HR Manager
$105,000–$160,000 year
On-site · Torrance, California, United States
Job Summary
Senior HR leader in a defense contracting environment responsible for building and governing HR systems and programs to support rapid growth while ensuring federal contracting compliance (FAR/DFARS, ITAR, DCAA, OFCCP) and a security-conscious culture. Partner with executive leadership on workforce planning, org design, and people strategy; supervise HR staff; oversee full-cycle recruiting for cleared and ITAR-sensitive roles; manage HR operations (Paylocity and related platforms), vendor relationships, and policy stewardship across multi-state operations. Drive onboarding, compensation and benefits programs, employee relations, compliance risk management, investigations, and HR analytics to inform leadership decisions. Maintain audit-ready documentation for AS9100D, CMMC, and ITAR, and support a distributed workforce with appropriate HR processes across states.
Required Qualifications
- 10+ years of progressive HR experience
- At least 5 years in a lead HR role with broad ownership across multiple HR functions
- Experience in manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or federal contracting environments
- Strong working knowledge of multi-state employment law (including California) and federal contracting HR requirements (FAR, DFARS, DCAA, OFCCP)
- Familiarity with ITAR, export control, and compliance-driven HR environments
- Proficiency with HRIS platforms; Paylocity experience a plus
- PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred
- Preferred: experience supporting a geographically distributed, multi-state workforce that includes remote employees
- Background in startup or high-growth environment building HR functions
- Familiarity with CMMC, AS9100D, or similar quality/compliance frameworks
- Genuine interest in mentoring and developing junior HR professionals
- Bachelor's Degree in a related field
- 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a lead HR role in manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or federal contracting environment
Additional Requirements
- Must have, or be eligible to obtain, a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance
- Must be able to access classified information; U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R.
- Equal employment opportunity employer; U.S. citizenship or eligibility for clearance may be required
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