HR Specialist - Aviation and Aerospace Operations

HR Specialist – Space Centre Australia LLC

Location: Remote / Eastern Shore, Virginia / DELMARVA

Eligibility: U.S. Citizens Only (required for export-controlled programs)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (U.S.) / CFO

Employment Type: Full-time

Work Arrangement: Flexible hybrid/remote, with required on-site attendance for operational activities

Role Summary

Space Centre Australia LLC is expanding its U.S. operations on the Eastern Shore of Virginia to support an upcoming aviation capability, space / airborne science missions, and advanced aerospace development programs. We are seeking a U.S. HR Specialist who will lead the initial human resources ramp-up for aviation operations and evolve into a strategic HR partner for long-term aviation capability development.

This is a remote-friendly role, but due to mission-critical operational requirements The ideal candidate will reside in the DELMARVA region (Maryland Eastern Shore, Delaware, or Eastern Virginia) to ensure reliable access to local operations. Relocation packages and commencement bonuses are available for exceptional candidates who are willing to relocate to the area.

This role is both foundational and strategic, with two clear phases of responsibility:

• Phase 1: Establish and operationalize aviation-focused HR systems, hiring pipelines, compliance frameworks, and workforce governance.
• Phase 2: Transition into strategic aviation HR management, supporting workforce planning, leadership development, and long-term organizational growth.

Key Responsibilities

PHASE 1: Initial Aviation HR Ramp-Up

1. Build Aviation HR Infrastructure

• Establish HR structures required for the company’s upcoming aviation capability.
• Develop job frameworks, position descriptions, and competency models for aviation, engineering, and mission-support roles.
• Implement personnel governance workflows for safety-sensitive, regulated, or export-controlled roles.

2. Lead Initial Aviation Hiring

• Manage recruitment for aviation, engineering, science, and operations personnel.
• Build pipelines through:
• Veteran and transitioning military talent networks
• Universities and technical colleges across VA/MD/DE
• Aviation maintenance and mission-ops communities
• Manage onboarding tailored for regulated aerospace environments.

3. Establish HR Systems & Compliance Foundations

• Implement HRIS, timekeeping, and electronic personnel file systems.

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• Ensure compliance with:
• Federal & Virginia labor laws
• ITAR/EAR/TSA/ATF workforce controls
• OSHA and aviation safety obligations
• Set up secure, access-controlled personnel documentation systems.

PHASE 2: Strategic Aviation HR Management

4. Workforce Planning & Talent Strategy

• Develop multi-year workforce growth strategies to support aviation and aerospace programs.
• Build succession planning frameworks for technical, operational, and supervisory roles.
• Conduct forecasting for future aviation capability staffing needs.

5. Strategic Partner to Aviation and Mission Leadership

• Advise executive and technical leadership on organizational design and workforce optimization.
• Build compensation and retention strategies competitive within the aviation and aerospace sectors.
• Support leadership development and internal career progression pathways.

6. Training, Certification & Compliance Oversight

• Coordinate ongoing training including:
• Export control (ITAR/EAR)
• Safety Management System (SMS)
• OSHA compliance
• Mission-specific aviation readiness requirements
• Maintain certification, qualification, and proficiency tracking systems.

Ongoing Responsibilities (Both Phases)

Employee Relations & Culture Development

• Serve as the primary HR resource for the U.S. workforce.
• Support investigations, corrective actions, conflict resolution, and performance cycles.
• Foster a high-integrity, safety-first culture across aviation and science mission teams.

HR Administration, Payroll & Benefits

• Support payroll cycles, benefits administration, and leave management.
• Maintain compliant documentation for all regulated personnel.

Work Arrangement Requirements

• Remote/hybrid work is supported, but routine on-site attendance will be required based on operational tempo.
• Travel within the Eastern Shore / DELMARVA region is expected.
• Occasional extended on-site periods may be required during workforce ramp-up, audits, or mission-critical activities.
• Candidates must be able to reliably commute to the Eastern Shore, VA when required.

Relocation & Incentives:

• Relocation packages available for exceptional candidates outside the region.
• Commencement bonuses available based on qualifications and experience.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship (mandatory)
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field.
• 3–7 years HR experience in aerospace, aviation, defense, engineering, or a federal contractor environment.

Strong understanding of:

• U.S. federal & Virginia employment law
• ITAR/EAR personnel controls
• OSHA and safety-critical workforce requirements
• Experience recruiting for technical, engineering, aviation, or mission-critical roles.

Preferred Qualifications

• HR experience in aviation or aerospace.
• SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP or PHR/SPHR certification.
• Experience establishing HR systems in a start-up or scale-up environment.
• Familiarity with Safety Management Systems (SMS).
• Experience working with remote and hybrid teams.

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• High integrity, excellent judgement, and able to handle sensitive information.
• Capable of building HR systems from the ground up.
• Thrives in fast-moving aerospace environments.
• Strong communicator with the ability to work cross-functionally across engineering, science, and aviation operations.

Compensation

• Competitive salary, benefits, retirement options, and performance-based incentives.
• Relocation and commencement packages available for exceptional candidates.