Senior HR Manager

Aevum is an American technology company that designs, develops, and provides autonomous air, space, and package transportation technologies. The company focuses on autonomous technologies, rapid logistics, e-commerce, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.

Senior HR & Finance Manager

Aevum is seeking a Senior HR & Finance Manager to drive HR operations, payroll, compliance, and financial execution in a high-performance, fast-scaling environment. This role will act as a critical bridge between leadership and employees to maintain a structured, compliant, and high-accountability culture.

Since Aevum is a lean, high-growth company, this role will go beyond traditional HR functions—managing payroll, vendor payments, and key financial processes while ensuring the CEO’s time is protected from administrative burdens. This is a hands-on, execution-driven role, not a passive HR position.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic HR Leadership
  • Be the primary HR contact between the CEO and staff, ensuring a structured leadership dynamic.
  • Develop and enforce workplace policies that reinforce respect for leadership and operational discipline.
  • Proactively identify and mitigate HR risks to protect company integrity.
  • Ensure all performance management processes reinforce a culture of excellence.
• Risk Management & Compliance
  
  • Serve as the first point of contact for employee concerns, preventing direct escalations to leadership.
  • Ensure all employee relations matters (performance, disputes, terminations) are handled legally and strategically.
  • Oversee and enforce compliance with labor laws and workplace policies.
  • Protect the company from HR-related liabilities by implementing airtight documentation and reporting processes.
• Culture & Leadership Positioning
  
  • Shape company culture to ensure employees respect leadership and operate at high standards.
  • Work directly with the CEO to manage executive-staff interactions professionally.
  • Ensure that staff performance, communication, and behavior align with Aevum’s mission and values.
  • Proactively address any issues that could undermine the CEO’s authority or create operational friction.
• Talent & Performance Management
  
  • Manage hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations to attract and retain top talent.
  • Implement structured performance review processes that eliminate ambiguity and bias.
  • Hold employees accountable to Aevum’s high standards with clear expectations and consequences.
• Payroll & Compliance Responsibilities for the Senior HR Manager
  • Ensure payroll processing is accurate, timely, and fully compliant with federal, state, and local labor laws.
  • Manage employee compensation structures, bonuses, and equity programs while ensuring legal compliance.
  • Oversee payroll tax compliance, benefits deductions, and reporting requirements.
  • Ensure proper classification of employees (W-2, 1099, exempt, non-exempt) to mitigate legal risk.
  • Maintain records for wage and hour compliance, including overtime, meal breaks, and time tracking policies.
  • Implement and enforce payroll policies that align with California labor laws and industry best practices.
  • Conduct periodic audits to ensure payroll accuracy and prevent discrepancies.
  • Serve as the point of contact for payroll disputes, ensuring fair and legal resolution.
  • Coordinate with finance and legal teams to ensure seamless payroll execution and compliance.
• Finance & Payroll Execution
  • Process payroll, bonuses, and tax compliance.
  • Manage ACH vendor payments and accounts payable.
  • Oversee accounts receivable (AR) and QuickBooks invoicing.
  • Assist with expense tracking, reimbursement processing, and budget management.
  • Coordinate with external accountants to maintain financial accuracy.
• Administrative & Operational Support
  • Streamline office operations to ensure smooth day-to-day workflow.
  • Optimize internal processes for efficiency (document control, travel logistics, etc.).
  • Act as a support system for leadership in project execution.
  • Manage employee records, benefits administration, and compliance filings.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 5–7+ years of HR leadership experience in a fast-paced, high-risk environment.
• Strong experience managing high-level employee relations and risk mitigation.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential HR matters with discretion and legal precision.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, tech, or other regulated industries (preferred).
• Proven ability to structure HR policies that reinforce leadership credibility and operational discipline.
• Exceptional communication skills—capable of handling VIP-level interactions and company-wide policy enforcement.
• Deep understanding of California labor laws, HR compliance, and employment risk management.

ITAR REQUIREMENT

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. Learn more about the ITAR here.

BENEFITS

Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Bonus Potential, Stock Incentives, Performance-Based Promotions

SCHEDULE

Weekdays; weekends as necessary

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Employment with Aevum is governed by qualifications, competence, and merit.  Employment will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.