People Operations Director
Apply NowCompany: Hadrian Automation, Inc
Location: Los Angeles, CA 90011
Description:
Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future
Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies make rockets, jets, and satellites 10x faster and 2x cheaper. We use AI and Robotics to automate and scale factories that are globally cost competitive and future-proof from the dramatic skilled labor shortage that is facing the Advanced Industrial Base. Our CEO, Chris Power, discusses the importance of what we're building in this video.
Hadrian works with startups, Primes and Tier 1/2s in all markets to cost-down, scale or otherwise enable them to hit production rates on critical programs in Rocketry, Satellites, Shipbuilding, Commercial and Military aircraft and other core, mission critical industries.
We are a lean but mighty team (and growing!) people that are passionate about building critical infrastructure to support the nation and the advancement of humanity.
We've raised >$200m to achieve this vision, with multiple rounds from Lux Capital, A16Z, Founders Fund, Construct Capital, Caffeinated Capital and more.
Joining the People Team @ Hadrian
At Hadrian, we're not just building autonomous factories - we're building the teams, systems, and culture that will power the future of aerospace and defense manufacturing. As we scale, the People team plays a critical role in shaping how we attract, enable, and retain world-class talent across both engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Working on the People team at Hadrian means designing and operationalizing the foundation of a company that blends cutting-edge robotics, AI, and precision manufacturing - while supporting a workforce that spans software engineers, machinists, program managers, and everything in between.
We're looking for builders: thoughtful, action-oriented team members who care deeply about people, process, and performance - and who want to help create a company culture that's as strong as the infrastructure we're deploying.
If you're energized by complexity, mission-critical work, and the chance to shape the trajectory of a generational company from the inside out, we'd love to hear from you.
The Role
We are looking for a strategic and execution-oriented People Operations Director to lead the development and continuous improvement of our People infrastructure and overall People Ops strategy. This leader will own the systems, processes, and compliance backbone of the HR function - ensuring our programs scale with the business, align with complex compliance requirements, and provide a smooth experience for employees and managers.
This role combines strategy and execution -- you will work hands-on with your team to optimize HR systems, manage escalations, and ensure compliance while driving continuous improvement projects.
This role is critical for shaping a People function that is operationally excellent, data-driven, and built to support a high-performing, mission-driven organization. You will manage and develop a team, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and support to excel in their roles. You are passionate about growing your team, implementing best-in-class practices, and making data-driven decisions that align with company goals while also understanding and addressing the human element behind every decision. Ideal candidates will have experience in high-integrity environments and thrive at the intersection of compliance, systems, and scalable program design, while also having the ability to build high trust with cross-functional leaders to help develop programs that make sense for the business.
Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
Requirements:
Admired Skills:
Compensation and Benefits
For this role, the target salary range is $180,000 - $235,000 (actual range may vary based on experience).
This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
In addition to salary and equity, we offer:
100% coverage of platinum medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees
401k
Relocation stipend if you're moving from outside of LA
Discretionary vacation policy
It is the policy of Hadrian Automation, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies make rockets, jets, and satellites 10x faster and 2x cheaper. We use AI and Robotics to automate and scale factories that are globally cost competitive and future-proof from the dramatic skilled labor shortage that is facing the Advanced Industrial Base. Our CEO, Chris Power, discusses the importance of what we're building in this video.
Hadrian works with startups, Primes and Tier 1/2s in all markets to cost-down, scale or otherwise enable them to hit production rates on critical programs in Rocketry, Satellites, Shipbuilding, Commercial and Military aircraft and other core, mission critical industries.
We are a lean but mighty team (and growing!) people that are passionate about building critical infrastructure to support the nation and the advancement of humanity.
We've raised >$200m to achieve this vision, with multiple rounds from Lux Capital, A16Z, Founders Fund, Construct Capital, Caffeinated Capital and more.
