HR Manager / People & Culture Manager US Operations (all genders)

Blackwave is a pioneering aerospace technology company making a significant impact in the industry with innovative solutions aimed at advancing space exploration and related technologies. Recently expanding its operations into Texas, Blackwave is establishing a new branch to serve its growing customer base in the United States. This Texas office will play a pivotal role in supporting product development, operations, and company growth within the region. Blackwave is recognized for fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment that highly values innovation, diversity, and employee engagement.

As the first People hire in the US, this role moves beyond traditional HR responsibilities and is about founding the entire HR function from the ground up at the new Texas location. The successful candidate will own multifunctional responsibilities including hiring, culture, compliance, and workplace experience to make the Texas office distinctly reflect Blackwave’s values and ethos. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary HR professional to shape the employee lifecycle and organizational culture during a critical growth phase. You will be the driving force behind all aspects of the hiring process, from writing compelling job briefs to sourcing, screening, and ultimately closing candidates for roles across the US.

Another critical element of the role is managing payroll and ensuring HR compliance, primarily using Gusto as the payroll system. Your expertise in federal and Texas-specific employment laws will be vital to maintaining zero-errors and avoiding surprises in compliance matters. Beyond transactional work, you will design engaging onboarding experiences that embed new hires deeply into Blackwave’s culture and values, crafting an inviting, inclusive, and motivating workplace. Your role also includes building scalable HR processes covering onboarding, performance management, leave administration, and more, all supported by HR technology tools.

Safety is paramount, and you will ensure the Texas site adheres to OSHA standards, conducting risk assessments and embedding a shared responsibility for health and safety into the company culture. Collaboration with the German headquarters will be essential, aligning US HR operations with Blackwave’s global People strategy to foster a unified and engaged workforce despite geographic distances.

This full-time, in-person position based in Lockhart, Texas, offers a competitive salary ranging from $60,000 to $90,000 annually. It requires not only HR expertise but also a builder's mindset and strong cross-cultural communication skills. It’s an ideal role for someone who thrives in startup or scale-up environments and is excited by the challenge of creating lasting impact through people and culture management. Travel to industry events and occasional visits to Blackwave's headquarters in Germany will also form part of the role, reflecting the global nature of the company. At Blackwave Texas Inc., equal opportunity employment and ITAR compliance are fundamental to the company’s hiring approach, ensuring a diverse and legally compliant workforce.