Head of Talent Management

Stratolaunch • Mojave, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.
The Head of Talent Management is a senior HR leader and key strategic partner to the business, serving as the primary onsite HR leader in Mojave. This role is responsible for shaping and executing talent strategies that drive organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, leadership capability, and workforce performance.
This individual will lead critical human resource functions including employee relations, performance management, training and development, and employee engagement, while managing and mentoring a small local HR team. The role requires strong judgment, credibility with leaders and employees, and the ability to operate effectively in a highly technical, operational, and compliance-driven environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field
• 8–12+ years of progressive HR experience, with significant focus on employee relations and talent management
• Prior experience managing and developing HR professionals
• Strong working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices
• Proven ability to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and decision-making skills
• Strategic thinker with strong execution capability
• High emotional intelligence and credibility with employees at all levels
• Confident handling sensitive and complex employee situations
• Collaborative, pragmatic, and solutions-oriented
• Strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience in aerospace, manufacturing, engineering, or other highly regulated environments
• Master’s degree or relevant HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP)
• Experience supporting technical or operational workforces

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and managers on talent, organizational effectiveness, and employee-related matters
• Partner with the CHRO to develop and execute people strategies aligned with business goals
• Serve as the primary onsite HR decision-maker in Mojave, escalating complex or high-risk matters as appropriate
• Lead change management initiatives related to growth, restructuring, or cultural renovation
• Oversee and manage employee relations matters including investigations, performance issues, policy interpretation, and corrective actions
• Ensure consistent, fair, and legally compliant application of company policies and employment practices
• Coach managers on effective employee management, conflict resolution, and difficult conversations
• Reduce organizational risk through proactive issue identification and resolution
• Own and continuously improve the company’s performance management philosophy, processes, and tools
• Drive a culture of accountability, feedback, and continuous improvement
• Partner with leaders to ensure effective goal-setting, performance evaluations, and development planning
• Support succession planning and high-potential talent identification
• Design and implement training and development programs for individual contributors, managers, and leaders
• Identify skills gaps and partner with leadership to build targeted learning solutions
• Oversee leadership development initiatives, manager training, and compliance-related training
• Measure effectiveness of development programs and adjust strategies as needed
• Lead employee engagement strategies, surveys, and action planning
• Partner with leaders to strengthen culture, communication, and employee experience
• Develop initiatives to improve retention, morale, and organizational health
• Serve as a visible, approachable HR leader on site
• Manage, mentor, and develop a small onsite HR team, fostering high performance and professional growth
• Ensure operational excellence across HR processes and employee-facing services
• Collaborate with other partner functions such as Payroll, Contracts, and Finance
• Support HR reporting, metrics, and continuous process improvement

Benefits

• 9/80 schedule
• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees