Your space-enabled career begins here

ExoTerra is a world leader in solar electric propulsion systems and space exploration satellites. The company develops Hall Thrusters, propulsion modules, microsatellites and launch vehicle upper stages. We have been awarded multiple propulsion module and satellite contracts.

We are seeking a People Manager to lead People Operations for our growing operations and manufacturing teams. This role will serve as the primary People partner to site leadership, supporting hourly and salaried employees across manufacturing operations while helping scale systems, teams, and culture as we expand our footprint.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role for someone who thrives in fast-paced production environments and enjoys building structure while staying close to the floor. You will partner directly with operations leaders to hire, develop, engage, and retain a high-performing workforce while supporting site expansion, new team ramp-ups, and evolving business needs.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing People Partnership

• Serve as the dedicated People partner to site and operations leadership
• Provide day-to-day HR support for hourly and salaried employees
• Coach frontline leaders on performance management, employee relations, and team effectiveness
• Lead investigations and resolve employee relations issues with fairness and consistency
• Support workforce planning aligned to production forecasts and growth targets
• Monitor key people metrics (turnover, attendance, engagement, safety, productivity) and drive improvement actions)
• Lead and support projects as needed

Hiring & Workforce Scaling

• Lead high-volume and specialized hiring for production and operations roles
• Partner with leaders on workforce planning and hiring sprints
• Improve recruiting processes to reduce time-to-fill and turnover
• Oversee onboarding and training experiences that set employees up for success
• Build talent pipelines and internal mobility programs

Site Expansion & Build-Out

• Support people strategy for new site launches and facility expansions
• Partner with operations and facilities teams on staffing plans, org design, and ramp timelines
• Establish scalable people processes and policies as new locations come online
• Ensure consistency of employee experience across sites

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Partner with leaders to build engaged, high-performing teams
• Drive recognition, communication, and engagement initiatives
• Support training and leadership development for frontline managers
• Champion a culture of accountability, ownership, and collaboration
• Act as a trusted, visible presence on the production floor

Compliance & People Operations

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws
• Support policies and procedures aligned to manufacturing environments
• Partner with payroll, benefits, and HR operations to ensure smooth employee lifecycle processes
• Maintain accurate people data and reporting

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR/People experience
• 3+ years supporting manufacturing, production, or operations environments required
• Experience supporting hourly workforces and frontline leaders
• Proven success in high-volume hiring and workforce scaling
• Experience supporting site launches, expansions, or rapid growth environments preferred
• Strong employee relations and coaching skills
• Comfortable working both strategically and tactically
• Knowledge of employment law and compliance requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field preferred

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in office 5 days a week
• May require standing, lifting to 50 lbs., travel, use of PPE, etc.
• Able to meet program deadlines and occasional schedule flexibility

Export Control / Compliance Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary range: $100,000 - $130,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications)

Comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays

ExoTerra offers a comprehensive, total compensation package, which includes competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefit package and various other benefits. When you join our team, you’re not just an employee; you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

ExoTerra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.