Reports To: Director, Human Resources

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, with periodic travel to company locations

Salary Range: $120,000–$140,000

About The Role

Palladyne AI (NASDAQ: PDYN) is seeking a hands-on Human Resources Manager to  manage and strengthen HR operations and build efficient, scalable, and well-controlled HR processes across Palladyne AI and its affiliated entities. Supporting approximately 200 employees across multiple locations and states, this role will oversee day-to-day HR operations, compliance, HR systems, benefits and leave administration, and the continued integration and standardization of HR practices across the organization.

A significant initial focus will be working closely with Palladyne AI’s Director of Human Resources in modernizing legacy HR practices across affiliated entities, including digitizing employee records, transitioning manual processes into company systems, and establishing consistent HR processes and controls.

The ideal candidate is an experienced HR professional who can identify gaps, recommend practical solutions, and independently drive initiatives through completion.

Palladyne AI is a U.S.-based defense and industrial technology company that delivers embodied AI-powered collaborative autonomy solutions, advanced avionics, precision-manufactured components, UAVs, and advanced aerospace design services.

What You'll Do

HR Operations & Team Leadership

• Manage day-to-day HR operations across multiple company entities and locations.
• Directly manage and develop the HR Operations team.
• Oversee employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, employee changes, transfers, and offboarding.
• Serve as the first point of escalation for operational HR matters and elevate complex or higher-risk issues to the Director of Human Resources.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR service delivery, efficiency, and the employee experience.

Compliance & HR Governance

• Manage ongoing HR compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment requirements.
• Monitor regulatory changes and coordinate necessary updates to HR practices and processes.
• Maintain required employment records, notices, postings, filings, and documentation.
• Coordinate HR compliance reviews and audits and address identified gaps.
• Support consistent implementation and administration of company policies and procedures.

HR Systems, Integration & Process Improvement

• Lead the operational HR integration of affiliated entities into company systems, processes, and practices.
• Digitize legacy employee records and transition manual processes into standardized workflows.
• Own day-to-day HRIS administration, employee data integrity, and recordkeeping.
• Develop and implement consistent HR processes, documentation, and controls across entities.
• Identify opportunities to automate and streamline HR processes.
• Spend time onsite at company locations as needed to support integration and HR operations.

Benefits & Leave Administration

• Oversee day-to-day administration of employee benefits and leave programs.
• Coordinate enrollments, qualifying life events, benefit changes, leave documentation, and return-to-work processes.
• Partner with benefit vendors and other external partners to resolve administrative issues.
• Support annual open enrollment and other benefit-related initiatives.

Recruiting, Reporting & HR Projects

• Work closely with Talent Acquisition to provide recruiting support when hiring volume or business needs require additional capacity.
• Support job postings, candidate coordination, offers, and pre-employment processes as needed.
• Prepare HR reports and maintain key operational and compliance metrics.
• Lead HR operational projects from planning through implementation.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant HR operations, compliance, or broad HR generalist experience.
• Prior experience managing or developing HR staff.
• Experience supporting employees across multiple states and/or multiple business entities strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment requirements.
• Experience with HRIS administration, benefits and leave administration, and employee recordkeeping.
• Demonstrated experience improving HR processes and transitioning manual processes into scalable systems.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and recognize when matters require escalation.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred but not required.

Benefits

• 401(k) with 5% company match. 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flex time off and 12 holidays. 
• Professional development opportunities. 

Work Authorization & Clearance

This position requires the ability to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship. Depending on the nature of the work, the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance may be required. Candidates may be asked to provide additional information relevant to clearance eligibility in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The Fine Print

No third-party candidates will be accepted. Palladyne AI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.