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 Opportunity 

The 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 advancement
• Build the HR foundation of a company shaping the future of space
• High visibility with executive leadership
• Competitive compensation + equity participation
• Opportunity to scale with the company

If 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 Mission

Strategic HR Leadership

• Design 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 Management

• Design 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 & Development

• Design 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 Strategy

• Develop 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 Management

• Ensure 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 Management

• Oversee 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 You

• 8+ 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 systems
  • Employee engagement programs
  • Recruiting strategy and workforce planning
  • Payroll administration
  • FLSA, Wage & Hour, and timekeeping law compliance
• Demonstrated 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 Payroll
• Min 5 years experience working with Benefits broker and benefits 401K advisor
• Vendor management: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Fidelity, One Digital, Kaiser, Sequoia, Guardian
• Knowledge of 5500 reporting and other compliance and discrimination testings – FSA, Medicare Part D, DCA
• Bachelor’s degree required

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability
• High emotional intelligence and sound judgment
• Data-driven decision maker
• Strong systems orientation and technical aptitude
• Ability to build from zero to scale
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and fast-changing environments

Desired Multipliers 

• Experience 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 optimizing AI-powered HR technology platforms (e.g., AI-driven engagement tools, predictive performance analytics, intelligent workforce planning systems).
• Experience leveraging advanced HRIS platforms such as Rippling, Workday, ADP, or Culture Amp to drive measurable improvements in engagement and performance.
• Strong background in change management methodologies supporting organizational transformation, digital enablement, and cultural evolution in engineering-driven organizations.
• Experience designing high-performance cultures in technically complex environments with hardware, software, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Demonstrated ability to build leadership capability through structured performance management, succession planning, and executive coaching programs.
• Track record of using people analytics and data visualization tools to influence executive decision-making and workforce strategy.
• Familiarity with compensation strategy for specialized technical talent, including equity design, retention strategies, and pay benchmarking in competitive aerospace markets.
• Experience supporting government contract compliance (e.g., ITAR/EAR awareness) within regulated industries.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to partner effectively with founders, and technical leaders.
• HR certifications (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-SCP) preferred.

The pay range for this role is: $170,000-195,000

Salary and Benefits

We're competitive in compensation and offer equity as part of the package. We have great benefits that include health, vision, dental, and 401K in comparison to other startups. We provide lunch and there's plenty of snacks and drinks to get you through the day.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

ITAR Requirements: This position requires compliance with U.S. Government space technology  trade restrictions, specifically the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and additional regulations governing satellite, launch vehicle, missile, and other related technologies. All jobs restricted by these regulations will be contingent upon the applicant’s status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency; in addition to any required company background checks and in compliance with applicable U.S. and California laws. Similarly, positions requiring the ability to work on government contracts or a security clearance are also contingent upon the applicants ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.

© Astra Space Operations, LLC. All rights reserved, Astra is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We encourage people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply.

San Francisco Applicants: Astra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.