What are the responsibilities and job description for the People Operations Coordinator position at PDW?
Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.
Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a People Operations Coordinator to support the day-to-day execution of People operations. This role sits at the center of the employee lifecycle and plays a key role in how employees experience PDW from their first day onward.
You will help create a strong, consistent experience across onboarding, employee support, and core People processes. Your work will directly impact how employees engage with the company, how smoothly operations run, and how we continue to build a high-performing, well-run team.
This is a high-volume, detail-driven role suited for someone who takes pride in getting things right and enjoys contributing to a team that is building something meaningful.
What You’ll Own
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as manufacturing and test equipment, industrial computers, HMIs, and handheld diagnostic tools. Must be physically capable of walking production floors, accessing equipment in constrained spaces, participating in factory acceptance testing, and supporting on-site system deployments.
Work Environment
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to manufacturing equipment, automated machinery, test systems, and industrial materials. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross-departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday, in-office four days per week, with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.
Benefits
PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:
PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Pay Range For This Role Is
85,000 - 105,000 USD per year(DF02)
Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a People Operations Coordinator to support the day-to-day execution of People operations. This role sits at the center of the employee lifecycle and plays a key role in how employees experience PDW from their first day onward.
You will help create a strong, consistent experience across onboarding, employee support, and core People processes. Your work will directly impact how employees engage with the company, how smoothly operations run, and how we continue to build a high-performing, well-run team.
This is a high-volume, detail-driven role suited for someone who takes pride in getting things right and enjoys contributing to a team that is building something meaningful.
What You’ll Own
- Execute employee lifecycle transactions in systems (hires, changes, transfers, terminations)
- Own onboarding coordination and execution from offer acceptance through Day 1 readiness
- Deliver a strong, organized onboarding experience that sets employees up for success
- Maintain accurate employee records across HR systems, ensuring data integrity
- Manage HR Support Desk Tier 1 intake, triage, and response within defined SLAs
- Respond to employee questions on policies, benefits, and systems clearly and promptly
- Support benefits workflows (enrollments, life events, updates)
- Track and maintain leave records and supporting documentation
- Maintain People documentation, trackers, and internal process guides
- Identify trends in employee requests and improve knowledge base and self-service resources
- Support reporting and dashboards (headcount, turnover, support trends)
- Identify and implement improvements to onboarding and support workflows
- 2-4 years of experience in People Operations, HR administration, or similar role
- Experience working in a high-growth or fast-paced environment
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage high-volume administrative work
- Experience working in an HRIS platform (Rippling preferred)
- Strong Excel skills
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple workflows at once
- Clear, professional communication skills
- Strong ownership mindset and follow-through
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as manufacturing and test equipment, industrial computers, HMIs, and handheld diagnostic tools. Must be physically capable of walking production floors, accessing equipment in constrained spaces, participating in factory acceptance testing, and supporting on-site system deployments.
Work Environment
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to manufacturing equipment, automated machinery, test systems, and industrial materials. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross-departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday, in-office four days per week, with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.
Benefits
PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:
- Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
- Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
- Paid Parental Leave.
- On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL location.
- Employer provided life insurance.
- Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
- Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.
PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Pay Range For This Role Is
85,000 - 105,000 USD per year(DF02)