Manager, Human Resources

About Canopy Aerospace & Defense

Canopy A&D is built to accelerate the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. Canopy delivers specialized materials and components that carry customers from concept through sustainment. Canopy A&D’s advanced signal attenuation technologies and production-scale manufacturing accelerate the fielding of platforms that are faster, cooler, and quieter. Our adaptive approach ensures solutions evolve at the pace of shifting challenges, keeping our customers ahead of the curve.

Canopy A&D is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and versatile Manager, Human Resources to join our team in Irvine, CA. This role is the operational backbone of our headquarters, providing comprehensive HR support while ensuring the seamless day-to-day management of the office. You will function as a key partner for site operations and a contributor to enterprise-wide HR initiatives. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, balancing frontline operational execution with a commitment to fostering a collaborative and efficient workplace.

• Oversee end-to-end employee lifecycle processes—including onboarding, orientation, retention, and offboarding—while serving as the primary point of contact for inquiries regarding benefits, leave administration, and HR policies.
• Partner with leadership to address employee relations concerns, resolve conflicts, and guide supervisors on performance management, coaching, and progressive discipline.
• Lead and execute end-to-end people and workplace initiatives from scoping through implementation, ensuring milestones are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Lead the day-to-day administration of employee total rewards and lifecycle requests, including health and welfare benefits, 401(k) plans, statutory and company leaves of absence, and employment verifications.
• Oversee daily office operations to maintain a professional, secure, and fully equipped environment; manage visitor protocols and serve as the primary liaison for property management and facilities vendors.
• Establish and manage centralized tracking systems for office supplies, equipment, and facility needs, proactively forecasting demand and overseeing the procurement lifecycle.
• Uphold rigorous compliance with federal, California state, and local employment laws, partnering with the Health & Safety team to maintain workplace safety, first-aid readiness, and emergency action plans.
• Maintain accurate employee records within the HRIS (e.g., UKG Ready) and assist in authoring and refining HR standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure data integrity and process consistency.
• Provide high-touch administrative coordination for Executive Leadership as needed, including event planning, meeting logistics, and expense reporting.
• Perform other related duties, strategic projects, and operational initiatives as assigned by leadership to support company growth.

• 5-8+ years of progressive experience in Human Resources and workplace operations, ideally within aerospace, defense, engineering, or high-growth technical environments.
• Solid foundation in core HR practices with a strong command of California employment and labor compliance standards.
• Hands-on expertise administering comprehensive employee benefits programs, 401(k) retirement plans, leaves of absence (e.g., FMLA, CFRA, PDL), and processing formal employment verifications.
• Proven track record of independently leading cross-functional projects and people initiatives from concept through successful execution.
• Experience sourcing, onboarding, and overseeing external service providers and facility vendors to uphold service quality and accountability.
• Demonstrated…