People Operations Generalist
Astrolab
People & HR, Operations
Hawthorne, CA, USA
USD 79k-125k / year + Equity
Posted on Jan 9, 2026
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.
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.
- Department
- People Operations
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- Hawthorne, California
- Workplace type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $79,000 - $125,000 / year
- Reporting To
- Lolo Santosa
What you'll do:
- 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
What you'll bring:
- 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
Preferred Qualifications
- 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
Benefits and Perks
- 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
About Astrolab
Having a strong, inclusive, and inspired team is essential to accomplishing our bold mission. Employees are our biggest asset, and we are deeply committed to them and our values. At Astrolab we…
Demonstrate and inspire trust. Interactions are direct, honest, and respectful. We are fair and transparent with what we do and why.
Thrive in balance. Balance gives us perspective and keeps us motivated and inspired. We commit to rewarding work and a fulfilling personal life.
Seek diverse perspectives. We ask questions, engage in productive debate and offer alternatives to ensure our solutions and products are robust and a reflection of our collective best.
Move with purpose. Quality and reliability are accomplished through efficient ideation and iteration. We act with a sense of urgency and deliver what we promise, always with the big picture in mind.
Make an impact. We intentionally move our community and industry into the future through our work, practices, and actions.
Our Hiring Process
Stage 1:
Application Review
Stage 2:
Recruiter Phone Interview
Stage 3:
Technical Video Interviews
Stage 4:
On-site Interview
Astrolab is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, gender identity, parental or pregnancy status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to careers@astrolab.space. We strive to remove unconscious and unnecessary barriers to build the best team. While we’ve outlined what an ideal candidate could look like, we know that you may bring something unanticipated and essential to the team. If you’re reading this and can see yourself contributing, please register below.
