HR Director | Irvine, CA

We are seeking a hands‑on Director of Human Resources to build and scale the HR function for a highly technical, innovation-driven organization
. This role will establish the people infrastructure required to support rapid growth, protect intellectual property, and enable a high‑performance culture across globally distributed teams. Experience in technology, advanced engineering, regulated, or innovation-driven industries such as AI, semiconductors, medical devices, aerospace, robotics, clean tech, or similar environments. The ideal candidate has experience supporting engineering-heavy organizations
, understands the demands of R&D-centric environments, and has successfully implemented HR structure, policies, and annual focal processes in complex, international settings.

• Design and implement a scalable HR operating model from early‑stage through growth
• Build core HR processes across the employee lifecycle (onboarding, performance, development, transitions)
• Select and deploy HR systems (HRIS, performance management, compensation planning tools)
• Partner with executive leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, and scaling strategy

• Create and maintain HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks suitable for regulated, IP-driven environments
• Ensure compliance with employment laws across the U.S. and international jurisdictions
• Partner with Legal on IP protection, confidentiality, invention assignment, and employment agreements
• Manage employee relations matters with professionalism, consistency, and business judgment

• Own the design and execution of the annual focal process
  , including:
• Performance review frameworks for technical and non‑technical roles
• Compensation, bonus, and equity planning
• Promotion, leveling, and career architecture
• Partner with Finance and leadership to ensure market‑competitive, equitable compensation practices
• Enable managers with tools and training for effective feedback, performance differentiation, and talent development

• Support a globally distributed workforce across engineering, research, operations, and commercial functions
• Manage international hiring, onboarding, benefits, and compliance
• Work with PEOs, EORs, and global advisors to support expansion into new regions
• Balance global consistency with regional flexibility and local labor requirements
• Help define and scale a culture rooted in innovation, accountability, collaboration, and execution
• Build onboarding programs that accelerate productivity in technical and regulated environments
• Support leadership development, particularly for first‑time managers and technical leaders
• Act as a trusted advisor to executives on organizational health, engagement, and retention

• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience in technology, deep‑tech, or advanced engineering environments
• Demonstrated success building HR functions and policies from scratch
• Direct ownership of annual focal / performance and compensation cycles
• Experience supporting engineering, R&D, or scientific teams
• Strong international HR experience
  , including multi‑country compliance
• Deep understanding of employment law, compensation structures, and HR best practice

• Experience in fast‑growing startups or scale‑ups (Series A–C or equivalent)
• Familiarity with equity compensation, retention strategies, and competitive technical labor markets
• Experience working closely with founders, executive teams, and boards
• Background in regulated or IP-sensitive industries

• A scalable and compliant HR foundation that supports rapid innovation and growth
• Clear, well‑adopted policies across global teams
• A credible, transparent, and well‑run annual focal process
• Strong engagement, retention, and development of critical technical talent

$150,000 - $200,000 Base Annually
The final offer will be determined based on job‑related skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

As set forth in Celero Communications, Inc.’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.