Associate HR Business Partner

The Associate HR Business Partner serves as a senior‑level support role within the Human Resources department, providing advanced operational and proactive support to HR leadership. This position performs many of the core functions within HR but with high‑level experience, scope and proficiency. Partnering closely with HR leadership, people managers, and employees.

This role navigates sensitive situations with sound judgment and discretion while contributing to continuous improvement and a positive workplace culture.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provide advanced operational and proactive support to HR leadership, serving as a senior‑level resource within the Human Resources department.
• Perform core HR functions with high‑level scope and complexity while applying sound judgment and expertise across multiple HR disciplines.
• Assist in providing performance guidance and coaching to promote employee growth and professional development.
• Partner with HR team on various employee engagement initiatives and events.
• Serve as an escalation point on complex and escalated employee relations matters, including investigations, union grievances, conflict resolution, compliance matters, and corrective action, advising HR leadership on risk and recommendations.
• Support union‑related activities and ensure consistent application of collective bargaining agreements and labor practices.
• Serve as an escalation point on complex leaves of absence and medical accommodations, ensuring compliance with California employment laws and internal policies, as well as HR leadership support for fairness and consistency.
• Ensure consistent interpretation and application of HR policies, procedures, and employment practices across the organization.
• Lead and manage cross‑functional HR initiatives that drive efficiency and scalable HR operations as directed by HR leadership.
• Analyze HR metrics and trends to inform HR leadership’s decision‑making and improve practices.
• Partner closely with managers and employees to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism, discretion, and empathy.
• Support compliance efforts by monitoring regulatory requirements and assisting with audits, reporting, and policy updates.
• Maintain HR data and employee records within the HRIS and serve as a backup resource for employee inquiries related to HR policies, attendance, time off, benefits, payroll, and other workplace matters.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws.
• Contribute to a positive, compliant, and inclusive workplace culture through consistent practices and continuous improvement.
• Perform other critical HR responsibilities as assigned.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of HR experience in an HR Business Partner or similar role is required.
• HR certification (PHR or SHRM‑CP) is a strong plus.
• Experience objectively coaching employees and management through complex, difficult and emotional issues is required.
• Thorough understanding and proven hands‑on application of internal and external HR principles, concepts, practices and standards is required.
• Strong technical skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and intermediate or advanced Excel skills is required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with employees and management is required.
• Strong project management, problem‑solving and conflict‑resolution skills are required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Employees may be required to perform other job‑related duties as assigned, consistent with business needs and applicable law.

Due to the nature of our work and applicable U.S. export control laws, this position requires International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) eligibility. Only individuals who qualify as a “U.S. person” as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, refugees, or asylees), unless specified otherwise within job description, are eligible for employment.

Applied Aerospace & Defense (“AA&D”) is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to disability, medical condition, or other protected reason may contact the Human Resources Department. Requests will be reviewed in accordance with applicable law.

Where required by law, the applicable pay range and a summary of benefits and other compensation for this position will be provided.