People Operations Lead

Aetherflux • San Carlos, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Head of People to build and lead the People function during a critical scale-up phase. You will report to the COO/CLO, and be both a strategic partner to the executive team and a hands-on builder who designs systems that attract, develop, and retain world-class talent in a highly technical, mission-driven environment. This is an in-person role at our San Carlos, CA HQ.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field
• 10+ years of experience in HR, including leadership roles
• Proven track record of scaling a high-growth startup, including building HR systems from the ground up
• Strong understanding of equity design and compensation strategy
• Comfortable operating hands-on in an early stage environment
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable HR systems, policies, and processes, including compliant multi-state HR operations
• Design organizational structure to support the company’s hyper-growth plans
• Lead workforce planning aligned with technical and manufacturing roadmaps
• Partner with technical leaders to build structured recruiting processes for highly specialized talent across hardware, software, and operations
• Develop performance management frameworks suitable for employees across all functions
• Develop university pipeline strategies; execute summer internship program to attract and retain top collegiate talent
• Shape a culture that balances startup velocity with aerospace-grade rigor
• Coach managers and develop leadership capabilities within the organization’s existing employee base
• Design competitive cash and equity compensation strategies appropriate for our stage of development, including leveling frameworks
• Oversee benefits strategy, performance cycles, and promotion processes
• Ensure compliance across employment law, government contracts, and export control environments
• Build scalable HR governance practices

Benefits

• Equity in Aetherflux
• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance; long-term disability and life insurance for employees
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid leave for new parents
• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level