Human Resources Generalist

CHAOS Inc. is a global technology company delivering next-generation capabilities to the defense and critical industrial sectors. Founded in 2022 by a seasoned leadership team, CHAOS has quickly become the place where world-class multi-disciplinary engineers come to build mission-critical technologies. CHAOS has a mission-focused culture, dedicated to solving the toughest technical challenges. Its unique agile engineering approach enables rapid prototyping, while deep partnerships with defense and industry ensure real-world solutions.

Role Overview
We're looking for a hands-on, resourceful HR Generalist who thrives in a fast-moving startup environment and enjoys variety – one day improving HR workflows, the next helping managers and employees navigate benefits, onboarding, or policy questions.

You'll partner closely with the HR Director and HR Coordinator to manage day-to-day HR operations, strengthen systems and compliance, and deliver an exceptional employee experience as we continue our rapid growth.

Responsibilities

• Act as a primary point of contact for daily HR inquiries and employee support.
• Maintain accurate and timely data across Rippling (HRIS, payroll, and benefits).
• Prepare reports, audits, and dashboards to ensure data accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate onboarding, offboarding, and employee changes.
• Assist with benefits administration, open enrollment, and vendor coordination.
• Track and coordinate leaves of absence, accommodations, and employment verifications.
• Support investigations and documentation.
• Assist with the semi-annual performance and compensation review process by coordinating timelines, preparing communications and tracking tools, and assisting managers and HR throughout the review cycle.
• Support HR communications, employee surveys, and engagement initiatives.
• Work full-time onsite out of our office in Los Angeles (Hawthorne), California.

Minimum Requirements

• 3-5 years of progressive HR experience in a generalist or coordinator role; ideally in a high growth or startup setting
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. employment laws and HR best practices (especially California; multi-state familiarity a plus)
• Demonstrated experience supporting HR operations such as onboarding, benefits administration, employee relations, and compliance tracking.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems; able to manage transactions, workflows, and audits with high accuracy.
• Hands-on experience managing leave of absence cases end-to-end, including FMLA/CFRA, short- and long-term disability, and company-paid parental leave programs that require top-off