HR Generalist at Hermeus – Los Angeles, California

HR Generalist

Hermeus is a high-speed aircraft manufacturer focused on the rapid design, build, and test of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft for the national interest. Working directly with the Department of Defense, Hermeus delivers capabilities that will ensure that our nation, and our allies, maintain an asymmetric advantage over any and all potential adversaries.
The HR Generalist provides on-site People Operations support for the Los Angeles office. This role is responsible for executing core HR programs with a focus on employee relations, investigations, onboarding, and terminations. The Generalist partners closely with People Ops leadership and site leaders to ensure consistent, compliant, and high-quality employee experiences.
This is an execution-focused role that requires strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism. Responsibilities:

• Employee Relations & Investigations
• Provide localized, on-site HR support for employee relations matters
• Support internal investigations, including intake, fact-finding, documentation, and coordination
• Facilitate mediation and difficult conversations with employees and managers
• Ensure issues are handled consistently, confidentially, and in alignment with company policy and employment law

• Terminations & Risk Support
• Support employee separations, including documentation, coordination, and on-site execution

• Partner with People Ops leadership to ensure compliance and risk mitigation

• Serve as a steady, professional presence during sensitive situations

• Onboarding Execution
• Execute on-site onboarding for new hires in the LA office
• Coordinate with People Ops, IT, Security, Facilities, and Hiring Managers
• Ensure a consistent and high-quality new-hire experience

• Operational Support
• Execute assigned People Ops programs and processes
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation
• Identify process gaps, risks, and opportunities for improvement

• Planning & Roadmap
• Maintain a 36 month execution roadmap for assigned areas of responsibility
• Balance day-to-day support with planned initiatives
• Deliver work independently while escalating issues appropriately

Minimum Requirements:

• 24 years of experience in HR, People Operations, or Employee Relations
• Experience supporting employee relations matters and sensitive workplace situations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and strong documentation practices
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated judgment, discretion, and professionalism
• Comfortable working on-site in a dynamic office setting

Preferred Skills & Responsibilities

• Experience in aerospace, manufacturing, defense, or high-growth startup environments.
• Familiarity with systems like ADP, Lattice, Lever, Jira, Confluence, etc.
• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent) a plus.

Working Conditions:

• Role is based on-site at the Los Angeles facility.
• Primarily office-based, with regular engagement on the production floor to support workforce initiatives and employee relations.
• Occasional travel to other Hermeus locations may be required for meetings, training, or company events.
• May involve extended hours during peak business cycles or critical program milestones.
• Fast-paced, dynamic, and highly collaborative environment aligned with Hermeus rapid design, build, and test culture.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent walking through office, manufacturing, and test facility environments.
• Occasional standing, bending, or reaching as part of employee engagement or site walkthroughs.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally (e.g., employee materials, office supplies, or equipment).
• Ability to adhere to safety requirements and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering production or test areas.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced aerospace environment with exposure to light industrial noise and activity.

The salary information provided is a general guideline only. Hermeus takes various factors into account, including, but not limited to, the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's professional background, education and training, essential skills, and market and business considerations, when presenting a job offer. Salary is only one part of our total compensation and benefits package. Hermeus offers competitive salary and equity, unlimited PTO policy, paid parental leave, potential for year-end bonuses, and more! 100% employer-paid health care401k & Retirement PlansUnlimited PTOWeekly Paid Office LunchesEnd of Year BonusesFully stocked breakroomsStock Options Paid Parental LeaveU.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a U.S. person as defined by22 C.F.R. 120.62or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITYHermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

$95,000 - $1,100,000 a year