Head of People - Build and Scale HR Function at Defense Tech Startup

Who We Are

Picogrid is a leading venture-backed defense technology company founded to bridge the decades-long gap between modern technology and the critical demands of national security. Today, we're building the essential infrastructure to unify sensors, autonomy, and operators with our technology deployed in active operations around the world. Our mission is to deliver an operational advantage to secure the United States and its allies.

About The Role

Picogrid is seeking a Head of People to build and own our people function as we scale. As our first dedicated People hire, you'll establish the systems, processes, and operating cadence that support the entire employee lifecycle while partnering closely with leadership on performance management, organizational design, and workforce planning.

We're looking for a self-driven builder who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, and taking ownership. You'll lead everything from onboarding and employee relations to HR operations, compliance, and employee experience, creating the foundation that allows the company to scale without adding unnecessary complexity.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end employee lifecycle, including onboarding, performance management, compensation, benefits administration, employee relations, and offboarding.
• Own recruiting operations, partnering with hiring managers and recruiters to scale hiring while maintaining a high hiring bar.
• Build and scale the company's people infrastructure, including policies, processes, documentation, and operating procedures.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws while maintaining HR best practices.
• Own the company's HRIS, employee records, people reporting, and HR operations, ensuring accuracy and operational excellence.
• Own performance management, employee development, and manager coaching across the organization.
• Own employee experience initiatives that reinforce a high-performance culture while preserving what makes Picogrid unique.
  
  

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Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in People Operations, Human Resources, or HR Business Partner roles, including experience in high-growth startup environments.
• Demonstrated success building and scaling highly effective people programs with strong retention across compensation, performance management, onboarding, employee relations, and benefits.
• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws with the judgment to navigate complex employee situations while balancing business and employee needs.
• Experience building scalable people processes, maintaining HR systems, and using data to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and execute in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable operating with ambiguity, taking ownership of new initiatives, and building processes where none previously existed.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as one of the first People hires or helping build the People function at an early-stage or growth-stage startup.
• Track record of improving operational efficiency through thoughtful systems, automation, and process design rather than adding unnecessary complexity.

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• Experience supporting technical organizations with aggressive hiring goals while maintaining a high hiring bar and strong employee experience.
• Familiarity with defense technology, aerospace, hardware, manufacturing, or another highly technical industry is a plus.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $160,000 - $200,000 per year plus performance incentive. Base salary is just one part of your total compensation package.
• Significant stock options with a high potential upside as an early-stage company
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
• Relocation assistance provided (if applicable)
• Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid parental leave for both parents
• Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette

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• Free EV charging at the HQ
• Unique office in El Segundo, CA stocked with quality coffee, snacks, and craft beer
  
  

Export Control Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C.

• 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.
• 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Picogrid is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Picogrid is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.

Compensation Range: $160K - $200K