Human Resources Manager

Unusual Machines; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

401(k)

Generous PTO

Paid Holidays

Daily Catered Lunches

Job summary

Unusual Machines is seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead California operations as Upgrade Energy becomes part of the company. You’ll drive onboarding, employee relations, compliance, and culture in a fast-paced, acquisition-transition context.

Based in Torrance, CA, you’ll partner with leaders to scale people practices, manage facilities, and guide integration efforts while ensuring a safe, productive workplace and strong employee experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience in manufacturing or fast-paced environments.
• Strong knowledge of California employment laws and compliance.
• Experience leading employee relations, investigations, and performance management.
• Recruiting experience for hourly production and operations roles.
• Experience supporting onboarding and employee engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR resource for the California facility.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, with focus on CA.
• Lead employee relations, investigations, and performance management.
• Manage onboarding, orientation, and new hire integration programs.
• Partner with hiring managers to recruit production, warehouse, and operational staff.
• Support employee engagement and culture-building initiatives.
• Maintain HR records and ensure documentation compliance.
• Build and lead future HR team members as the organization grows.

Skills

HR leadership

California labor law

employee relations

recruiting for production

onboarding & engagement

communication

project management

vendor management

HRIS software

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

PHR/SPHR/SHRM certification (preferred)

Tools

HRIS / HR software

Job description

Unusual Machines is a U.S.-based drone and drone parts company focused on the small and First-Person View (FPV) segments of the drone market. Our brands - Rotor Riot, Fat Shark, Rotor Lab and - coming soon - Upgrade Energy - are some of the most respected names in FPV and have helped shape the industry through e-commerce, product development, and a deep connection with the pilot community.

We’re expanding into enterprise and defense - bringing our obsessive attention to performance, design, and U.S.-based manufacturing into high-stakes environments like search and rescue and military innovation. With several of our products already approved by the Defense Innovation Unit, we’re solving procurement issues for customers who demand speed, agility, and compliance.

If you love working at the intersection of community, content, and cutting-edge technology, you’ll feel right at home here.

Location: Torrance, CA
Salary Range: $100,000 - $120,000 annually

Upgrade Energy is currently in the process of being acquired by Unusual Machines, with the transaction expected to be finalized shortly. We are seeking an experienced HR Manager who understands the unique challenges that come with an acquisition and can help successfully guide the organization through the transition and integration. The ideal candidate will be comfortable navigating change, aligning policies and processes, supporting employees and leaders through the transition, and helping build a strong, consistent culture as Upgrade Energy becomes part of Unusual Machines.

You in This Role

You are a hands‑on HR leader who thrives in fast‑paced, growing organizations. You enjoy being visible, approachable, and actively engaged with employees and leaders across the business. You understand that great workplaces don't happen by accident—they are built through strong employee support, operational excellence, compliance, and a commitment to creating an environment where people can do their best work.

At Upgrade Energy, you will serve as the primary HR and Facilities leader for our California operation. This is a unique opportunity for someone who enjoys wearing multiple hats and making a meaningful impact. You'll help build and scale our people practices while also ensuring our facility remains safe, organized, functional, and employee-focused.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on execution and wants to play a key role in the growth of a rapidly expanding organization.

A Day in the Life

One day, you may be onboarding new employees, coaching managers through employee relations situations, and ensuring compliance with California employment laws. The next, you may be coordinating facility maintenance, working with vendors, resolving workplace issues, planning employee events, or supporting recruiting efforts for production and operational teams.

You will serve as a trusted resource for employees and leaders while helping ensure both our people and our workplace are positioned for success.

What You'll Do

Human Resources

• Serve as the primary HR resource for employees and leaders at the California facility
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, with a strong focus on California labor law requirements
• Lead employee relations activities, including coaching managers, conducting investigations, resolving workplace concerns, and supporting performance management efforts
• Manage onboarding, orientation, and new hire integration programs
• Partner with hiring managers to recruit, interview, and hire production, warehouse, and operational employees
• Support employee engagement, retention, and culture-building initiatives
• Assist with policy implementation, employee communications, and HR program administration
• Maintain employee records and ensure HR documentation is complete and compliant
• Support organizational growth and workforce planning initiatives
• Partner with corporate HR leadership to implement company-wide programs and processes
• Build and lead future HR team members as the organization continues to grow

What You'll Bring

• 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably in manufacturing, operations, distribution, or other fast‑paced environments
• Strong working knowledge of California employment laws and HR compliance requirements
• Experience handling employee relations matters, investigations, performance management, and conflict resolution
• Recruiting experience, particularly for hourly production, warehouse, manufacturing, or operational positions
• Experience supporting onboarding and employee engagement initiatives
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs
• Comfortable operating both strategically and tactically
• Experience supporting facility operations, vendor management, workplace services, or office management is strongly preferred
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field preferred
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification is a plus

What You'll Gain

Real-World Impact

At Unusual Machines, you'll have the opportunity to directly influence both the employee experience and workplace environment. The systems, processes, and culture you help build will support the company's next stage of growth.

Opportunity to Build

This is more than a traditional HR role. You'll help shape the future of the California operation, establish scalable people practices, and build a local HR presence that grows alongside the business.

Visibility and Influence

You'll work closely with site leadership and corporate leadership teams, providing guidance on people, compliance, recruiting, culture, and workplace operations.

Enjoy access to competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued and recognized.

• Equity
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 401(k)
• Generous PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Daily Catered Lunches

We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

Unusual Machines participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

Candidates must be a US Citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for employment