Katalyst Description:
Katalyst is an American technology company focused on d ynamic space operations . We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to creat e 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.
Increasing responsibility and leadership in HR, People Operations, HR business partnering, employee relations, or generalist roles, 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…