Unusual Machines is a U.S.-based drone and drone parts company focused on the small and First-Person View (FPV) segments of the drone market. Our brands - Rotor Riot, Fat Shark, Rotor Lab and - coming soon - Upgrade Energy - are some of the most respected names in FPV and have helped shape the industry through e-commerce, product development, and a deep connection with the pilot community.
We’re expanding into enterprise and defense - bringing our obsessive attention to performance, design, and U.S.-based manufacturing into high-stakes environments like search and rescue and military innovation. With several of our products already approved by the Defense Innovation Unit, we’re solving procurement issues for customers who demand speed, agility, and compliance.
If you love working at the intersection of community, content, and cutting-edge technology, you’ll feel right at home here.
Location: Torrance, CA
Salary Range: $100,000 - $120,000 annually
Upgrade Energy is currently in the process of being acquired by Unusual Machines, with the transaction expected to be finalized shortly. We are seeking an experienced HR Manager who understands the unique challenges that come with an acquisition and can help successfully guide the organization through the transition and integration. The ideal candidate will be comfortable navigating change, aligning policies and processes, supporting employees and leaders through the transition, and helping build a strong, consistent culture as Upgrade Energy becomes part of Unusual Machines.
You in This Role You are a hands-on HR leader who thrives in fast-paced, growing organizations. You enjoy being visible, approachable, and actively engaged with employees and leaders across the business. You understand that great workplaces don't happen by accident—they are built through strong employee support, operational excellence, compliance, and a commitment to creating an environment where people can do their best work.
At Upgrade Energy, you will serve as the primary HR and Facilities leader for our California operation. This is a unique opportunity for someone who enjoys wearing multiple hats and making a meaningful impact. You'll help build and scale our people practices while also ensuring our facility remains safe, organized, functional, and employee-focused.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution and wants to play a key role in the growth of a rapidly expanding organization.
A Day in the Life
One day, you may be onboarding new employees, coaching managers through employee relations situations, and ensuring compliance with California employment laws. The next, you may be coordinating facility maintenance, working with vendors, resolving workplace issues, planning employee events, or supporting recruiting efforts for production and operational teams.
You will serve as a trusted resource for employees and leaders while helping ensure both our people and our workplace are positioned for success.
What You'll Do
Human Resources
- Serve as the primary HR resource for employees and leaders at the California facility
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, with a strong focus on California labor law requirements
- Lead employee relations activities, including coaching managers, conducting investigations, resolving workplace concerns, and supporting performance management efforts
- Manage onboarding, orientation, and new hire integration programs
- Partner with hiring managers to recruit, interview, and hire production, warehouse, and operational employees
- Support employee engagement, retention, and culture-building initiatives
- Assist with policy implementation, employee communications, and HR program administration
- Maintain employee records and ensure HR documentation is complete and compliant
- Support organizational growth and workforce planning initiatives
- Partner with corporate HR leadership to implement company-wide programs and processes
- Build and lead future HR team members as the organization continues to grow
What You'll Bring
- 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably in manufacturing, operations, distribution, or other fast-paced environments
- Strong working knowledge of California employment laws and HR compliance requirements
- Experience handling employee relations matters, investigations, performance management, and conflict resolution
- Recruiting experience, particularly for hourly production, warehouse, manufacturing, or operational positions
- Experience supporting onboarding and employee engagement initiatives
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
- Ability to balance multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs
- Comfortable operating both strategically and tactically
- Experience supporting facility operations, vendor management, workplace services, or office management is strongly preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field preferred
- PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification is a plus
What You'll Gain
Real-World Impact
At Unusual Machines, you'll have the opportunity to directly influence both the employee experience and workplace environment. The systems, processes, and culture you help build will support the company's next stage of growth.
Opportunity to Build
This is more than a traditional HR role. You'll help shape the future of the California operation, establish scalable people practices, and build a local HR presence that grows alongside the business.
Visibility and Influence
You'll work closely with site leadership and corporate leadership teams, providing guidance on people, compliance, recruiting, culture, and workplace operations.
Everyday Benefits
Enjoy access to competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued and recognized.
Benefits
- Equity
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
- 401(k)
- Generous PTO
- Paid Holidays
- Daily Catered Lunches
We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.
Unusual Machines participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
Candidates must be a US Citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for employment
Skills Required
- 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience
- Strong working knowledge of California employment laws and HR compliance requirements
- Experience handling employee relations matters, investigations, performance management, and conflict resolution
- Recruiting experience for hourly production, warehouse, manufacturing, or operational positions
- Experience supporting onboarding and employee engagement initiatives
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
- Ability to balance multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs
- Ability to operate both strategically and tactically
- Experience supporting facility operations, vendor management, workplace services, or office management
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field
- PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification
- U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
Unusual Machines, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance is consistently listed in postings. One source indicates approximately 80% of premiums covered, and executive agreements reference group medical/dental plans.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Unlimited PTO and paid holidays are repeatedly advertised, offering notable flexibility for time away. Role descriptions consistently highlight this policy across multiple functions.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity or stock options are included for exempt roles, and filings show an active equity incentive plan with employee grants. This structure aligns employee rewards with company growth.
Unusual Machines, Inc. Insights
What We Do
Unusual Machines, Inc. is an American company that manufactures and sells drone components, specializing in First-Person View (FPV) technology. They also operate a drone-focused e-commerce marketplace and are involved in counter-UAS systems.
Unusual Machines, Inc. Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
