HR Manager

MATSYS Inc.; Sterling (VA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MATSYS Inc., a fast-growing defense contractor in Sterling, VA, is seeking a Human Resources Manager to lead innovative recruiting strategies and performance management. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in HR, particularly within government contracting. Key responsibilities include full-cycle recruiting, compliance with federal laws, and advising on employee relations. This hybrid or on-site position requires strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to talent challenges, facilitating a culture of accountability and excellence.

Qualifications

• 5-8+ years of progressive HR experience, with emphasis on recruiting and performance management.
• Experience in government contracting is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of federal contractor requirements and HR compliance.
• Demonstrated track record of solving complex recruiting challenges.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HR function for recruiting and talent management.
• Design creative sourcing strategies to attract talent.
• Implement performance management frameworks and coach managers.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and contractor requirements.
• Administer compensation and benefits programs.
• Serve as a trusted advisor for employee relations.

Skills

Creative problem solving

Data analysis

Relationship-building

Strong communication

Compliance knowledge

Performance management

Recruiting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

Job description

Internal Code: HR2

Reports to: Director of Business Operations

Location: MATSYS HQ, Sterling, VA (Hybrid or On-Site)

The Human Resources Manager will lead the HR function for a fast-growing government contractor specializing in research, development, and production. This role will drive innovative, data-informed recruiting strategies and a disciplined performance management program to attract, retain, and develop high-caliber talent in a highly competitive GovCon market. The ideal candidate is a creative problem solver who can experiment with new sourcing channels, remove bottlenecks in the hiring process, and partner with leadership to design practical solutions to complex talent challenges.

By virtue of contract requirements, this position is only open to U.S. citizens.

Description

Talent Acquisition & Strategy

• Own full-cycle recruiting, from intake to offer and onboarding
• Design creative sourcing strategies (employee referral campaigns, niche cleared job boards, military transition programs, university partnerships, industry associations) to reach scarce and specialized talent
• Partner with program managers and leadership to anticipate staffing needs and own the hiring strategy, proposing alternative staffing models when constraints arise
• Develop and implement an employer branding strategy

Full-Cycle Performance Management and Development

• Design, implement, and continuously refine a practical performance management framework that fits both R&D and production environments (goals, KPIs, check-ins, and annual reviews)
• Coach managers on setting measurable expectations, delivering candid feedback, documenting performance, and managing underperformance in a timely, compliant manner
• Use performance and turnover data to identify trends, recommend interventions, and test new approaches to development, recognition, and career pathways
• Partner with leaders to define skills needed for future growth and propose targeted training, mentoring, and stretch assignments to build internal strength

HR Operations, Compliance, and GovCon Requirements

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as applicable federal contractor requirements
• Maintain and update HR policies and procedures that align with government contracting standards and support audits and contract reviews
• Coordinate closely with Security/FSO and Contracts on matters related to cleared personnel, position requirements, and contract labor categories as needed
• Participate in the Insider Threat Working Group
• Manage HRIS and personnel records with appropriate controls for sensitive and controlled information

Employee Relations and Culture

• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees, helping resolve issues in a way that balances compliance, business needs, and employee experience
• Proactively surface themes from recruiting, performance discussions, and exit feedback, and recommend actions that strengthen engagement, retention, and communication
• Help leadership model and reinforce a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration across technical and production teams
• Monitor retention metrics and propose creative, cost-conscious solutions to reduce regrettable turnover in critical roles

Compensation, Benefits, And Retention

• Administer compensation and benefits programs consistent with market conditions, company philosophy, and contract parameters
• Partner with leadership on salary benchmarking, job leveling, and internal equity reviews, using data to support recommendations
• Manage timekeeping and payroll in accordance with applicable law

Other duties as assigned

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (will substitute applicable experience)
• 5-8+ years of progressive HR experience, with strong emphasis on recruiting and performance management; experience in a government contracting strongly preferred
• Demonstrated track record of solving complex recruiting challenges through creative sourcing, process improvements, and experimentation in tight labor markets (technical, cleared, or niche skill sets).
• Working knowledge of federal contractor requirements (EEO, OFCCP, AAP) and general familiarity with FAR/DFARS concepts as they intersect with HR and staffing
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into practical, business-focused recommendations
• Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills across all levels of the organization
• Comfortable operating as a hands-on solo HR leader in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

Preferred Qualifications

• HR certification (SHRM-SCP or SPHR)
• Prior experience in a small to mid-sized defense, aerospace, or technology-focused company
• Experience managing multi-site HR

About MATSYS Inc.

We are a rapidly growing defense manufacturing company focused on delivering high-quality, mission-critical products for our customers. Our team combines technical expertise, operational discipline, and a commitment to excellence to solve complex problems and support national security.

MATSYS prides itself on its dynamic team, its ability to push boundaries and the commitment of its employees to excellence, innovation and teamwork.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics protected by law or irrelevant to performance, unless otherwise required by law.

MATSYS uses E-Verify to verify right-to-work.

MATSYS is a Drug-Free Workplace. Candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background investigation and drug test prior following receipt of a conditional job offer.