Head of Talent Management

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

The Head of Talent Management is a senior HR leader and key strategic partner to the business, serving as the primary onsite HR leader in Mojave. This role is responsible for shaping and executing talent strategies that drive organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, leadership capability, and workforce performance.

This individual will lead critical human resource functions including employee relations, performance management, training and development, and employee engagement, while managing and mentoring a small local HR team. The role requires strong judgment, credibility with leaders and employees, and the ability to operate effectively in a highly technical, operational, and compliance-driven environment.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic HR Leadership

· Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and managers on talent, organizational effectiveness, and employee-related matters

· Partner with the CHRO to develop and execute people strategies aligned with business goals

· Serve as the primary onsite HR decision-maker in Mojave, escalating complex or high-risk matters as appropriate

· Lead change management initiatives related to growth, restructuring, or cultural renovation

Employee Relations

· Oversee and manage employee relations matters including investigations, performance issues, policy interpretation, and corrective actions

· Ensure consistent, fair, and legally compliant application of company policies and employment practices

· Coach managers on effective employee management, conflict resolution, and difficult conversations

· Reduce organizational risk through proactive issue identification and resolution

Performance Management

· Own and continuously improve the company’s performance management philosophy, processes, and tools

· Drive a culture of accountability, feedback, and continuous improvement

· Partner with leaders to ensure effective goal-setting, performance evaluations, and development planning

· Support succession planning and high-potential talent identification

Training & Development

· Design and implement training and development programs for individual contributors, managers, and leaders

· Identify skills gaps and partner with leadership to build targeted learning solutions

· Oversee leadership development initiatives, manager training, and compliance-related training

· Measure effectiveness of development programs and adjust strategies as needed

Employee Engagement & Culture

· Lead employee engagement strategies, surveys, and action planning

· Partner with leaders to strengthen culture, communication, and employee experience

· Develop initiatives to improve retention, morale, and organizational health

· Serve as a visible, approachable HR leader on site

Team Leadership & Operations

· Manage, mentor, and develop a small onsite HR team, fostering high performance and professional growth

· Ensure operational excellence across HR processes and employee-facing services

· Collaborate with other partner functions such as Payroll, Contracts, and Finance

· Support HR reporting, metrics, and continuous process improvement

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field

· 8–12+ years of progressive HR experience, with significant focus on employee relations and talent management

· Prior experience managing and developing HR professionals

· Strong working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices

· Proven ability to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels

· Excellent judgment, discretion, and decision-making skills

· Strategic thinker with strong execution capability

· High emotional intelligence and credibility with employees at all levels

· Confident handling sensitive and complex employee situations

· Collaborative, pragmatic, and solutions-oriented

· Strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills

Preferred

· Experience in aerospace, manufacturing, engineering, or other highly regulated environments

· Master’s degree or relevant HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP)

· Experience supporting technical or operational workforces

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

· This position is located in Mojave, CA

Benefits and our location(s): 

• 9/80 schedule
• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
• Tuition reimbursement

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located 95 miles north of Los Angeles. To outsiders it may seem like it is the middle-of-nowhere, but it offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California’s best attractions and landmarks. Hikers will find themselves within a 2-3 hours distance of some of the best state and national parks, including Yosemite and Sequoia in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Skiers will delight in being closely distanced to world-class resorts at Mammoth Mountain, Mountain High, and Big Bear. Beachgoers can find plenty of sand, sun, and sunsets at both Southern and Central California beaches like Ventura, Huntington, Santa Monica, and Pismo. The area also offers plenty of rural area for off-roading and horseback riding enthusiasts. 

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers. 

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.  For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf