Sr HR Manager

*Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers one of the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch services, and one of the industry’s leading flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, the Astra Spacecraft Engine.* **The Opportunity** The Sr HR Manager will oversee full life cycle Human Resources strategy and operations. This role requires deep expertise across compensation planning, job architecture design, performance management, compliance (including FLSA and wage & hour laws, leaves of absences, accommodations), vendor management, payroll, recruiting strategy, and HRIS optimization (including Rippling Unity configuration and support). This role will manage a payroll specialist and recruiter. The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience and is fluent in leveraging AI tools to modernize HR operations, improve analytics, and enhance decision-making. **Why Join Us?** - Work at the forefront of rocket innovation and aerospace advancement - Build the HR foundation of a company shaping the future of space - High visibility with executive leadership - Competitive compensation + equity participation - Opportunity to scale with the company If you are an HR leader who can design systems as precisely as rockets are engineered—and you thrive where innovation meets execution—we’d love to meet you. **How You'll Fulfill Your Mission** **Strategic HR Leadership** - Design and implement scalable HR infrastructure aligned with rapid company growth. - Partner with executive leadership on workforce planning and organizational design. - Build policies and programs that balance compliance, performance, and culture. **** **Performance Management** - Design and implement performance management programs. - Build goal-setting (OKRs/KPIs) frameworks aligned to company objectives. - Train managers on feedback, performance calibration, and development planning. - Lead performance review cycles and talent planning discussions. **** **Employee Engagement & Development** - Design and administer employee engagement surveys. - Analyze survey data and implement action plans. - Create manager training programs focused on leadership effectiveness. - Drive retention strategies and workforce development initiatives. **** **Talent Acquisition Strategy** - Develop scalable recruiting strategies for technical and aerospace talent. - Partner with hiring managers to build structured interview frameworks. - Leverage AI-enabled sourcing and screening tools to improve hiring velocity and quality. - Build employer branding strategies in a competitive aerospace market. - Partner with manager and legal on consulting and contract agreements. **** **Compliance & Risk Management** - Ensure compliance with FLSA, Wage & Hour regulations, and federal/state labor laws. - Oversee payroll processing and audits. - Submit required BLS surveys. - Maintain compliance with timekeeping laws and employment regulations. - Manage employee relations, investigations, and terminations. - Ensure compliant onboarding and offboarding processes. **** **Employee Lifecycle Management** - Oversee onboarding, benefits administration, payroll coordination, and offboarding. - Develop policies and annual employee handbook updates. - Support employee relations and conflict resolution. - Maintain accurate HR documentation and reporting. - Manage leave of absence and accommodations process. **Why We Value You** - 8+ years of progressive HR experience with full life cycle HR ownership. - Experience in startup or high-growth environments (aerospace, defense, engineering, or deep tech preferred). - Strong experience in: - - Performance management systems - Employee engagement programs - Recruiting strategy and workforce planning - Payroll administration - FLSA, Wage & Hour, and timekeeping law compliance - Demonstrated experience using AI tools in HR (e.g., AI-driven recruitin…