Principal Human Resource Generalist

Leonardo DRS

Germantown (MD)

On-site

USD 107,000 - 145,000

Full time

7 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off (vacation, holidays, and

Sick leave

Parental leave benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development support

Life and disability insurance

9/80 schedule

Job summary

Leonardo DRS is seeking a Principal Human Resources Generalist in Germantown, MD, on-site. This role partners with HR leadership to drive a broad range of HR programs, including employee relations, performance management, compensation, recruiting, benefits, compliance, training, and HR systems support.

You will balance strategic partnership with hands-on execution to strengthen organizational capability and employee experience.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field or equivalent experience.
8+ years of progressive HR experience in defense or manufacturing preferred.
Strong knowledge of HR principles, practices, and compliance.
Experience handling sensitive and complex employee issues with professionalism.
Ability to analyze, research, and resolve problems effectively.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
Experience coaching managers and employees through challenging situations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.

Responsibilities

Partner with HR leadership to implement and support key HR programs and processes.
Advise and coach leaders and employees on performance, career development, policy interpretation, and workplace concerns.
Support employee relations, including corrective actions, terminations, exit interviews, and investigations.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and company policies and regulations.
Assist with compensation administration and annual performance reviews.
Communicate benefits programs and support open enrollment activities.
Coordinate leave of absence requests and ensure regulatory compliance.
Support recruitment through sourcing, staffing coordination, and pipeline development.
Identify training needs and coordinate learning resources.

Skills

HR leadership

Employee relations

Performance management

Recruiting

Compensation administration

Policy interpretation

HRIS proficiency

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

SPHR or PHR certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS systems

Job description

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Location:

Germantown, MD, US, 20876

Job ID: 115242

DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter‑drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance.

Business Unit: DRS RADA Technologies

Location: On-Site in Germantown, MD

Relocation: Not available

Schedule: A 9/80 schedule allows employees to work 80 hours over nine workdays in a two‑week period, with every other Friday off .

Shift: First

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced Principal Human Resources Generalist to join our team and help drive a positive, high‑performing workplace. In this role, you will partner closely with HR leadership and business leaders to support a wide range of HR programs and initiatives, including employee relations, performance management, compensation, recruiting, benefits, compliance, training, and HR systems support.

This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys balancing strategic partnership with hands‑on execution and wants to play a meaningful role in strengthening organizational capability, employee experience, and business results.

What you’ll do:

Partner with HR leadership to implement and support key HR programs and processes
Advise and coach leaders and employees on a broad range of people‑related matters, including performance, career development, policy interpretation, and workplace concerns
Support employee relations matters, including corrective actions, terminations, exit interviews, and workplace investigations
Help ensure compliance with federal, state, and company policies and regulations
Assist with compensation administration and the annual performance review process
Communicate benefits programs and changes and support open enrollment activities
Coordinate and review leave of absence requests, guiding employees and managers through the process, partnering with third‑party leave administrators, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and company policies
Partner with managers to identify hiring needs and support recruiting efforts through sourcing, staffing coordination, and candidate pipeline development
Identify training needs and coordinate appropriate learning and development resources
Support employee development through coaching and guidance
Ensure timely and accurate HRIS data processing for new hires, employee changes, and related transactions
Compile HR metrics and reports for internal stakeholders and regulatory requirements
Partner closely with payroll and other cross‑functional teams
Help reinforce the mission, values, and culture of the organization
Recommend process improvements that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of HR services

What you bring:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
8+ years of progressive HR experience in defense industry or a manufacturing environment preferred
Strong knowledge of HR principles, practices, and employment‑related compliance
Experience handling sensitive and complex employee issues with professionalism and sound judgment
Ability to research, analyze, and resolve problems effectively
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast‑paced environment
Experience coaching managers and employees through challenging situations
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS systems
SPHR or PHR certification preferred

The salary range for this position is ($ 107,089.00 /year- $ 144,570.00/year ). This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance‑based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non‑exempt employees as applicable). Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including any state‑mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well‑being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career‑growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules, (e.g., our 9/80 program), competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Our Vision. To be the leading mid‑tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles: