Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

Bold thinking. World changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters, Florida, or Texas location — employees join together to improve the world. Explore what's possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning "science fiction" into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services. Step into the future. SkyWater's values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees — and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds. Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!

The Payroll Manager ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple states and employee types, supporting a federal contractor environment with strict audit and reporting requirements. This role strengthens payroll operations through disciplined validation routines, proactive issue resolution, and high-quality employee support. The Payroll Manager partners closely with Benefits, HR Technology, and site leadership to maintain a seamless employee experience and reduce operational risk.

Major Areas of Accountability

Payroll Processing & Accuracy

• Process biweekly payroll for multi-state hourly and salaried employees, ensuring accuracy in earnings, overtime, shift differentials, holiday pay, and premium calculations
• Execute a structured pre-payroll validation process
• Perform post-payroll audits to confirm correct taxation, garnishments, benefit deductions, and employer contributions
• Maintain strict adherence to payroll deadlines

Issue Resolution & Troubleshooting

• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies quickly and professionally, including overpayments, underpayments, tax issues, and timekeeping errors
• Conduct root-cause analysis on recurring issues and implement corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence
• Partner with HR Technology to test system updates, configuration changes, and new workflows

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including MN ESST, MN overtime rules, and FLSA requirements
• Support federal-contractor payroll obligations, including accurate tracking of hours, premiums, and wage determinations
• Maintain audit-ready documentation for payroll cycles, adjustments, and approvals
• Assist with quarterly and annual tax filings, W-2 accuracy, and year-end reconciliation

Employee & Leader Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for payroll questions, providing clear, timely, and empathetic communication
• Educate employees and leaders on timekeeping expectations, pay policies, and payroll processes
• Support New Hire Orientation with payroll setup, direct deposit, and tax forms

Benefits & HR Operations Support

• Coordinate with Benefits on deductions, arrears, employer match timing, and eligibility changes
• Validate 401(k) contributions and employer match accuracy each pay cycle
• Support open enrollment, life event processing, and benefits audits as needed
• Maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS and ensure data integrity across systems

Continuous Improvement

• Recommend and implement process improvements to strengthen payroll accuracy, efficiency, and controls
• Maintain and update payroll SOPs, checklists, and validation tools
• Participate in cross-functional projects, including M&A integration, system enhancements, and policy updates.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Payroll certification or associate's degree, or relevant years of experience
• Experience: 5+ years of payroll experience in a multi-state environment
• Skills:
• Experience with modern HRIS / payroll system (Dayforce preferred)
• Experience in a 24x7 or manufacturing environment with hourly workforce environment
• Strong Excel skills
• Citizenship: US Person required

Physical Requirements:

• Office-based computer work for long periods of time
• Sitting and standing for long periods of time

The annual salary range for this role is $95,000 - $120,000. Pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate. SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results. We offer competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well other employee financial benefits including 401k match, life insurance and opportunities to purchase SkyWater stock at a discounted rate.

Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life. This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site fitness facility, and an on-site self-serve market.

SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. To request reasonable accommodations, to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.

EOE, including disability/vets