People Operations Specialist

PDW

People & HR, Operations

Huntsville, AL, USA

Posted on May 23, 2026

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Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.

You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.

We’re hiring a People Operations Specialist to help run and improve the systems and workflows behind the employee experience at PDW. This role anchors our People Support Desk, partners with People Technology on HRIS work, and keeps the operational backbone of the People team running clean as we scale. You’ll have broad exposure across the function and the chance to shape how we operate. This role provides exposure to multiple areas of the People organization and can create future growth opportunities across Talent Acquisition, Talent Programs, People Business Partnership, and People Operations & Technology.

What You’ll Do

• Run the People Support Desk day-to-day: intake, triage, routing, and resolution across a wide range of employee requests.
• Act as a go-to resource for employees navigating our People systems, policies, and processes.
• Partner with the People Technology team on HRIS administration, workflow changes, testing, and audits.
• Support employee lifecycle events including onboarding, job changes, promotions, transfers, and offboarding.
• Keep employee records and workforce data accurate across our People systems.
• Spot workflow gaps and lead the cleanup, whether that’s a fix, a new process, or better documentation.
• Pull together reporting, analytics, audit support, and compliance documentation as needed.
• Maintain our internal playbooks, knowledge base articles, and operational guides.
• Work closely with Talent, Payroll, IT, and People Business Partners to keep the lifecycle running smoothly.
  
  

Requirements

• 2–5 years in People Operations, HR Operations, HRIS administration, or a similar operational role.
• Interest in growing your career in HR.
• Hands-on experience inside HR systems and working with employee data.
• Comfortable supporting ticketing or shared-services environments.
• Strong organizational skills; able to juggle competing priorities without losing the thread.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Detail-oriented, with a high bar for accuracy.
• Experience in fast-moving or high-growth environments — ideally tech, startup, or otherwise operationally complex.
• Sound judgment and the ability to operate independently.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience with Rippling or a comparable HRIS.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft, Slack, Jira, Confluence, Monday.com, or Google Workspace.
• Prior work on scaling or process-improvement initiatives.
  
  

Physical Requirements

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, and move about regularly throughout the day, and lift / carry up to 25 pounds occasionally. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment, including a computer, keyboard, and phone.

Work Environment

Based in Huntsville, AL, with a minimum of four (4) days per week in-office. This is a collaborative role that works closely with employees and teams across the company. Standard hours are Monday–Friday during normal business operations, with flexibility as the work requires.

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.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL location.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.
  
  

EEO Statement

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.

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