Lead Recruiter

Job Description

Job Description

Are you looking to join a fast-growing Defense company that powers the United States most advanced drones and interceptors?

About Us: PBS Aerospace is a rapidly growing designer and manufacturer of world-class small turbojet engines. These engines provide superior power-to-weight ratios with low fuel consumption making them the preferred choice for the most advanced U.S. Department of Defense drone, interceptor, and missile systems. Our TJ40 and TJ80 turbojet engines power the munitions at the center of the U.S. defense strategy as advanced drones and interceptors dominate the modern battlefields.

We are rapidly expanding our facilities, standing up automation, co-locating our supply chain, and building the workforce that will carry this company into the next decade. Located in the heart of Georgia's aerospace corridor, PBS Aerospace is experiencing significant growth as we expand our manufacturing, design engineering, and operational capabilities. This growth creates exciting opportunities for talented professionals who want to make a meaningful impact while working alongside some of the industry's brightest minds.

If enjoy working with a small and fast-moving team on the world's most cutting-edge aerospace systems, we invite you to apply and make a significant impact.

We're looking for a high-energy, results-driven Lead Recruiter to own and drive our talent acquisition engine. This isn't a typical desk job. You'll be at the center of our growth story, recruiting at volume for critical operations roles while also building the systems, relationships, and employer brand that will sustain us for years to come. You'll have real ownership, executive visibility, and the chance to shape a function from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead full-cycle, high-volume recruiting for operations roles including assembly & testing technicians, quality inspectors, machinists, materials coordinators, and warehouse staff.
• Partner directly with Operations, Engineering, and Program Management leaders to understand current and forecasted headcount needs and stay ahead of them.
• Build and maintain a robust talent pipeline through creative sourcing strategies: job fairs, community partnerships, trade schools, veteran organizations, social media, and employee referral programs.
• Develop and own a compelling employer value proposition that differentiates PBS Aerospace in a competitive defense/manufacturing talent market.
• Track and report key recruiting metrics (time-to-fill, cost-per-hire, source effectiveness, pipeline health) and use data to continuously improve.
• Mentor and guide junior recruiting staff; set standards of excellence for the function.
• Champion a candidate experience that is fast, respectful, and reflective of our values, even for those we don't hire today.
• Manage relationships with staffing agencies/vendors, and recruiting platforms; negotiate contracts and hold partners accountable.
• Ensure compliance with EEOC, OFCCP, and government contractor affirmative action requirements across all recruiting activity.
• Support occasional professional and technical recruiting (engineers, program managers, finance) as capacity allows.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of full-cycle recruiting experience, with at least 2 years in a high-volume environment (manufacturing, defense, aerospace, logistics, or similar).
• Demonstrated success filling 30–40+ requisitions simultaneously without sacrificing quality or candidate experience.
• Deep knowledge of creative sourcing techniques beyond job boards:
  Linked In Recruiter, Boolean search, talent communities, events, and outreach campaigns.
• Experience recruiting in a government contracting or defense environment is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with OFCCP/EEOC compliance obligations for federal contractors.
• Proficiency with applicant tracking systems (ATS); experience with ADP Total Source, Workday, iCIMS, Greenhouse, or similar.
• A data-driven mindset; you measure what matters and act on what you find.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills; you can earn trust with a shop floor supervisor and a C-suite executive alike.
• Ability to move fast without cutting corners. You thrive in a dynamic, high-urgency environment.
• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Nice to Have:

• PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar HR/recruiting certification.
• Experience building or scaling a TA function from early-stage to mature.
• Familiarity