Senior Technical Recruiter & People Partner

Podium Automation•New York, NY

2d•$120,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Podium Automation is seeking its first dedicated Senior Technical Recruiter & People Partner to lead talent acquisition and employee experience initiatives. This role will manage full-cycle recruiting for engineering, production, and business operations, and will also be responsible for the employee journey from offer to their initial months with the company. This is a unique opportunity to build both the talent and people functions from the ground up at a hardware startup. The ideal candidate will excel at sourcing, closing, and implementing rigorous hiring practices, as well as developing systems and programs that foster a positive work environment. This includes creating smooth onboarding processes, efficient employee setup, thoughtful people programs, and a culture that aligns with the company's operational values.

Requirements

4+ years of experience in technical recruiting and people operations, preferably in-house at a high-growth startup.
Proven track record in full-cycle recruiting for diverse technical functions, including hardware, electrical, mechanical, controls, or manufacturing talent.
Hands-on experience with onboarding, employee setup, HRIS/payroll tools, and the operational aspects of a people function.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent a technical company to technical candidates and serve as a reliable point of contact for employees.
High sense of ownership, low ego, and a fast pace of work; comfortable operating with ambiguity and minimal established processes.
Genuine interest in the company's mission and products; curiosity about manufacturing processes is essential, though an engineering background is not required.

Responsibilities

Own full-cycle recruiting for technical roles across software, hardware, controls, manufacturing, and operations.
Partner with founders and hiring managers to define role requirements, develop hiring plans, and design interview processes that accurately predict performance.
Proactively source candidates, focusing on individuals who may not be actively applying through job boards.
Ensure a fast and high-signal candidate experience that reflects the company's operational style.
Establish the talent operating system, including ATS management, scorecards, structured interviews, referral programs, and reporting.
Manage the end-to-end onboarding process, from offer acceptance through the initial ramp-up period, ensuring a positive first day and a clear path to contribution.
Oversee employee setup, including equipment, accounts, payroll and benefits enrollment, and I-9 processing, to ensure a seamless start.
Design and implement people programs to enhance the team, such as onboarding journeys, recognition initiatives, team rituals, feedback cycles, and culture-building activities.
Collaborate with leadership on policies, employee handbooks, compliance, and HR operations as the company scales.
Contribute to shaping the employer brand, candidate marketing, and the company's presence within hardware and tech talent communities.