People Operations Generalist

At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That’s why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.

Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility—leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation’s vital interests.

Requisition #: 873

Job Title: People Operations Generalist

Location: Remote to McLean, VA HQ

Salary Range: $45,500 - $84,500

SUMMARY

Agile Defense is seeking an experienced People Operations Generalist who brings both operational expertise and a strategic mindset, with a passion for building a people-first employee experience. The ideal candidate is a well-rounded, solutions-oriented HR professional with proven experience across the full employee lifecycle and a commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace culture.

The People Operations Generalist is a versatile HR professional responsible for supporting various human resources functions to ensure the smooth operation of the business unit. This role involves coordinating and managing the onboarding process, including communication with new employees, facilitating orientation, and ensuring compliance with all necessary documentation and policies. Reporting to the People Operations Lead, this role focuses on day-to-day HR operations, compliance, and providing high-quality service to employees and managers.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

HR Operations:

·         Support employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, offboarding, transfers, and promotions.

·         Collaborate with hiring managers, recruiting team, and back-office departments as needed to coordinate employees’ first day.

·         Act as the main point of contact for new employees before and during their onboarding process.

·         Schedule and facilitate new hire orientation sessions.

·         Run background checks on candidates as needed. 

·         Maintain compliance with E-Verify and I-9 documentation. 

·         Gather feedback from new hires and managers to improve the onboarding experience. Conduct Onboarding survey.

·         Maintain accurate employee records in HR systems, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

·         Assist with payroll and benefits administration by providing accurate data to the appropriate teams.

HR Projects & Initiatives:

·         Collaborate with the People Operations Lead on the implementation of HR initiatives and programs.

·         Support employee engagement activities, including recognition programs and surveys.

·         Talent Management Support

·         Assist in coordinating performance reviews, training sessions, and career development programs

Education, Background, and Years of Experience

·         Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

·         2-4 years of HR experience, preferably in a federal contracting environment.

·         Familiarity with HRIS tools (e.g., UKG, BambooHR, Gusto, ADP, Paylocity, etc.

·         HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) is a plus

·         Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail

·         Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Required Skills

·         Strong understanding of HR fundamentals, including onboarding, offboarding, employee records management, and compliance.

·         Familiarity with federal, state, and local labor laws (multi-state experience preferred) and ability to ensure ongoing compliance.

·         Experience working with HR systems (e.g., UKG, BambooHR, ADP, Gusto, Paylocity), with the ability to manage and optimize workflows.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to handle sensitive situations with discretion, empathy, and professionalism.

·         Solutions-oriented mindset with a track record of identifying issues, proposing improvements, and driving implementation.

·         Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

·         Experience building or refining HR processes and documentation to improve efficiency and employee experience.

·         Comfortable working cross-functionally and partnering with stakeholders at all levels to support strategic HR goals.

·         Trusted to manage confidential employee information and navigate complex situations with sound judgment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions

·         Agile Defense HQ office. General office environment. Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing and walking for up to 20% of the time. The working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are not hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available.

Strength Demands

·         Sedentary – 10 lbs. Maximum lifting, occasional lift/carry of small articles.  Some occasional walking or standing may be required.   Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Physical Requirements

·         Stand or Sit; Walk; Repetitive Motion; Use Hands / Fingers to Handle or Feel; See; Push or Pull

Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together. 

What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.

We also believe in supporting our employees by offering a competitive and comprehensive benefits package. To explore the benefits we offer, please visit our website under the Careers section.

Happy - Be Infectious.

Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.

Helpful - Be Supportive.

Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.

Honest - Be Trustworthy.

Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.

Humble - Be Grounded.

Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.

Hungry - Be Eager.

Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.

Hustle - Be Driven.

Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Salary : $45,500 - $84,500