Chief People Officer (Hawthorne)

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.

Who We're Looking For

The Chief People Officer will build and lead the people function for a fast-growing space technology company. This executive will develop and execute comprehensive HR strategies that align with the organization’s business plan, including talent management, culture, organizational design and development, change management, compensation, compliance, and employee engagement strategies that enable the company to attract, retain, and develop world-class talent. The ideal candidate combines strategic leadership with hands‑on execution and has experience scaling high-growth technology, aerospace, defense, or deep‑tech organizations.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Develop and execute recruiting strategies to attract exceptional engineering, technical, manufacturing, and business talent.
• Partner with leadership to forecast workforce needs and organizational growth.
• Build scalable hiring processes and employer branding initiatives.
• Oversee onboarding programs that accelerate employee integration and productivity.

Culture & Employee Experience

• Foster a mission‑driven, high-performance culture aligned with company values.
• Design employee engagement, recognition, and retention programs.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees.
• Lead initiatives that support diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and innovation.

Organizational Development

• Build performance management and career development frameworks.
• Support leadership development.
• Guide organizational design during periods of rapid growth.
• Facilitate change management initiatives as the company scales.

Compensation, Benefits & Total Rewards

• Design competitive compensation structures and equity programs.
• Benchmark compensation against aerospace, defense, and technology markets.
• Manage employee benefits programs and vendor relationships.
• Ensure compensation practices support recruitment and retention goals.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Develop HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks.
• Partner with legal and finance teams on employment-related matters.
• Support security clearance, export control, and regulatory workforce requirements where applicable.

HR Operations

• Establish scalable HR systems, processes, and metrics.
• Manage employee relations and conflict resolution.
• Oversee HRIS implementation and administration.
• Track key workforce metrics and provide strategic insights to leadership.

What It Takes

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience
• Experience scaling organizations from startup through growth stages
• Strong knowledge of employment law, compensation, talent acquisition, and organizational development
• Demonstrated ability to partner with executive leadership
• Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience in aerospace, defense, space technology, advanced manufacturing, or deep‑tech industries
• Experience supporting organizations with government contracts and security‑cleared personnel
• SHRM‑SCP, SPHR, or equivalent certification
• Experience managing equity compensation programs
• Master's degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field

What You'll Get

• Ownership – You will play a critical role in building the team that is shaping the future of space. As a member of the leadership team, you will help create the culture, systems, and talent strategy that enable breakthrough innovation and long‑term company success
• Impact – Shape the future of Quantum Space by building a high-performing workforce, fostering a mission‑driven culture, and enabling the talent that powers breakthrough space missions
• Innovation – Design forward‑thinking people strategies, talent programs, and organizational frameworks that empower teams to innovate, scale rapidly, and deliver the next generation of space technologies
• Growth – Opportunity to shape HR at a high‑growth space company
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Location:

Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA

Base Salary:

$200,000 to $250,000

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

Additional Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required