People & Culture Leader for California Ops & Facilities

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 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.