HR Operations Manager

HR Operations Manager

As an end-to-end space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the surface of the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

We are seeking a hands-on, experienced, and proactive HR Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our Human Resources function. This role is ideal for someone who loves rolling up their sleeves and excels at getting things done in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. You'll lead a small, high-performing HR team and ensure smooth daily HR operations, while keeping employee experience at the center of everything we do.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee core HR functions like onboarding, offboarding, benefits, payroll, and employee records, making sure everything runs smoothly
• Take full ownership of the HRIS — maintain clean, accurate data, run regular audits, build & update metrics dashboards, and ensure the HRIS stays reliable as the source of truth for all connected systems
• Manage and execute payroll processes accurately and on time, ensuring compliance and alignment with Finance
• Respond to employee questions and concerns, handling complex issues with care and discretion
• Lead key HR projects, including system updates, policy implementations, process documentation, and performance review cycles
• Keep priorities clear for the team, help remove blockers, and ensure they have what they need to stay productive and effective
• Work closely with HR Business Partners to support employee needs and drive key initiatives
• Ensure compliance with all applicable labor laws, regulations, and internal policies
• Support efforts that keep employees engaged and recognized
• Continuously seek opportunities to streamline HR processes and eliminate inefficiencies

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3 years in an HR operational management role
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred; additional years of relevant experience may be considered in place of a degree
• Proven success managing and mentoring HR team members in a fast-paced, high-growth company.
• Strong generalist background with expertise in HR operations, employee relations, and compliance.
• Comfortable balancing strategic HR planning with hands-on execution.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to adapt quickly, prioritize effectively, and operate with a sense of urgency.

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.

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.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner 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.