Senior People Operations Generalist

Cowboy Space Corp is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient, and continuous space-based solar energy. We are tackling humanity’s most complex engineering challenge with a world-class team dedicated to delivering a revolutionary power platform. Aetherflux is transforming how civilization powers, computes, and connects—from orbit to Earth. .

Senior People Operations Partner Overview

As Senior People Operations Partner, you will serve as the strategic and operational backbone of the People function for our growing Seattle office. Reporting directly to the Head of People, you will be a trusted partner and force multiplier — someone who can build structure where none exists, execute with precision, and keep the human element at the center of everything we do.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the people infrastructure of a company at an inflection point — scaling from 55 to 200+ employees — and to leave a lasting imprint on how Cowboy Space attracts, develops, and retains world-class talent.

This role is ideal for a seasoned HR professional who is equally comfortable building strategy and rolling up their sleeves to get things done.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Partnership

• Serve as a day-to-day strategic partner to the Head of People, helping translate business goals into people programs and initiatives

• Act as a trusted advisor to Seattle-based leadership and employees across all people-related matters

• Contribute to the development and execution of the company-wide people strategy as the organization scales

• Help establish the Seattle office as a cultural anchor for the company's growing footprint

Employee Lifecycle Management

• Own and continuously improve the full employee lifecycle experience — from pre-boarding through offboarding — ensuring every touchpoint is intentional, consistent, and human-centered

• Design and implement scalable onboarding programs that set new hires up for success from day one, with clear role expectations, stakeholder checklists, and templated communications

• Manage offboarding processes with care and professionalism, capturing insights that inform retention strategy

HRIS & Systems Transition

• Lead the evaluation and transition from Gusto to a more robust HRIS/payroll platform capable of supporting the company's rapid growth trajectory

• Own data integrity, reporting, and process documentation within people systems

• Identify opportunities to automate and streamline people operations workflows as the company scales

Benefits Administration & Strategy

• Administer and manage employee benefits programs including health, dental, vision, retirement, and ancillary benefits

• Lead a strategic review and redesign of the benefits package to ensure competitiveness in attracting and retaining senior-level talent in the aerospace and deep-tech space

• Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits vendors, brokers, and employees with benefits-related questions

• Monitor participation rates, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness, making data-informed recommendations for program improvements

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Design and execute employee engagement initiatives that foster connection, trust, and belonging across a distributed and rapidly growing team

• Build and maintain feedback mechanisms (surveys, pulse checks, stay interviews) that give leadership real-time insight into employee sentiment

• Partner with leadership to develop and embed company values into everyday practices, programs, and communications

• Support the planning and execution of team events, all-hands meetings, and culture-building moments

Recruiting Support

• Partner with the Head of People and hiring managers to support recruiting efforts, particularly for the Seattle office

• Assist with job description development, interview process design, and candidate experience

• Support onboarding coordination and ensure a seamless handoff from recruiting to day one

HR Compliance & Policy

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across all people practices

• Develop, maintain, and communicate HR policies and the employee handbook, keeping them current and accessible

• Manage employee relations matters with discretion, empathy, and sound judgment, escalating as appropriate

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as an HR generalist or People Operations partner in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

• Strong strategic thinking paired with hands-on operational execution

• Experience owning employee lifecycle programs, onboarding, and offboarding

• Experience evaluating, implementing, or administering HRIS/payroll systems (e.g., Gusto and successor platforms)

• Experience administering employee benefits programs and partnering with brokers and vendors

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment law, including Washington State requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• High degree of discretion, empathy, and sound judgment in handling employee relations matters

• Ability to build structure and process in ambiguous, rapidly changing environments

• Startup, aerospace, manufacturing, hardware, or deep-tech experience is strongly preferred

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $160,000 – $180,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corporation

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Paid time off

• Paid holidays

• Paid leave for new parents

• Relocation assistance

• Daily lunch in the office and stocked kitchen

Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corporation's discretion.

Export Control Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Cowboy Space Corporation is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities, and experience. Cowboy Space is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on protected characteristics under federal, state, and local laws.