People Operations Manager

Who We Are:

Eras of humanity can often be defined by a dominate transportation mode - horse drawn chariots, ocean going boats, or aircraft. These were spurred by a small group of people rigorously focused on building technology to achieve faster access to more of the world. We seek to usher in a new era of humanity defined by universal access to the whole globe free of borders and the presence of a routine way from space to Earth. To do this, we are building highly maneuverable re-entry vehicles that can loiter in orbit before precision landing back on Earth. 

What You’ll Do:

As the People Operations Manager, you will play a key role in shaping the employee experience by overseeing day-to-day HR functions such as compensation, employee relations, company events, and process optimization. You will partner closely with our leadership to implement people-focused initiatives that attract, retain, and engage top talent. This role will require you to think strategically while executing tactically, balancing operational efficiency with a strong commitment to the well-being of our employees.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Compensation & Benefits:
• Administer and manage compensation structures, including salary reviews, bonus programs, and equity options.
• Conduct compensation analysis to ensure internal equity and alignment with market standards.
• Oversee employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives.
2. Employee Relations:
• Act as a point of contact for employee concerns and provide guidance on workplace issues.
• Facilitate conflict resolution and promote a positive work environment through open communication and transparency.
• Support managers in addressing employee performance, conduct issues, and employee development opportunities.
3. Employee Engagement & Events:
• Lead the planning and execution of company events, team-building activities, and employee recognition programs.
• Develop initiatives to enhance employee engagement and foster a positive company culture.
• Gather feedback from employees to continuously improve the employee experience.
4. Onboarding & Offboarding:
• Oversee the onboarding process, ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience for new hires.
• Manage offboarding procedures, including exit interviews and ensure a smooth transition for departing employees.
5. HR Operations & Compliance:
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with local labor laws and regulations.
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures to maintain operational efficiency and consistency.
• Maintain and update employee data in HRIS and related systems.
6. People Analytics:
• Track and report on key people metrics, including retention rates, turnover, employee satisfaction, and compensation trends.
• Use data insights to inform HR strategies and decisions.
7. Strategic People Support:
• Partner with leadership to implement people strategies that support business goals and align with company culture.
• Provide guidance and coaching to managers on best practices for performance management, leadership development, and team dynamics.

Required Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in HR, people operations, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Must have experience in CA labor laws, employee relations, onboarding/offboarding, employee engagement, event management, HR compliance, and compensation/benefits.
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, compensation and benefits, and employee relations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using HRIS and data tools to drive decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• Must be a self-starter and have the ability to work with ambiguity

Desired Qualifications:

• HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR)
• 3+ years of experience in a fast-growing startup or scaling company.
• Previous aerospace or government contracting experience

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $115,000.00 - $150,000.  Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.