Head of People

Luminary Cloud•San Mateo, CA

About The Position

Luminary Cloud is building the future of physics-AI. Our team blends world-class engineering, physics, and product talent, all working together to push the boundaries of real-time simulation. As we scale, we’re looking for a VP of People who can build and lead the systems, structure, and operating rhythms that support a company working at this level. This is a senior, high-visibility role reporting into the executive team. We’re looking for someone who can combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution, someone who understands that People Operations is both an infrastructure function and a culture function, and that the way we operate internally is a direct reflection of our values and ambitions.

Requirements

Executive-level HR/People leadership experience in a scaling startup; deep-tech, engineering, or B2B SaaS experience strongly preferred.
Strong operational and systems instincts, you think in workflows, clarity, automation, and data.
Experience building HR infrastructure across compensation, compliance, benefits, and performance, for 75-100+ team organizations.
A balanced, human approach: direct communication, clear expectations, and empathy where it matters.
Comfort working in a fast-moving environment with highly technical roles and ambitious goals.
Excellent judgment and discretion; strong presence with leadership and the board.

Responsibilities

Partner with the executive team to design the organizational structure that supports Luminary’s technical, product, and commercial objectives.
Anticipate future needs as the company grows into new product lines, new verticals, and new geographies.
Drive clarity across role definition, leveling frameworks, competencies, and talent calibration.
Ensure leadership has the data, insights, and structure needed to make high-quality people decisions.
Build and lead a modern People Ops function with strong process design, operational discipline, and system reliability.
Oversee HRIS, payroll, benefits, compliance, and the full people-ops tech stack—ensuring accuracy, automation, and scalability.
Implement clean workflows that reduce friction and allow managers and employees to operate with confidence.
Own risk management and compliance across multiple states and global locations as we expand.
Create a performance and development framework that aligns with Luminary’s culture—clear expectations, high accountability, and meaningful feedback.
Coach leaders on people management, communication, and org health.
Partner with execs to ensure goals, expectations, and outcomes are aligned across teams.
Protect and evolve the cultural backbone of the company as we grow—direct communication, curiosity, technical excellence, and high integrity.
Establish operating rhythms that keep the organization informed and aligned: all-hands, leadership forums, goal cycles, and written communication practices.
Build initiatives that strengthen connection and team cohesion without unnecessary overhead or “culture theater.”
Serve as a trusted executive partner for sensitive matters involving employees, managers, and cross-team dynamics.
Build clear processes for communication, conflict resolution, and issue escalation.
Maintain a calm, balanced presence during periods of change or rapid growth.
Oversee hiring philosophy, standards, and interview practices, without acting as a recruiter or running pipelines.
Ensure hiring is aligned with long-term org design and company priorities.
Support leaders with role clarity and resourcing decisions, while external partners and teams handle execution.