HR Business Partner

Lightmatter is leading the revolution in networking for AI and enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company invented the world’s first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage™, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads.

We are seeking an HR Business Partner to bring a human-first approach to all interactions and HR practices at our growing company. You will collaborate with business leaders, influence the organizational strategy, and help further Lightmatter’s vision & mission. Specifically, you will help us drive employee engagement, build high-performing teams, and create a meaningful culture. You will think strategically and use data and sound judgment to guide your work. Success in this position requires: the ability to operate in a fast-paced startup environment, outstanding communication skills, self-motivation, and the ability to partner with employees across all functions and levels of the company. 

Responsibilities

• Coach and mentor people managers and leaders on organizational and people issues, to drive effectiveness and high performance
• Partner with People team and business leaders to develop and implement key talent management programs, retention strategies, and culture building initiatives
• Assist with organizational design, workforce planning, succession planning, and skills assessment
• Guide employees and managers on career planning and creating learning and development plans
• Advise managers on handling employee performance issues and determine necessary actions to ensure fairness, consistency, and legal compliance
• Provide policy and procedure interpretation, counseling, and training for employees and managers
• Help to resolve difficult and/or sensitive workplace matters
• Conduct regular 1:1 and small group meetings; identify risks to employee engagement, morale, and performance; recommend solutions and change management efforts as needed
• Facilitate employee engagement surveys across the company, work with leaders to develop action plans, and provide insight on trends
• Partner with Talent Acquisition team to meet recruitment and business objectives
• Help organize initiatives that foster an inclusive work environment

• Minimum 8 years of human resources experience, with at least 2 years in an HRBP role.
• Prior experience at a technology and/or startup company.
• Experience developing strong relationships built on trust and credibility.
• Experience coaching managers and employees at all levels, balancing business and employee needs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of HR best practices, basic employment laws, and compliance requirements.
• Strong business acumen.
• Ability to handle the most sensitive employee information with discretion.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to organize and analyze data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrate a passion for operational excellence
• Naturally self-directed, motivated, and resourceful
• Lead with empathy, and an urgency to get things done

• Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• 401k matching
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Paid Family Leave
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Flexible, hybrid workplace model
• Stock Option Plan
• Commuter Benefit (pre-tax)

We offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role, inclusive of all US locations, is $135,000-$185,000. Your base salary will be determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.

Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.