Sr HR Manager/Head of HR

Astra's mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers one of the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch services, and one of the industry's leading flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, the Astra Spacecraft Engine.
The OpportunityThe Sr HR Manager will oversee full life cycle Human Resources strategy and operations. This role requires deep expertise across compensation planning, job architecture design, performance management, compliance (including FLSA and wage & hour laws, leaves of absences, accommodations), vendor management, payroll, recruiting strategy, and HRIS optimization (including Rippling Unity configuration and support). This role will manage a payroll specialist and recruiter.
The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience and is fluent in leveraging AI tools to modernize HR operations, improve analytics, and enhance decision-making.
Why Join Us?Work at the forefront of rocket innovation and aerospace advancementBuild the HR foundation of a company shaping the future of spaceHigh visibility with executive leadershipCompetitive compensation + equity participationOpportunity to scale with the companyIf you are an HR leader who can design systems as precisely as rockets are engineered—and you thrive where innovation meets execution—we'd love to meet you.
How You'll Fulfill Your MissionStrategic HR LeadershipDesign and implement scalable HR infrastructure aligned with rapid company growth.
Partner with executive leadership on workforce planning and organizational design.
Build policies and programs that balance compliance, performance, and culture.
Performance ManagementDesign and implement performance management programs.
Build goal-setting (OKRs/KPIs) frameworks aligned to company objectives.
Train managers on feedback, performance calibration, and development planning.
Lead performance review cycles and talent planning discussions.
Employee Engagement & DevelopmentDesign and administer employee engagement surveys.
Analyze survey data and implement action plans.
Create manager training programs focused on leadership effectiveness.
Drive retention strategies and workforce development initiatives.
Talent Acquisition StrategyDevelop scalable recruiting strategies for technical and aerospace talent.
Partner with hiring managers to build structured interview frameworks.
Leverage AI-enabled sourcing and screening tools to improve hiring velocity and quality.
Build employer branding strategies in a competitive aerospace market.
Partner with manager and legal on consulting and contract agreements.
Compliance & Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with FLSA, Wage & Hour regulations, and federal/state labor laws.
Oversee payroll processing and audits.
Submit required BLS surveys.
Maintain compliance with timekeeping laws and employment regulations.
Manage employee relations, investigations, and terminations.
Ensure compliant onboarding and offboarding processes.
Employee Lifecycle ManagementOversee onboarding, benefits administration, payroll coordination, and offboarding.
Develop policies and annual employee handbook updates.
Support employee relations and conflict resolution.
Maintain accurate HR documentation and reporting.
Manage leave of absence and accommodations process.
Why We Value You8+ years of progressive HR experience with full life cycle HR ownership.
Experience in startup or high-growth environments (aerospace, defense, engineering, or deep tech preferred).
Strong experience in:Performance management systemsEmployee engagement programsRecruiting strategy and workforce planningPayroll administrationFLSA, Wage & Hour, and timekeeping law complianceDemonstrated experience using AI tools in HR (e.g., AI-driven recruiting, workforce analytics, automation tools, HR chatbots).
Proven ability to train and coach managers at all levels.
Strong knowledge of employment law and risk mitigation.
Must have min 5 years experience with Rippling HRIS, Talent, Compensation, and PayrollMin 5 years experience working with Benefits broker and benefits 401K advisorVendor management: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Fidelity, One Digital, Kaiser, Sequoia, GuardianKnowledge of 5500 reporting and other compliance and discrimination testings – FSA, Medicare Part D, DCABachelor's degree requiredKey CompetenciesStrategic thinker with hands-on execution capabilityHigh emotional intelligence and sound judgmentData-driven decision makerStrong systems orientation and technical aptitudeAbility to build from zero to scaleComfortable operating in ambiguity and fast-changing environmentsDesired MultipliersExperience working in high-growth aerospace, defense, deep tech, or advanced manufacturing environments (e.g., organizations similar to SpaceX, Blue Origin, or Relativity Space).
Demonstrated success scaling People Operations in a startup environment (Series A–C or rapid headcount growth of 50%+ annually).
Proven experience implementing and opt