People Operations Generalist

People Operations Generalist

Department: People Operations

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hawthorne, California

Reporting To: Lolo Santosa

Compensation: $79,000 - $125,000 / year

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world‑class team.

Astrolab is looking for a People Operations Generalist to support and execute core HR functions across the employee lifecycle in a fast‑paced, highly regulated environment. This role is critical to ensuring compliant, consistent, and people‑first HR operations while partnering closely with managers and employees.

• Serve as a primary contact for employees and managers on HR policies, procedures, benefits, and people‑related matters
• Maintain and manage the HRIS: ensuring accurate employee data, system integrity, reporting and troubleshooting
• Maintain and administer employee training platform
• Own and execute end‑to‑end onboarding and offboarding processes, including new hire orientation, I‑9 compliance, required notices, final pay coordination, and exit interviews
• Coordinate payroll processing; audit payroll and resolve discrepancies and employee inquiries
• Administer employee benefits programs, including enrollments, life events, escalations, and coordination with PEO partners
• Support and help administer employee leaves of absence, including CFRA, FMLA, PDL, ADA accommodations, and workers' compensation, ensuring compliance with California and Federal regulations
• Partner with the People Operations Manager to support employee relations matters, including investigations, documentation, corrective actions, unemployment insurance claims, and performance improvement plans
• Support performance management processes, including semiannual reviews, employee guidance and follow up documentation
• Maintain compliant personnel files and employment records, ensuring audit readiness and confidentiality
• Monitor changes in federal, state, and local employment laws (emphasis in California) and support implementation of compliant practices and policies
• Assist with training and development initiatives and employee engagement programs
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of people operation processes, documentation, and standard operating procedures
• Perform other people operations duties as assigned to support evolving business and organizational needs

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, psychology, or a business‑related field with 2+ years of progressive HR Generalist experience, OR 6+ years of hands‑on HR experience in lieu of a degree
• Working knowledge of federal and California employment and labor laws, including wage and hour, leaves of absence, and employee relations
• Experience supporting payroll, benefits administration, and HR operations in a California‑based workforce
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and follow‑through
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment

• Experience working in a regulated or high‑compliance environment (e.g., aerospace, manufacturing, technology, or government‑adjacent industries)
• Experience partnering with a PEO or external HR vendors
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms and strong Excel or data analysis skills
• SHRM‑CP or PHR certification

• Work with a team of best‑in‑class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
• Ownership in the company
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with matching
• Flexible time off and parental leave
• On‑site snacks, beverages, and 2x weekly lunches
• Flexible work environment