generalist

About Us

ExistX operationalizes advanced applied research and puts it into the environments where it matters most - on-site, on the high side. We were spun out of Galois in 2023, and our engineers work directly with Galois researchers on active programs today.

Our team of software and systems engineers bring experience working with cutting-edge advancements in cryptography, cyber-physical systems, MBSE, and formal methods. We don't consult and leave. We take research that has been proven in a lab and make it work in an operational environment.

∃X.P(X): There exists a solution X that satisfies problem P. The solution exists. Let’s build it together.

About This Role

We are currently seeking a HR Generalist with at least five (5) years of relevant industry experience developing a team-first culture, robust human resources processes, and a team that thrives on great communication.

The Human Resources Generalist is responsible for providing comprehensive HR support to a workforce that includes Department of War (DoW / DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) cleared employees. This role partners closely with leadership, security, and program teams to ensure HR policies, practices, and employee relations align with federal regulations, contract requirements, and organizational goals. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience supporting cleared populations and demonstrates discretion, regulatory awareness, and strong interpersonal skills.

You will join a small, growing team where every person’s contributions directly shape the Company’s growth and impact. You’ll collaborate with Human Resources, Marketing, Business Development as well as work with a group of world class engineers, researchers, and leaders. We value curiosity, accountability, and collaboration.

Where this sits

ExistX works across four technical verticals - cryptographic engineering, cybersecurity engineering, systems engineering and integration, and software engineering and modernization - for multiple customers across Arlington VA, Dayton OH, Laurel MD, and Oklahoma City OK. The most interesting work is where those verticals overlap.

The role starts on the work described below. It is not the only work here, and it is not the only place you can do it.

Responsibilities

These responsibilities are executed in close collaboration with the CEO, COO, and Engineering leadership. 

Employee Relations & HR Support 

• Serve as a trusted HR partner for employees and managers supporting DoW / DoD / IC programs and cleared contracts.
• Ensure consistent application of HR policies while accounting for cleared environment requirements and contract-specific obligations.
• Support sensitive employee matters with a high degree of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Advise leadership on employee relations matters, including performance management, corrective action, investigations, and conflict resolution.

Talent Lifecycle 

• Lead and oversee all recruiting efforts including coordination with third-party talent acquisition partners and Security teams.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes for cleared and non-cleared employees, ensuring compliance and positive employee experience. 
• Assist with promotions, job changes, compensation actions, and workforce planning initiatives.

HR Programs & Administration

• Administer and continually refine HR policies, procedures, and benefit programs.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HRIS data, ensuring compliance with internal controls and external regulations.
• Support performance review cycles, employee engagement initiatives, and training programs.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of HR processes and documentation.

Cleared Workforce Compliance

• Support HR processes for employees holding security clearances (e.g., onboarding, transfers, terminations, leave considerations).
• Partner with Security, Legal, and Program Management to ensure compliance with customer, FAR/DFARS, and contract-specific requirements.
• Maintain awareness of how security clearance status impacts employment decisions and workforce planning.
• Assist with audits, reviews, and data requests related to cleared programs.

Organizational Support

• Coach managers on best practices related to leadership, employee development, and compliance in a cleared environment
• Support organizational change initiatives, including restructuring or contract transitions
• Analyze HR metrics and trends to inform leadership decision-making

Qualifications

Required:

• U.S. citizenship
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• At least 5 years of progressive human resources experience in a generalist or business partner role
• Demonstrated experience supporting employees working on federal contracts or in a cleared environment.
• Working knowledge of U.S. employment laws and HR best practices
• Experience handling sensitive and confidential information with sound judgment
• Benefits enrollment understanding and implementation / negotiation experience
• Knowledge and implementation experience working with HRIS to support ongoing maintenance, reporting, and workflows.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt tone for internal and external audiences
• Proficiency in content tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar

Preferred: 

• Active TS or higher clearance
• Prior experience in defense, aerospace, government contracting, or technology organizations supporting DoW / DoD / IC programs
• Familiarity with security clearance processes and terminology (e.g., Secret, Top Secret, SCI)
• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent)
• Experience partnering closely with Security or Facility Security Officers (FSO)

What we hire for

• Own the Outcome - we deliver ready to operate. The work isn't done when it's technically complete; it's done when it's integrated, reliable, and in the customer's hands.
• Invest in Each Other - we know each other before we need each other. Disagreement goes to the person, not around them.
• Learn Past Your Lane - better than we were yesterday. We get our own work right first, then we learn past it.

Location

ExistX is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia with teams in Dayton OH, Laurel MD, and Oklahoma City OK, and remote employees across the U.S.  

Position may require eligibility to work with cleared programs (active clearance not required, but preferred). Hybrid or onsite presence may be required depending on contract or security requirements. Occasional interaction with government customers, auditors, or security personnel will be required.

While we have a high preference for co-location in either Washington, DC (and surrounding metro) or Dayton, Ohio, we will not be limited geographically for hiring this position.

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions
• 401(k) with employer match
• 25 days of paid time off in addition to 11 Federal Holidays
• Flexible work location with a remote friendly culture
• Competitive salaries
• X20 - roughly twenty percent of your time, funded inside the week, for work you choose: certifications, internal tooling, research proposals, white papers. Not hours on top of a full billable week. Inside it.