Human Resources Lead

Katalyst Description:

Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations.  We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space exploration that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.  Oh, and we're dog friendly!  

Benefits:

• Stock options & equity
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO
• Catered lunches

What You’ll Do  

• Own the day-to-day HR function across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, employee changes, leave and accommodations coordination, performance processes, offboarding, documentation, and employee support. 

• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers on employee relations, performance, feedback, team dynamics, policy interpretation, and difficult people decisions; help leaders act quickly while maintaining fairness and good judgment. 

• Build and improve practical HR programs, policies, and operating rhythms that can scale with Katalyst, balancing consistency and compliance with the speed and flexibility of a high-growth environment. 

• Lead employee relations matters from initial concern through investigation, documentation, recommendation, and resolution; recognize when issues require escalation or outside legal guidance. 

• Own or oversee HRIS and people-data integrity, ensuring employee records, job changes, compensation updates, leave information, reporting, and required documentation are accurate and timely. 

• Partner closely with Talent Acquisition, Finance, IT, Security, Payroll, Benefits, and functional leaders so hiring, onboarding, employee changes, workforce planning, and departures are coordinated cleanly. 

• Develop manager resources and lightweight training around feedback, performance expectations, documentation, interviewing, onboarding, leave, employee relations, and other core people-management responsibilities. 

• Support compensation, promotion, performance-review, engagement, workforce-planning, and organizational-design processes with clear data, thoughtful recommendations, and disciplined follow-through. 

• Identify people risks and recurring friction points, then build repeatable solutions that improve employee experience, manager effectiveness, compliance, and operational efficiency. 

What We’re Looking For  

Required  

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience. HR, business, organizational psychology, employment relations, operations, or related backgrounds are relevant; demonstrated HR judgment and execution matter more than a specific degree. 

• 5-8+ years of progressive HR, People Operations, HRBP, employee relations, or generalist experience, ideally in a high-growth, technical, aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or startup environment. 

• Demonstrated experience independently handling employee relations, performance concerns, manager coaching, policy interpretation, documentation, and sensitive workplace situations. 

• Strong working knowledge of U.S. employment practices and core HR compliance, with the judgment to recognize when state-specific requirements, counsel, or specialist expertise is needed. 

• Experience building, improving, or owning employee-lifecycle processes such as onboarding, leave, performance management, promotions, compensation changes, offboarding, and HR documentation. 

• Ability to influence managers and executives through clear recommendations, practical options, and sound judgment rather than relying only on policy or process. 

• Strong written and verbal communication, discretion, attention to detail, and the ability to handle confidential information appropriately. 

• Comfort operating hands-on in a fast-paced environment, moving between strategic people questions and detailed administrative execution without losing accuracy or follow-through. 

• Ability to comply with applicable confidentiality, export-control, employment-law, employee-data, and customer requirements. 

Your Ideal Background  

Preferred   

• Prior HR leadership or senior generalist / HRBP experience at a high-growth startup, aerospace, defense-tech, hardware, manufacturing, robotics, or other technical organization. 

• Hands-on experience with Rippling, benefits administration, payroll coordination, performance systems, employee-data reporting, and HR process documentation. 

• Experience building HR infrastructure during rapid company growth, including manager enablement, policy creation, performance processes, leveling / compensation support, workforce planning, or employee-relations frameworks. 

• Experience supporting multi-state employees and partnering with employment counsel on complex employee relations, leave, termination, accommodation, or compliance matters. 

• Demonstrated ability to operate as a high-trust partner to both employees and leaders while maintaining objectivity, confidentiality, and company standards. 

Additional Requirements: This role is expected to work primarily onsite in Broomfield, Colorado and may occasionally require extended hours when urgent employee, leadership, or business needs arise. 

Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $90,000 - $135,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.