Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms).Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.
About the Job
The HR Director will serve as a key member of the Human Resources team. In this role, you will lead the day-to-day execution of core HR processes across the entire employee life cycle leveraging the support of our HR Generalists and HR Operations Specialist. This is a senior-level Team Lead role, reporting directly to the Head of Human Resources.
This position is based on-site in our Reston, VA office.
Key Responsibilities
You will play both a hands-on and strategic role leading and facilitating the planning and day-to-day execution of core HR processes. You’ll be responsible for driving operational excellence in the development and execution of HR processes and initiatives spanning the employee life cycle.
- HR Technology - Lead the evolution, optimization, and ongoing management of Umbra’s HR technology ecosystem. Oversee system configuration, workflow design, user access management, and role-based security. Drive automation, system integrations, and process improvements that enhance efficiency and employee experience. Ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.
- Total Rewards - Partner with the Head of HR to design and administer competitive compensation and benefits programs. Lead an exceptional Open Enrollment experience and ensure accurate, compliant benefits administration year-round. Ensure that Umbra is paying our employees competitively across all locations, including participating in salary surveys and maintaining and updating salary bands.
- Performance Management - Oversee Umbra’s biennial performance management cycle to drive a high-performance, growth-oriented culture. Provide coaching to managers as needed and facilitate the correction of performance deficiencies.
- Employee Relations & Engagement - Manage employee relations matters with effective and timely resolutions, in partnership with legal counsel as needed. Maintain and communicate HR-related policies, processes and forms. Champion internal communication and support initiatives that strengthen employee engagement. Conduct regular employee feedback loops (surveys, 1:1s, focus groups) and translate insights into actionable improvements. Use HR metrics and KPIs to assess organizational health, identify trends, and inform strategic planning.
- Learning & Development – Shape an inspiring development journey for all Umbrans by driving world-class onboarding, continuous learning opportunities, and targeted skill-building programs that unlock potential at every stage of the employee lifecycle. Lead our onboarding of new Umbrans, as well as our transfer and promotion process as employees grow within our company. Maintain our LMS, job architecture, job leveling, and career path frameworks to create clarity, consistency, and long-term growth opportunities.
Required Qualifications
- 15+ years of HR experience, including leadership roles in high-growth organizations.
- Experience must include oversight for HR systems, systems implementation/configuration, and benefits administration/compliance.
- At least 5+ years of experience leading employee relations issues and deep knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
- Excellent project management, organizational and communication skills.
- Strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and ability to influence at all levels.
- Ability to lead and grow a team.
- Proven ability to maintain confidentiality, meet deadlines, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing needs.
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with maintaining information in SharePoint.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Slack, and Google Meet.
- Experience with HR tech transformation – streamlining tools and automating processes.
- Flexible Vacation / Paid Time Off / Family Leave
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Voluntary Life, LTD
- 401(k) Plan with 3% non-elective employer contribution
- Stock Options
- Free Parking
- Free lunch in office daily
Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Employment Eligibility Verification
In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.
ITAR/EAR Requirements
This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.
Pay Transparency
This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role’s function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.
Compensation Range
The Compensation Range for this role is $175,000 - $210,000 DOE.
