Senior HR Operations & Compliance Specialist

Senior Hr Operations And Compliance Specialist

The Senior HR Operations and Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring the integrity, compliance, and operational effectiveness of Human Resources programs, policies, and processes. This role serves as the primary owner of HR compliance activities, reporting, policy management, audit readiness, contract administration, and HR operational controls. The position partners closely with internal stakeholders and external organizations, including Princeton University and the Department of Energy (DOE), to monitor regulatory requirements, proactively manage change, and ensure adherence to applicable federal, state, local, contractual, and organizational requirements.

A proud U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a longstanding leader in the science and innovation behind the development of fusion energy — a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. With an eye on the future and in response to national priorities, PPPL also has begun a strategic shift from a singular focus on fusion energy to a multi-focus approach that includes microelectronics, quantum information science, and sustainability science.

Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to make their mark on our world. Come join us!

The Senior HR Operations and Compliance Specialist leads HR reporting, coordinates internal and external audits, and maintains critical HR governance documentation and communication channels. The role continuously evaluates HR processes to identify opportunities for improvement, strengthen controls, mitigate risk, and enhance operational efficiency.

In addition, the position provides oversight and administration of employee leaves, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies while delivering effective support to employees and managers. While leave administration remains an important responsibility, the primary focus of the role is HR compliance, governance, risk management, audit preparedness, and operational excellence.

Given the highly sensitive nature of human resources information, this role serves as a trusted steward of confidential employee, organizational, and regulatory data. The position is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of discretion, integrity, and professional judgment, fostering trust across all levels of the organization while ensuring information is handled, communicated, and protected in accordance with legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements.

A strong commitment to confidentiality is essential to preserving employee confidence, mitigating risk, and upholding the credibility and integrity of the Human Resources function.

Education & Experience:

• A bachelor's degree in business, Human Resources or other business-related field.
• Must have a minimum of 6 years demonstrated hands-on applicable HR compliance and operations work experience required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• This role requires a results-oriented professional who takes initiative in a complex matrix environment and can transition between strategy and hands-on attention to detail and execution
• Strong written and verbal communication and consultation skills and proven track record, including the ability to collaborate and work with all employees.
• High attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and proactive identification of opportunities to strengthen compliance, efficiency, and employee experience.
• Strong knowledge of HR compliance, governance, risk management, internal controls, audit readiness, and corrective action planning.
• Experience in preparing contractual compliance reports and managing compliance obligations associated with government-funded organizations.
• Extensive knowledge of the leave requirements and other legal protections afforded by the FMA, NJFLA, and other applicable laws.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or Google Suite tools.
• Experience working in a DOE laboratory, federal contractor, or similarly regulated environment preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Typical indoor office setting.
• On-site presence is essential to foster strong professional relationships with PPPL and Princeton University stakeholders. We're open to flexible arrangements, allowing for occasional remote work one day a week after trust has been established and an on-boarding period has been met.
• We are not supporting visa or relocation for this position

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin,…