Chief People Officer

Quantum Space•Rockville, MD

About The Position

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and autonomy beyond Earth orbit. Our Ranger spacecraft deliver high delta-V and sustained on-orbit maneuverability, enabling missions across cislunar and geostationary space that were previously out of reach. We are building the vehicles, infrastructure, and operational expertise that connect and protect assets across the Earth–Moon system. 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.

Requirements

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.
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 authorizations.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.