People Operations Specialist

Oceanus Marine Technologies is building the operating platform for the modern maritime world.

Global trade runs on ships, and we’re redefining what’s possible at sea by leveraging modern technology.

We’re a small, hands‑on team based in El Segundo building full-stack systems that perform in real operating conditions across vessels, ports, and fleets. We focus on practical, deployable technology that brings safety oversight, automation, and coordination to complex maritime environments.

Our founding team previously built and operated SpaceX’s Autonomous Spaceport Drone ships, which are among the most advanced autonomous maritime systems ever deployed. Today, we work with leading U.S. operators to bring that same rigor and systems thinking to the next generation of maritime infrastructure.

Oceanus is hiring its first in‑house People Operations Specialist to take ownership of the People foundations we’ve built and carry them into the company’s next stage of growth.

We believe a company should be as innovative as its products. People Operations should create leverage for the business and its employees through clear systems, thoughtful use of technology, low friction, and an environment where people can do their best work.

This person will inherit strong foundations. They will own and evolve our People strategy, systems, programs, and day‑to‑day operations, refining what works and building what the company needs next as it scales.

We’re looking for a creative, scrappy operator who combines employee empathy with strong business judgment. You move comfortably between strategy and execution, handle sensitive matters with discretion, and know how to turn ideas into practical programs and processes that are compliant, useful, and built to scale.

People Strategy & Programs

• Build Oceanus’s one-to-three-year People strategy and roadmap, aligning priorities with company plans, growth, and the needs of the team.

• Design and launch foundational programs across performance management, leadership development, manager support, learning and development, and employee events.

• Help define and implement Oceanus’s total rewards philosophy across compensation, equity, benefits, and recognition.

Employee Lifecycle & Experience

• Own the employee lifecycle from recruiting handoff through offboarding, including onboarding, employee changes, records, leaves, accommodations, system access, and internship operations.

• Serve as a trusted point of contact for employees, handling questions and sensitive matters with responsiveness, discretion, and sound judgment.

• Continuously improve the employee experience by gathering feedback, identifying friction, and making processes clearer and easier to navigate.

Payroll, Benefits & Compliance

• Run payroll and timekeeping for exempt and hourly employees, including timecard review, off-cycle payroll, leave adjustments, and final pay.

• Manage health benefits and the company’s 401(k) in partnership with brokers and providers, including open enrollment, employee support, and reconciliation.

• Build practical compliance systems and coordinate with outside counsel and company partners on state and federal requirements, sensitive employee matters, equity, agreements, and insurance.

Systems, Workplace & Company Operations

• Own Rippling and connected People systems, using thoughtful workflows and automation to improve accuracy, reduce manual work, and create leverage.

• Build scalable People Operations resources, including SOPs, employee guides, compliance calendars, manager tools, and self‑service resources.

• Support Carta administration, board consents, annual filings, permits, insurance certificates, and related company documentation.

• Support workplace operations across…