About Wright Electric
Wright Electric builds power systems behind the future of aerospace and defense — from 30 kW expeditionary generators to multi-megawatt airborne propulsion. Our work spans electric motors, next-generation batteries, power electronics, and complete power systems like DenseGen and Dynamo, all engineered for a step-change in power and energy density. Since 2016, we've earned the trust of some of the most demanding customers in the world, including AFSOC, the USMC, PACAF, USTRANSCOM, NASA, ARPA-E, the FAA, and U.S. Air Force programs. It's genuinely cutting-edge work.
We also move fast. Wright is an all-hands, high-ownership environment where the pace is quick and the problems are hard. The people who thrive here are the ones who dig in and drive their work to the finish. At the same time, we know sustained great work depends on rest: we respect our team's personal time and protect the boundaries that keep people sharp, healthy, and here for the long haul.
The Role
Wright Electric is hiring a People Operations Manager to own the full employee experience end to end. This is a hands-on, sole-owner People role: you will build and run the systems that bring people into the company, keep them supported and paid, help them grow, and keep us compliant. You will be the go-to person for everything from a candidate's first interview to a new hire's first day, through performance reviews, promotions, benefits questions, and the policies that keep our workplace fair and safe.
Because this is a solo generalist role, we're looking for someone who is comfortable operating across the entire People function — recruiting one hour and running payroll the next — and who can build clean, repeatable processes rather than just react. You'll partner closely with the Chief of Staff and company leadership, and you'll coordinate with outside partners (immigration counsel, our benefits broker, and payroll providers) where specialized support is needed.
What You'll Own
Recruiting, Hiring & Onboarding
- Manage full-cycle recruitment: sourcing, screening, interview coordination, offers, and closing candidates.
- Own the hiring process and hiring-manager partnership, from job description to signed offer.
- Run a smooth, structured onboarding experience so new hires are set up and productive from day one.
Immigration & Work Authorization
- Manage employee immigration cases and deadlines, coordinating with outside immigration counsel on filings (e.g., H-1B, PERM, permanent residency).
- Own work-authorization tracking and I-9 compliance across the employee lifecycle.
Payroll, Benefits & Compensation
- Run or administer payroll accurately and on schedule, coordinating with our payroll provider.
- Administer benefits day to day — enrollments, open enrollment, and the relationship with our benefits broker.
- Maintain compensation structure: salary bands, benchmarking, and support for comp review cycles.
Performance, Promotion & Development
- Run the quarterly and annual performance review cycles end to end — process, tooling, calibration, and follow-through.
- Own and administer the promotion pipeline, keeping criteria clear and decisions consistent.
- Build and deliver management training and leadership development programs to grow our people-leaders.
People Policies, Compliance & Culture
- Develop, document, and maintain People Team policies and the employee handbook.
- Administer required annual training (e.g., anti-harassment) and track completion to stay compliant.
- Establish and manage a confidential whistle-blower submission hotline and the process for handling reports.
People Systems & Data
- Own the HRIS as the system of record — selection, administration, data integrity, and reporting.
- Maintain accurate employee records and produce People metrics for leadership.
What We're Looking For
Required
- 5+ years of progressive HR / People Operations experience, ideally as a generalist or the sole People person in a growing company.
- SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP or PHR/SPHR certification.
- Hands-on experience across recruiting, onboarding, payroll, benefits administration, and performance management.
- Experience coordinating employment immigration matters with outside counsel.
- Working knowledge of Gusto and bill.com.
- Sound judgment and discretion with confidential and sensitive employee matters.
- Able to work on-site in Malta, New York.
Preferred
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or another government-contracting environment.
- Experience building management training or leadership development programs.
- Bachelor's degree in HR, business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
We Encourage You to Apply
Wright Electric is committed to building a diverse team and an inclusive workplace. Research shows that women and members of other underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a role unless they meet every listed qualification. If you're excited about this position but your experience doesn't line up perfectly with everything above, we encourage you to apply anyway — you may be exactly who we're looking for.
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Wright Electric is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. This position may involve access to technology or data controlled under U.S. export laws (ITAR/EAR); applicants may be required to meet applicable U.S.-person or export-authorization requirements consistent with law.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- What are your salary expectations for this position?
- How many years of relevant experience do you have?
Work Location: In person
