Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions. 

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Senior Compensation Partner to join our People Team will serve as a trusted advisor to leaders, HR and Talent Acquisition partners across the organization. In this role, you will help design and deliver competitive and equitable compensation & equity solutions that support business strategy and help us hire the very, very best talent we can find!

This is a highly consultative, hands-on role ideal for a compensation professional who enjoys being a "builder,” partnering with the business, using data to inform decisions, and translating complexity into clear, practical guidance.  This position includes an interesting mix of design work, program maintenance, project management, education and ownership of problem solutions. 

In this role, you’ll report to the Chief People Officer who places high value on supporting people as they grow their career.  This role has the potential to develop in multiple ways based on your personal career goals.  This person can be located in Denver or Huntsville and be in-office 4 days a week.

What You'll Do

• Combine your prior high growth company experience, quantitative rigor, business mindset, and communication skills to serve as a strategic advisor to our People Business Partners
• Lead compensation programs and projects, including recurring updates to the comp architecture, pay equity analysis, promotion cycles, and off-cycle adjustments
• Guide People Business Partners and leadership teams through compensation planning cycles
• Design, implement, and manage comprehensive compensation programs, including salary structures, incentive plans, and equity compensation, aligned with organizational strategy and market trends
• Lead job evaluation processes, conduct benchmarking analyses, and ensure internal equity and external competitiveness across all job families and levels, including non-exempt, exempt and executive roles
• Partner closely with leadership and HR teams to resolve complex compensation issues, support strategic decision-making, and drive the implementation of compensation initiatives across the organization
• Work with People Business Partners on how to navigate compensation issues, calibration sessions, analyze compensation data and create materials for Manager & Employee Trainings
• Define and communicate compensation policies and procedures, including roles and responsibilities (RACI) 
• Own the change management and communications of compensation practices with managers, employees, and across the People Team.  This includes creating content and delivering it, at times.  
• Build strong partnerships with the People Business Partner, Talent, Payroll, Legal, Stock, Finance and Accounting teams as well as our 3rd party vendors
• Strategize with the Talent Acquisition team to develop competitive offers rooted in market data and aligned with our compensation philosophy for new hires and existing employees
• Stay current on compensation laws, regulations, and best practices, providing guidance to HR and management as needed 

Requirements

• You're a proactive motivated problem solver; offering to fill skill gaps and offer solutions; we'd rather tell you slow down than accelerate
• 8+ years of experience working in Compensation in publicly traded, venture-backed, PE-backed and/or consulting companies
• Experience with job architecture, levelling guides and market analytics to ensure competitive compensation practices
• Experience working with internal stakeholders and executive leadership
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data and trends into key insights and recommendations
• Expert level proficiency with Excel and business intelligence tools, and comfort working across multiple data sources.  We use Rippling as our HCM
• Proven ability to track, prioritize and drive to success multiple projects with a strong operational background
• Passionate about educating, mentoring and teaching partners the values and business impact behind compensation strategies
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required

Physical Requirements   

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.   

Work Environment  

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross-differential collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.   

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL location.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

Compensation

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.