Manager, Human Resources

About Canopy Aerospace & Defense

Canopy A&D is built to accelerate the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. Canopy delivers specialized materials and components that carry customers from concept through sustainment. Canopy A&D’s advanced signal attenuation technologies and production-scale manufacturing accelerate the fielding of platforms that are faster, cooler, and quieter. Our adaptive approach ensures solutions evolve at the pace of shifting challenges, keeping our customers ahead of the curve.

Role Summary

Canopy A&D is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and versatile Manager, Human Resources to join our team in Irvine, CA. This role is the operational backbone of our headquarters, providing comprehensive HR support while ensuring the seamless day-to-day management of the office. You will function as a key partner for site operations and a contributor to enterprise-wide HR initiatives. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, balancing frontline operational execution with a commitment to fostering a collaborative and efficient workplace.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end employee lifecycle processes—including onboarding, orientation, retention, and offboarding—while serving as the primary point of contact for inquiries regarding benefits, leave administration, and HR policies.
• Partner with leadership to address employee relations concerns, resolve conflicts, and guide supervisors on performance management, coaching, and progressive discipline.
• Lead and execute end-to-end people and workplace initiatives from scoping through implementation, ensuring milestones are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Lead the day-to-day administration of employee total rewards and lifecycle requests, including health and welfare benefits, 401(k) plans, statutory and company leaves of absence, and employment verifications.
• Oversee daily office operations to maintain a professional, secure, and fully equipped environment; manage visitor protocols and serve as the primary liaison for property management and facilities vendors.
• Establish and manage centralized tracking systems for office supplies, equipment, and facility needs, proactively forecasting demand and overseeing the procurement lifecycle.
• Uphold rigorous compliance with federal, California state, and local employment laws, partnering with the Health & Safety team to maintain workplace safety, first-aid readiness, and emergency action plans.
• Maintain accurate employee records within the HRIS (e.g., UKG Ready) and assist in authoring and refining HR standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure data integrity and process consistency.
• Provide high-touch administrative coordination for Executive Leadership as needed, including event planning, meeting logistics, and expense reporting.
• Perform other related duties, strategic projects, and operational initiatives as assigned by leadership to support company growth.

Required Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of progressive experience in Human Resources and workplace operations, ideally within aerospace, defense, engineering, or high-growth technical environments.
• Solid foundation in core HR practices with a strong command of California employment and labor compliance standards.
• Hands-on expertise administering comprehensive employee benefits programs, 401(k) retirement plans, leaves of absence (e.g., FMLA, CFRA, PDL), and processing formal employment verifications.
• Proven track record of independently leading cross-functional projects and people initiatives from concept through successful execution.
• Experience sourcing, onboarding, and overseeing external service providers and facility vendors to uphold service quality and accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast-paced, rapidly evolving, and ambiguous environments with agility, sound judgment, and proactive problem-solving.
• Advanced proficiency across the Microsoft 365 suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) alongside modern HRIS and expense management platforms (e.g., UKG Ready, Concur, Expensify).
• Exceptional verbal and written communication with the polish and confidence to interface effectively with employees, executive leadership, and external partners.
• High degree of professional integrity and confidentiality when handling sensitive corporate, employee, and business matters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior HR experience within aerospace, defense, or high-mix/high-volume manufacturing settings.
• Direct administration experience with UKG Ready.
• Prior experience supporting C-suite or VP-level executives.
• Relevant HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR, or PHR-CA).

Additional Requirements

• Must have professional working proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English
• Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, industrial equipment, and temperature variations
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer workstation
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for data entry, keyboarding, and mouse use
• Ability to view computer screens for prolonged periods
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via email
• Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
• Willingness to travel to other Canopy A&D sites as needed

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Management may modify or assign additional duties as needed

Job Details

Type: Full Time, Exempt (Salaried)

Base Salary Range: $110,000 to $130,000

Business Hours: Core Business Hours

Base Location: Irvine, CA — Full Time, On-Site

Travel: As needed to various company facilities

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance. 401K company match (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.

EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) US Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (aka green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Canopy A&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with Canopy A&D is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.