HR Operations Manager

Hermeus is a venture capital-backed aerospace and defense technology company. The business is focused on building high-speed products that sustainably deliver asymmetric advantage to the Department of Defense and allied partners. Utilizing an iterative development approach to aircraft, Hermeus’ high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft aim to deliver capabilities at a pace not seen in the U.S. since the 1950s.

We’re looking for a strategic, hands-on HR Operations Manager to lead and support the HR Ops function in our Los Angeles office. This role will directly oversee onboarding & offboarding programs, performance management, payroll, benefits administration, and HR compliance. In addition to managing the day-to-day work of HR operations, this person will build and set the processes for a scalable HR Operations team. They will serve as the key People Ops partner to our LA-based teams, ensuring a positive, equitable, and compliant employee experience at every touchpoint. 

• Build scalable process and ensure a high level of execution across employee relations, performance management, onboarding/offboarding, payroll administration, and HR compliance. 
• Establish clear processes and documentation standards across all areas of HR Operations. 
• Support People Operations Generalists in day-to-day operations, providing guidance and removing blockers. 

• Act as the People Ops point of contact for our Los Angeles office, serving as an embedded partner to local managers and employees. 
• Build trust with employees and leaders through visibility, listening, and proactive problem-solving. 
• Partner with Facilities, IT, and Security teams to ensure a safe and supportive workplace experience in LA. 

• Provide coaching and policy guidance to LA-based leaders on performance, employee relations, engagement, and organizational development. 
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve systems, workflows, and manager enablement. 
• Support company-wide initiatives (e.g., performance reviews, compensation planning, engagement surveys) by localizing communications and implementation for LA. 

• 5-7 years of progressive HR/People Operations experience, with at least 2 years in a people management role. 
• Strong understanding of California employment law and best practices in employee relations, performance management, and compliance. 
• Experience leading payroll and HRIS administration workflows (ADP experience a plus). 
• Demonstrated ability to influence and build partnerships at all levels of the organization. 
• A bias for action and a hands-on, solutions-oriented mindset. 
• Comfortable balancing strategic leadership with daily operational execution. 

• Experience supporting employees across both technical and non-technical teams in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. 
• Familiarity with tools such as ADP, Lattice, Lever, and Jira. 
• SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar certification is a plus. 

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS 

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.