Joining the People Team @ Hadrian
At Hadrian, we're not just building autonomous factories - we're building the teams, systems, and culture that will power the future of aerospace and defense manufacturing. As we scale, the People team plays a critical role in shaping how we attract, enable, and retain world-class talent across both engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Working on the People team at Hadrian means designing and operationalizing the foundation of a company that blends cutting-edge robotics, AI, and precision manufacturing - while supporting a workforce that spans software engineers, machinists, program managers, and everything in between.
We're looking for builders: thoughtful, action-oriented team members who care deeply about people, process, and performance - and who want to help create a company culture that's as strong as the infrastructure we're deploying.
If you're energized by complexity, mission-critical work, and the chance to shape the trajectory of a generational company from the inside out, we'd love to hear from you.
The Role
We are looking for a strategic and execution-oriented People Operations Director to lead the development and continuous improvement of our People infrastructure and overall People Ops strategy. This leader will own the systems, processes, and compliance backbone of the HR function - ensuring our programs scale with the business, align with complex compliance requirements, and provide a smooth experience for employees and managers.
This role combines strategy and execution -- you will work hands-on with your team to optimize HR systems, manage escalations, and ensure compliance while driving continuous improvement projects.
This role is critical for shaping a People function that is operationally excellent, data-driven, and built to support a high-performing, mission-driven organization. You will manage and develop a team, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and support to excel in their roles. You are passionate about growing your team, implementing best-in-class practices, and making data-driven decisions that align with company goals while also understanding and addressing the human element behind every decision. Ideal candidates will have experience in high-integrity environments and thrive at the intersection of compliance, systems, and scalable program design, while also having the ability to build high trust with cross-functional leaders to help develop programs that make sense for the business.
Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
- Lead and evolve the People Operations function, including HR systems, compensation operations, compliance, mobility, and data governance
- Partner with Legal, Finance, and Security teams to ensure adherence to labor laws, data privacy standards, and industry-specific regulations (e.g., ITAR, DFARS, SOC 2)
- Oversee HR technology strategy and optimization - including HRIS, ATS, performance, and compensation platforms
- Drive operational rigor in People processes (onboarding, offboarding, leaves, audits, etc.), ensuring efficiency and accuracy
- Lead and mentor the People Ops team, providing structure, coaching, and professional development
- Design and refine internal controls, audit protocols, and SOPs for HR operations and compliance
- Serve as a strategic partner to People leadership in scaling org-wide programs such as performance reviews, compensation cycles, and engagement surveys
- Manage vendor relationships for HR tech and outsourced services (e.g., background checks)
- Develop deep relationships and build trust with key business owners, becoming a strategic thought partner on people-related strategies and engagements.
- Build, execute, and regularly assess people processes and programs - catered to topics like feedback, growth, training, leadership development- that drive a high-performance culture.
- Utilize people metrics to drive key insights and decisions around the growth and retention of employees.
Requirements:
- 5-10+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Strong execution mindset. Resourceful and thoughtful about how to leverage the support around you to get things done quickly.
- Balances operational rigor with empathy and employee experience.
- Excels at working on open-ended problems and running them down to completion.
- Establishes and maintains trust and credibility across all levels of the company.
- Strong command of regulatory frameworks with the ability to translate into scalable processes that enhance culture and the employee experience.
Admired Skills:
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills; clear and concise communication style. Comfortable working with large groups and facilitating discussions to create a positive and engaging experience.
- Superb organizational skills, with experiencing triaging many requests and priorities in a high-volume, dynamic environment.
- Hands-on expertise in systems like Rippling, Ashby, Lattice, or similar platforms
- Background in scaling People programs across multi-state or global entities
- Experience supporting cleared or ITAR/DFARS environments strongly preferred
- Analytical, detail-oriented, and energized by building structure in high-growth or complex environments
Compensation and Benefits
For this role, the target salary range is $180,000 - $235,000 (actual range may vary based on experience).
This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
In addition to salary and equity, we offer:
100% coverage of platinum medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees
401k
Relocation stipend if you're moving from outside of LA
Discretionary vacation policy
It is the policy of Hadrian Automation, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.