HR Specialist

Element U.S. Space & Defense • Riverside, MD

2d • $29 - $32 • Onsite

About The Position

The HR Specialist is responsible for supporting a broad range of human resources functions, including employee onboarding and offboarding, coordinating with candidates and new hires, and serving as a liaison between managers and key internal departments to ensure a seamless and compliant employee lifecycle experience. This role also ensures adherence to HR policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements and may provide support across additional HR areas such as benefits administration and recruitment, as needed.

Requirements

• Four years of relevant experience in a role that develops the skills and knowledge required to perform the functions and responsibilities of this position.
• Experience with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and employee data administration; proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and analytical skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels.
• Demonstrated critical‑thinking and problem‑solving abilities, including the capacity to interpret complex procedures, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of reporting processes and record‑keeping best practices in a confidential environment.
• This is an onsite role, located in a lab; travel may be required.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, including California labor and employment regulations, with a general understanding of HR and payroll compliance requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to gather information, assemble data, prepare reports, and present material effectively.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and address challenging situations or conflict effectively.
• Proficiency in using standard office technology, including computers and related equipment, with the ability to review and analyze information on screen with attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Certification such as CEBS will be a plus.
• 6+ years of related experience.
• Background in Human Resources is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer and support the employee lifecycle, including onboarding and offboarding activities such as offer coordination, background and drug screenings, IT setup, ADP data entry, benefits communications, exit processing, and weekly reconciliation tracking.
• Maintain HR systems and update employee records in ADP, including job changes, compensation updates, position details, bonus information, requisition closures, and approval of direct deposit changes, auditing employee data, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Serve as a key point of contact for employees, candidates, and managers by responding to inquiries and providing timely follow‑up and status updates.
• Support HR compliance and reporting initiatives by assisting with audits, regulatory reporting, I‑9 verification and physical inspection requirements, data reviews, and other compliance‑related processes, while partnering with HR Business Partners and cross‑functional teams to ensure adherence to applicable laws, policies, and internal controls.
• Review, update, and maintain HR documentation and materials, including onboarding forms, internal documents, rebranding updates, and the development of HR presentations and manager resources.
• Process HR‑related billing and administrative tasks, including reviewing ADP screening invoices for accuracy, reconciling charges, coordinating approvals, submitting documentation to Accounts Payable, maintaining manager distribution lists, and supporting employee system access such as Concur setup.
• Support a variety of HR initiatives and programs, including: 1. Maintaining Compass (intranet), shared drives, templates, and forms 2. Refreshing interview guides, supporting job description updates, and building manager toolkits 3. Administering internship and mentorship programs, annual engagement initiatives, and wellness/EAP offerings 4. Managing the annual training and compliance calendar, conducting I‑9 audits, and facilitating exit interviews

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts
• Seven (7) paid holidays and four (4) paid floating holidays, depending on your hire date
• Paid Time Off (PTO), accrued biweekly
• 401k with employer match
• Twelve (12) hours of Paid Volunteer Time Off (PVTO) each year
• Tuition reimbursement and other employee programs
• Flexible schedules offered at some of our labs
• Monthly Lab Bonus plans (Based on position)

What This Job Offers

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