HR Generalist

HR Generalist

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies' core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission-tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi-vendor supply chains. Backed by decades of flight-proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission-critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems.

As an HR Generalist, you will partner with the HR Director, leadership, managers, and employees to support human resources operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will contribute to employee relations, recruiting coordination, onboarding, benefits administration, payroll, training, and regulatory compliance while ensuring HR processes and records are accurate, consistent, and effective. Your work will help maintain a compliant, organized, and supportive workplace across production, technical, and administrative teams.

Responsibilities

• Partners with the HR Director, leadership, and hiring managers to support workforce needs, employee relations, recruitment coordination, and consistent application of HR policies.
• Coordinates new-hire onboarding, orientation, employment documentation, and initial training requirements.
• Maintains accurate employee records, Human Resources Information System (HRIS) data, organizational charts, job descriptions, and personnel documentation.
• Supports compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including employment eligibility verification, equal employment opportunity reporting, wage and hour requirements, and record retention.
• Administers employee leave processes, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-related requirements, and other applicable leave programs.
• Assists with employee benefits administration, including health and welfare plans, retirement programs, open enrollment, qualifying life events, and employee inquiries.
• Supports biweekly payroll processing by reviewing timekeeping records, attendance information, employee changes, and related documentation.
• Coordinates employee training and professional development activities while maintaining required training, certification, and qualification records.
• Supports performance management, employee relations activities, HR audits, policy updates, internal reviews, and compliance reporting.
• Reviews HR processes and documentation to identify improvements and ensure alignment with company procedures and applicable customer requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in human resources administration, employee relations, recruitment, benefits administration, and employment compliance.
• Experience using a Human Resources Information System (HRIS), applicant tracking system (ATS), and Microsoft Office applications.
• Working knowledge of employment laws, human resources best practices, and employee relations principles.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across all organizational levels.
• Ability to handle sensitive employee information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to interpret and consistently apply company policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four or more years of progressive human resources experience.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, aerospace, aviation, defense, or another regulated industry.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Experience supporting both hourly and salaried employee populations, including production and technical teams.
• Experience working in environments involving customer audits, controlled documentation, or formal training records.
• Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.