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Valar Atomics is a Series A nuclear energy company building advanced, scalable nuclear power systems for industrial applications, hydrogen production, and next-generation manufacturing. The company is establishing its first pilot plant in Utah and is rapidly scaling operations.
As Director of People Operations, you will build and scale the HR function from the ground up, serving as the operational backbone of the people organization. This is a hands-on builder role, not a traditional HR administration position. You will own core HR operations, compliance, performance management, employee relations, workforce planning, and compensation administration while establishing foundational people systems for a high-growth organization.
Key responsibilities include:
- Manage day-to-day HR operations across the full employee lifecycle (onboarding, offboarding, performance management, development)
- Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (particularly California)
- Partner with leadership on organizational effectiveness, performance management, and culture initiatives
- Administer compensation, benefits, and promotion processes
- Support workforce planning and headcount forecasting
- Maintain HR systems, employee records, and reporting infrastructure
- Develop key people metrics and workforce analytics
- Serve as trusted resource for employees and managers on workplace policies
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and scalability across HR processes
- Help preserve and strengthen company culture during rapid growth
You thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments where you can build systems and processes from scratch. You balance employee advocacy with sound business judgment, navigate difficult conversations professionally, and operate effectively with ambiguity. You are highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in identifying and solving problems before they escalate.
Required: 8+ years of progressive HR experience, strong knowledge of California employment law and HR compliance, experience with employee relations and performance management, proven ability to develop HR policies and programs, excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills, and willingness to relocate to Hawthorne, CA.
Preferred: Bachelor's degree in HR or related field, SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR certification, experience in high-growth startups or scaling organizations, background in manufacturing/aerospace/defense/energy/industrial sectors, and experience with HRIS platforms.
