People Operations Coordinator
Firestorm
Administration, People & HR, Operations
San Diego, CA, USA
USD 25-36 / hour + Equity
Posted on Feb 18, 2026
People Operations Coordinator
San Diego, CA
People Operations
In office
Full-time
Who We Are
At Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors—regardless of their defense budget—through innovative, cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision “democratized deterrence.” As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we’re pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we’re pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost. Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.
About the Role
Firestorm Labs is seeking and motivated People Operations Coordinator to join our team in San Diego. This is an integral role on our team, focusing on identifying, engaging and supporting top-tier candidates to fuel our company's growth, while aiding in the core execution of operational processes in support of our employees & culture. This role will be instrumental in ensuring that candidates make a seamless transition into our organization and that all employees have a positive and engaging experience throughout their tenure.
The People Operations Coordinator owns the coordination and administration of onboarding, employee records, and recruiting coordination support. This individual will seamlessly transition candidates to new hires, coordinate new hire onboarding schedules, and ensure that every step is flawlessly executed. This role ensures our People systems, documentation, and workflows are accurate, organized, and executed with consistency. By maintaining strong operational rigor and attention to detail, you will help create a seamless and professional employee experience from day one.
Delivering an excellent candidate experience will equally be your top priority. This role plays an important part in managing interview scheduling, candidate communications, and related logistics. You will help maintain the integrity of our recruiting systems, identify opportunities for improvement and efficiency gains, and ensure a seamless process from start to finish. As a trusted partner, you’ll guide candidates through the interview process, providing clear communication, professionalism and warmth at every touchpoint. You’ll also act as a welcoming presence for candidates and guests, ensuring every interaction reflects our values, and culture.
What You’ll Do
People Operations
- Coordinate end-to-end onboarding activities for new hires, including offer documentation, I-9 processing, and new hire orientation scheduling
- Prepare and maintain accurate employee records in HR systems and personnel files
- Ensure all onboarding documentation is completed accurately and on time
- Execute comprehensive onboarding programs for new hires, including new hire orientation sessions, training schedules, and introductions to key team members.
- Continuously evaluate and refine onboarding processes to enhance the experience for new employees.
- Assist with organizing local employee engagement activities, meetings, and company events.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to provide a best-in-class experience.
- Assist with organizing local employee engagement activities, meetings, and company events.
- An appreciation for being a keeper of our brand and a passion for delivering a consistent, stellar employee experience.
- Crosstrain in areas such as workplace injury response, workers' compensation, learning management system administration, and performance management workflows.
- Stay up to date on relevant employment laws and regulations, ensuring compliance in all HR practices.
- Maintain confidentiality of employee data and People Ops matters at all times
- Assist with reporting, data audits, and process documentation
- Support the broader People Ops team with administrative tasks, projects, and process improvements
- Ensure personnel records and processes align with internal policies and legal requirements
Recruiting Operations
- Be the driving force behind a best-in-class candidate experience by coordinating interviews, managing logistics, and ensuring every interaction reflects our company’s professionalism and values.
- Serve as a welcome presence for all candidates, managing check-ins, and ensuring a seamless handoff to Host(s).
- Act as the primary point of contact for candidates, recruiters, and hiring teams, maintaining clear, timely communication and keeping the process running smoothly from first contact through offer stage.
- Navigate complex interview calendars and dynamic schedules with precision, ensuring interviews are set up efficiently and without conflicts.
- Find opportunities for interview process and system improvement, including identifying bottlenecks and improving candidate experience and scheduling efficiency
- Serve as the on-site host for interview days, managing candidate schedules, providing hospitality, and ensuring that every candidate walks away with a positive and lasting impression.
- Collaborate closely with the People team to plan and support on-site recruiting events, interviews, and special projects.
- Build trusted relationships with recruiters, hiring managers and candidates, becoming a reliable partner who helps drive consistency, efficiency and excellence, across the entire candidate experience.
- Identify opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and improve systems, workflows, and communication touchpoints throughout the recruitment process.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
- Minimum 3 years of experience in people or recruiting coordination; or in a dedicated people operations support role.
- 1 year of professional experience with a focus on onboarding, employee engagement, talent acquisition or related areas.
- U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
- Proven success managing complex scheduling and logistics in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- The ability to work with sensitive and confidential information.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Proficiency with Applicant Tracking Systems, scheduling tools, and Human Resource Information Systems.
- A candidate-first mindset with a focus on providing a positive and seamless experience.
- Ability to stay composed and solutions-oriented while managing competing priorities.
- Positive attitude, team-oriented mindset, and the ability to work independently with limited guidance when needed.
- Find opportunities for interview process and system improvement, including identifying bottlenecks and improving candidate experience and scheduling efficiency
- Skilled knowledge and utilization of Microsoft Office Suite
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and build relationships with candidates and stakeholders at all levels
- Ability to work in-person, on site, at Firestorm’s Headquarters.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5 years of experience in people or recruiting coordination; or in a dedicated people operations support role.
- 3+ years of experience with a focus on onboarding, employee engagement, talent acquisition or related areas.
- Experience supporting onboarding, benefits, compliance or leave administration
- Experience in a high-growth or defense environment
Work Environment
- Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA
- We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
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 loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE). 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. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.
Compensation
US Hourly Range: $25-$36 USD
The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.
Benefits & Perks
Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:
- We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
- Equity grants for new hires
- Unlimited PTO
- Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.
- Generous Parental Leave
- Lifestyle Spending Account
- FSA
- DCFSA
- HSA
- Hospital Indemnity insurance
- Critical Illness insurance
- Accident insurance
- Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
- Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.
Export Control Compliance
To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.
Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] so we can provide the support you need.
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Req ID: R148
