Job Title: People Operations Generalist

Location: Remote/Hybrid - San Jose, CA

Department: People Operations

Reports to: Head of People

About the Company

We are a stealth-mode battery startup developing cutting-edge battery technology. Our mission is to revolutionize battery technology to accelerate the global transition to clean energy. By leveraging innovative materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and next-generation energy storage architectures, we are building the future of sustainable energy.

Can’t find the company name? It’s not you, it’s us! We’re really excited about the potential of our technology, product, and mission, and have chosen to remain in stealth mode. If the job description piques your interest, please apply. If your skillset is aligned with what we’re looking for, the team will reach out to schedule your interview and tell you a bit more about us (ie. who we are).

About the Role

We’re looking for a People Operations Generalist to help build, run, and scale our people operations function. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing day-to-day HR execution with process improvement, and who is comfortable operating in a fast-moving startup environment. You’ll support employees across the full lifecycle — from onboarding to off-boarding — while ensuring compliance, improving systems, and helping to create a positive, inclusive workplace.

What You’ll Do

Employee Lifecycle & Experience

• Own onboarding and off-boarding processes for salaried, hourly, and contract employees.

• Serve as a first point of contact for employee questions related to policies, benefits, payroll, and systems.

• Support employee engagement initiatives and culture programs.

• Assist with performance review cycles and feedback processes.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Maintain employee records in the HRIS and ensure data accuracy

• Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws

• Assist with I-9 verification, E-Verify, and audit readiness

• Help manage leaves of absence, accommodations, and workplace policies

• Partner with managers on employee relations matters, escalating when needed

Benefits & Payroll Support

• Support benefits administration (enrollments, changes, questions)

• Partner with payroll providers to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing

• Assist with open enrollment and benefits communications

Systems & Process Improvement

• Help implement and optimize People Operations tools and workflows

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, documentation and create and maintain SOPs, guides, and internal resources

Who you are

• 5+ years of experience in People Operations, HR Generalist, People Partner, Employee Experience, or a similar role.

• 4+ experience with HRIS systems, payroll processing, and benefits platforms (we use Rippling, but we’re happy to teach tool specifics).

• 1+ year/s working in employee relations, performance management, or employee coaching.

• You have a working knowledge of U.S. employment laws and compliance; with a depth of experience in California (including but not limited to; wage & hour compliance, LOA, FMLA, PDL, FEHA, and employee classifications).

• You have a combination of startup (less than 300 employees) and mid-size+ company experience (1k + employees).

This role is right for you if...

• You’re a builder! You’re unfazed by a lack of infrastructure and are excited about building. In your last role, you might have found yourself saying “if only I could go back and build it right from the start”. It also helps if you’re a documentation guru.

• You find delight in being a liaison for experience. You might be the nucleus of your friend group, the person your community comes to in hard times, or the planner and emotional glue for your family.

• You are hyper-organized! You are both comfortable working in ambiguity and capable of maintaining focus on important details.

• You are looking for a role in a fast growing startup.

Onsite Expectations

While much of the team is in person (given the nature of our business), this is a hybrid role. We believe our People team should be connected to the employees and part of that connection requires in person interaction. However, we’re open to a range of scenarios. Whether you live in the bay area and can be onsite 3-5 days a week, you are living elsewhere in the United States but can travel to the office one week per month, or anything in between, we would be excited to consider you for the role!

Benefits & Perks

• Flexible Work Schedule: Getting the job done isn't always 9 AM to 5 PM. Determine your working hours so you get things done when it works for you and your family.

• Health Care: We are currently under Rippling’s PEO and offer medical, vision, dental insurance to keep you and your dependents covered.

• Hybrid Work Environment: While most of the company is in office most days, this role is remote/hybrid. With some onsite expectations, with flexibility to work remotely.

• Flexible Vacation: We offer unlimited PTO, so you can get the time off you need that works for you.

Why Join Us?

• Help build people practices from the ground up

• Work closely with leadership and have real impact

• Be part of a mission-driven company tackling meaningful problems

• Competitive compensation, benefits, and equity

Expected Compensation

Base Salary Range: $110,000 - $165,000

Base salary is determined based on many factors such as: market rate, candidate experience, interview performance, and geographic location.

We are an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.