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Forterra · 6 hours ago

People Operations Generalist

Arlington, VA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$115K/yr - $150K/yr

2+ years exp

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement. They are seeking a People Operations Generalist to support the scaling of their People Ops team by managing HR administrative processes, automating operations, and enhancing the employee experience.

Defense & Space

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

Responsibilities

Serve as the first point of contact for general People Ops inquiries across the organization, providing timely guidance, escalating when appropriate, and ensuring employees feel supported

Own and execute system changes in our HRIS (Rippling), including compensation updates, leveling and title corrections, manager/department changes, and other core employee data updates

Maintain and iterate job descriptions across the organization, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with evolving business needs

Identify manual, repetitive People Ops processes and build automated solutions that reduce administrative burden and increase operational speed

Support employee development programs, including goal cycles, competency frameworks, and internal growth pathways

Administer learning and development initiatives, including scheduling, content coordination, and tracking outcomes

Create, manage, and continuously refine People Ops process documentation (SOPs, workflows, checklists, etc.)

Review and update employee handbook content; proactively flag areas needing policy development or clarification

Provide support on special projects across the People team, ranging from audits, review cycles, culture initiatives, compliance tasks, and cross-functional operational efforts

Serve as a trusted partner who protects confidentiality, exercises high judgment, and flags emerging issues early

Qualification

HRIS (Rippling)People Operations experienceProcess improvementAutomation toolsJudgmentCommunicationAttention to detailConfidentiality

Required

2+ years of experience in a People Operations, HR coordination, business operations, or high-trust administrative role supporting a fast-moving organization (startup, defense tech, high-growth tech, operations, or similar environment)

Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with absolute discretion and integrity

Proven success operating in ambiguity with limited oversight; comfortable taking a goal and running toward solutions independently

Strong systems fluency and ability to quickly learn new tools; experience with HRIS platforms preferred (Rippling is a plus)

Experience creating documentation, managing workflows, or supporting process improvements

High attention to detail, strong follow-through, and the ability to juggle multiple competing priorities

Excellent communication skills - clear, concise, and able to work with stakeholders across levels and functions

Ability to work onsite in either Clarksburg, MD or Arlington, VA with occasional travel between the two

Preferred

Experience in startups, defense technology, robotics, aerospace, or similarly fast-paced, mission-driven environments

Prior experience implementing automation or workflow tools

Background supporting learning & development, employee programs, or HR project management

Experience refining policies, handbooks, or compliance-adjacent documentation

Demonstrated track record of improving organizational processes or building operational infrastructure

Strong interest in autonomy, national security, robotics, or Forterra's mission

Benefits

Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.

Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.

Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.

Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.

A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption.

$9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.

Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires.

401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.