Human Resources Manager

Human Resources ManagerPlaya Vista, California, United StatesTurning Space into a Transportation Layer for EarthWho We Are:Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space.Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach.Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds.Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space-based defense and logistics.Position Overview:We are a rapidly growing aerospace startup at an inflection point. As our first HR hire, you will build the People function from the ground up designing the systems, programs, and culture infrastructure that will carry us through our next phase of growth.This role starts as a hands-on individual contributor but is explicitly designed to grow into a people manager within 12–24 months, giving you the opportunity to shape both the function and the team beneath you. You will report directly to the Senior Director of Talent & People and have a true seat at the table on people decisions and interface directly with the CEO.Given the nature of our work, compliance is non-negotiable. You will be the company's authority on California employment law and federal contractor HR obligations protecting the company while building a culture where people genuinely want to work.Key Responsibilities:Onboarding & OffboardingDesign and own a structured new hire onboarding program, including orientation, I-9 compliance, and 30/60/90-day check-insPartner with hiring managers to ensure smooth pre-boarding and day-one experiencesManage offboarding, exit interviews, and CA-compliant final pay processesBenefits AdministrationOwn health, dental, vision, 401(k), and ancillary benefits programs end-to-endManage open enrollment including employee communication and carrier coordinationEnsure compliance with CA continuation requirements, COBRA, and moreEmployee RelationsServe as a trusted, neutral resource for employee concerns and any workplace issuesConduct investigationsAdvise and coach managers on performanceCompliance - California & FederalMaintain full compliance with CA employment law: E.g. employee data, wage & hour, pay transparency, and mandatory leaveSupport federal contractor compliance: OFCCP, EEO-1 reporting, VEVRAA, Section 503, and applicable FAR HR clausesMaintain and annually update the employee handbook and all HR policiesPerformance ManagementDesign and run the performance review cycle: goal setting, mid-year, and annual reviewsTrain and coach managers on feedback frameworks, calibration, and documentation best practicesBuild the infrastructure for career ladders and growth conversations as the company scalesEngagement & CultureRun employee engagement surveys and translate results into actionable programsPartner with leadership on recognition and culture-building initiativesBe a visible, trusted presence across all teams. The person employees come toTeam Leadership (Year 1–2)Define the scope and timing of the HR Generalist role in partnership with the Senior Director of Talent & PeopleEstablish clear ownership, workflows, and growth paths within the HR functionBuild a team culture of trust, responsiveness, and continuous improvementHR Operations & SystemsOwn day-to-day HRIS administration (Gusto)Maintain accurate headcount data, HR metrics, and reporting for leadershipPartner with Finance on headcount planning and compensation benchmarkingRequired Qualifications:7+ years of HR generalist experience, with at least 3 years based in CaliforniaDeep, working knowledge of CA employment lawExperience with federal contractor compliance (OFCCP, EEO-1, VEVRAA, Section 503)Demonstrated experience owning benefits administration through open enrollmentHands-on employee relations experience including investigations and terminationsExperience operating as a solo HR professional or within a very lean teamProficiency with HRIS platformsExceptional written and verbal communication; high discretion and sound judgmentMust have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.Desired Qualifications:Background in aerospace, defense, or technical startup environmentsExperience hiring and onboarding HR team membersThe California annual base salary for this role is currently $134,000-$195,000. 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.