Head of Human Resources

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree or SHRM-SCP/SPHR certification is a plus.
5+ years of progressive HR leadership experience in fast-paced, high-growth organizations.
Ready, willing and able to play a hands-on role in addressing tactical, HR challenges with the ability to develop an effective, proactive human resources strategy.
Demonstrated ability to build HR systems from the ground up, have proven background in talent acquisition and maintenance and manage teams through scaling.
Expertise in California employment law and federal HR compliance.
Strong communication and leadership skills with a track record of guiding executive teams.
Experience establishing and maintaining benefits programs, including health, retirement, and equity offerings, to support employee well-being and retention.

Lead the HR function, including employee relations, performance management, leadership development, compliance, and organizational design with a focus on scalability and mission alignment.
Build and execute operational HR systems and policies (onboarding, performance reviews, surveys) that scale with organizational growth.
Lead the development and maintenance of equitable compensation and benefits programs, including equity-based structures.
Drive employee relations initiatives, providing support and leadership coaching to foster a positive, high performance culture and support mission accomplishment.
Partner with manufacturing and engineering teams to align HR initiatives with operational needs, driving seamless collaboration across departments.
Ensure full compliance with California labor laws, federal regulations, and industry-specific standards in defense and aerospace.
Serve as a strategic partner with leadership in workforce planning, organizational scaling, and change management.
Partner with recruiting functions to attract top-tier technical and mission-driven talent in competitive markets. Develop and execute effective onboarding and employee retention initiatives.
Establish frameworks for performance management, employee engagement, and management coaching across the organization.
Thrive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving workplace, adapting quickly to changing priorities and driving HR solutions that support business agility.

Prior experience working in DoD-related HR environments and managing security clearance processes.
Proven success in startup environments—scaling from early stage to mid-size or larger while preserving mission clarity. Track record of making an impact with limited resources.
Deep knowledge of equity compensation structures, benefits, and retention strategies in high-tech environments.
Expertise in talent acquisition for highly specialized and technical roles.
Ability to mentor leaders and develop high-impact team dynamics in an intense, mission-oriented workplace.
A law degree with an emphasis in HR or employment law is a strong bonus.