Human Resources Manager

Astro Digital; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Astro Digital is seeking a hands‑on HR leader to build and scale our in‑house HR function in Denver. You will transition outsourced HR to internal processes, establish compliance, and partner with leadership to support our rapid aerospace growth.

The ideal candidate thrives in high‑growth environments, balancing strategic thinking with day‑to‑day execution and bringing deep expertise in HR systems, benefits, payroll, and employee lifecycle management.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of HR experience in high-growth settings.
• Experience bringing HR functions in-house or insourcing.
• Strong knowledge of HR compliance and employment law.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution.

Responsibilities

• Transition key HR functions to internal model including benefits and payroll.
• Evaluate and implement HRIS and onboarding tools.
• Develop employee handbook, policies, and procedures.
• Establish scalable onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws; ITAR/regulatory alignment.
• Partner with leadership on hiring plans and workforce strategy.
• Design performance management and development frameworks.
• Support compensation planning and total rewards.
• Shape culture during rapid growth; manage employee relations with discretion.

Skills

HR leadership

Stakeholder management

Compliance knowledge

Strategic planning

Tactical execution

Education

HR certification

Tools

HRIS systems

Payroll systems

Compensation tools

Job description

We are seeking a hands‑on HR leader to build and scale our in‑house human resources function. This role will establish foundational HR processes, bring previously outsourced or decentralized responsibilities internally, ensure compliance, and partner closely with leadership to support our rapidly growing aerospace organization.

The ideal candidate thrives in high‑growth environments, is comfortable building from the ground up, and can balance strategic thinking with day‑to‑day execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Transition key HR functions to a fully internal model, including benefits, payroll coordination, and employee lifecycle processes
• Evaluate and implement HR systems (HRIS, onboarding tools, performance platforms)
• Develop employee handbook, policies, and procedures
• Establish scalable onboarding and offboarding processes

2. Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws
• Manage regulatory requirements relevant to aerospace (e.g., ITAR, export controls, contractor compliance)
• Maintain accurate employee records and audit readiness
• Partner with legal and finance on risk mitigation

3. Talent & Workforce Planning

• Partner with leadership on hiring plans and workforce strategy
• Support and optimize recruiting processes (initially hands‑on if needed)
• Develop job descriptions, leveling frameworks, and compensation benchmarks

4. Employee Experience & Culture

• Build employee engagement programs and feedback mechanisms
• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and employees
• Manage employee relations matters with professionalism and discretion
• Help shape and reinforce company culture during a period of rapid growth

5. Performance Management & Development

• Design and implement performance review processes
• Support leadership development and manager effectiveness
• Create career growth and development frameworks

6. Benefits & Compensation

• Evaluate and implement competitive benefits programs by working directly with brokers/providers
• Support compensation planning, including salary structures and equity programs
• Ensure smooth administration of payroll and total rewards

Qualifications

Required

• 5–10+ years of HR experience
• Experience in high‑growth or scaling organizations
• Strong knowledge of HR compliance and employment law
• Demonstrated success establishing or formalizing HR processes
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically

Preferred

• Experience bringing HR functions in‑house or insourcing operations
• Background in aerospace, manufacturing, defense, or engineering environments
• Familiarity with ITAR or government contractor compliance
• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP)
• Experience implementing HRIS systems
• Strong business acumen and problem‑solving skills
• High level of discretion and integrity
• Comfortable with ambiguity and change
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Execution‑oriented with strong attention to detail

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: CEO, COO, or CFO
• Future team growth may include Recruiter, HR Generalist, and HR Business Partner roles

Compensation: $135-160k based on experience