Human Resources Director – Aerospace (Secret Clearance, ITAR)
The Killeen Group is seeking an expert-level Human Resources Director on behalf of a leading manufacturer in Skagit County, WA. This growing company provides award-winning service to the commercial aerospace, space and defense markets.
This role is right for you if you are an expert-level Human Resources Leader with experience in the aerospace industry, who can drive big initiatives and still manage day-to-day people needs during periods of organizational change, restructuring, and expansion.
Title: Director of Human Resources
Location(s): Onsite – Sedro-Wooley, WA
Type: Salaried, Full-time
Salary: $130,000-$185,000/yr + Bonus
Travel: On-site
This role reports to and directly supports the Vice President of Human Resources and plans and administers policies relating to all phases of human resources activity, assists with employee benefits, participates in recruitment activities, trains supervisory personnel in HR policy and legal issues, and oversees compliance efforts and report preparation either personally or through subordinate employees. This role also oversees HR staff and participates in weekly management meetings.
Duties:
- Lead and coach a team of HR professionals, managing workflow to maximize efficiency and ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and all applicable laws
- Translate strategic goals into operational HR plans supporting business-critical functions such as operations, engineering, and manufacturing
- Partner with senior leaders to coach and develop people managers and emerging talent
- Serve as a thought partner to leadership, providing guidance on change management, interpersonal challenges, and organizational growth
- Support the continuous improvement of programs that enhance workforce development, retention, and engagement
- Support scalable leadership development frameworks to strengthen communication, accountability, and decision-making
- Design and implement initiatives to boost employee engagement, manager effectiveness, and company morale
- Support the creation and delivery of learning programs that enhance performance management and leadership skills
- Oversee consistent and compliant execution of HR operations, including onboarding, benefits, HRIS administration, and the full employee lifecycle
- Ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal employment laws and regulations
- Investigate and oversee resolution of discrimination, harassment, and other employee relations issues
- Maintain the Affirmative Action Program; file annual EEO-1 and VETS-100A reports; maintain records and reporting to meet legal requirements
- Oversee and enforce policies related to drug testing, disciplinary actions, and Last Chance Agreements
- Review and update HR policies, procedures, and the Employee Handbook to reflect current laws and best practices
- Support the development and implementation of compensation structures and total rewards programs
- Administer salary guidelines to ensure internal equity and legal compliance.
- Ensure consistent application of growth, promotion, and development guidelines across departments
- Serve as a steward of company values and mission, fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture
- Support cultural integration efforts during periods of organizational change, restructuring, or expansion
- Stay current with HR best practices and legal developments through ongoing education and professional networks (e.g., SHRM)
- Represent the company in community and HR-related external activities as needed
- Demonstrate the ability to work individually and collaboratively with cross-functional teams
- Manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively while maintaining punctual and regular attendance
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Due to our ITAR and EAR regulations, applicants must be a US Citizen or of Legal Permanent Resident Status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b (a) (3).
This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). Hiring Company will assist with gaining this access once employed. Special Access Program or other Government Access Requirements are mandatory for this position and requires candidate agreed to enter a Continuous Evaluation program.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field; industry-relevant degrees also considered. MBA or advanced degree preferred
- HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-SCP) preferred
- 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including leadership of a high-performing team
- Proven ability to develop and scale programs that support a growing, multi-disciplinary organization
- Demonstrated success coaching leaders, building manager capability, and driving organizational change
- Strong knowledge of employment law, compliance, and HR best practices in multi-state or industrial settings
- Comfortable operating across strategic and tactical levels, can drive big initiatives and still manage day-to-day people needs
- Ability to objectively coach employees and management through complex difficult, and emotional issues using judgment that is consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, regulation or government law
- Self-Starter and self-motivated. Minimum requirement for all positions is a high school diploma or GED.
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution
- Disability insurance as well as Life/AD&D insurance
- HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer contribution and FSA (Flexible Savings Account)
- 401k with employer matching
- Paid time off and paid holidays (including two floating holidays)
- Education reimbursement program
- Education reimbursement program available after 1-year of service
Next Steps:
If selected and progressed, you will:
- Conduct a screening call with a Killeen Group recruiter
- Conduct 1-3 interviews with hiring company
