Advanced Reentry Technologies

Who We Are:

Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology to enable next-generation capabilities from space. By combining high-performance materials, precision aerodynamics, and mission-driven autonomy, Inversion is transforming reentry into an operational capability for an entirely new class of missions.

The company’s highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and other national security missions that require precise, controlled flight through the atmosphere. Arc creates an entirely new transportation domain, unlocking unprecedented speed and global reach.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates its spacecraft under one roof, enabling the company to move rapidly from concept to flight. The company is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, with customers across the U.S. government and commercial space industry.

Position Overview

We are a rapidly growing aerospace startup at an inflection point. As our first HR hire, you will build the People function from the ground up designing the systems, programs, and culture infrastructure that will carry us through our next phase of growth.

This role starts as a hands-on individual contributor but is explicitly designed to grow into a people manager within 12–24 months, giving you the opportunity to shape both the function and the team beneath you. You will report directly to the Senior Director of Talent & People and have a true seat at the table on people decisions and interface directly with the CEO.

Given the nature of our work, compliance is non-negotiable. You will be the company’s authority on California employment law and federal contractor HR obligations protecting the company while building a culture where people genuinely want to work.

Key Responsibilities

Onboarding & Offboarding

Design and own a structured new hire onboarding program, including orientation, I-9 compliance, and 30/60/90-day check-ins
Partner with hiring managers to ensure smooth pre-boarding and day-one experiences
Manage offboarding, exit interviews, and CA-compliant final pay processes

Benefits Administration

Own health, dental, vision, 401(k), and ancillary benefits programs end-to-end
Manage open enrollment including employee communication and carrier coordination
Ensure compliance with CA continuation requirements, COBRA, and more

Employee Relations

Serve as a trusted, neutral resource for employee concerns and any workplace issues
Conduct investigations
Advise and coach managers on performance

Compliance - California & Federal

Maintain full compliance with CA employment law: E.g. employee data, wage & hour, pay transparency, and mandatory leave
Support federal contractor compliance: OFCCP, EEO-1 reporting, VEVRAA, Section 503, and applicable FAR HR clauses
Maintain and annually update the employee handbook and all HR policies

Performance Management

Design and run the performance review cycle: goal setting, mid-year, and annual reviews
Train and coach managers on feedback frameworks, calibration, and documentation best practices
Build the infrastructure for career ladders and growth conversations as the company scales

Engagement & Culture

Run employee engagement surveys and translate results into actionable programs
Partner with leadership on recognition and culture-building initiatives
Be a visible, trusted presence across all teams. The person employees come to

Team Leadership (Year 1–2)

Define the scope and timing of the HR Generalist role in partnership with the Senior Director of Talent & People
Establish clear ownership, workflows, and growth paths within the HR function
Build a team culture of trust, responsiveness, and continuous improvement

HR Operations & Systems

Own day-to-day HRIS administration (Gusto)
Maintain accurate headcount data, HR metrics, and reporting for leadership
Partner with Finance on headcount planning and compensation benchmarking