HR and Recruiting Specialist

Sea Machines Robotics Sea Machines is a fast-growing startup specializing in autonomous technology for marine vessels. The world’s oceans convey 90% of global commerce. We’re applying practical A.I. to disrupt the massive marine and maritime transportation market. Our tech provides ships and workboats the intelligence to operate autonomously and remotely, and which increases safety for maritime crews, and radically improves operator productivity.

We're looking for a motivated, people-focused HR & Recruiting Specialist to help us build and support an exceptional team as we continue to grow.
This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys connecting with people, thrives in a fast-paced startup environment, and is able to prioritize multiple tasks. You'll play a key role in attracting top talent, creating a great employee experience, and keeping our people operations running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities
Talent Acquisition & Recruiting
- Manage the full recruiting lifecycle, from job postings and candidate sourcing through interviews, offers, and onboarding.
- Partner with hiring managers to understand staffing needs, develop job descriptions, and establish hiring priorities.
- Proactively source and engage qualified candidates across engineering, technical, and business functions.
- Coordinate interviews, manage candidate communications, and ensure a positive candidate experience.
- Maintain applicant tracking systems, recruiting pipelines, and hiring metrics.
- Support compensation research and preparation of employment offers.
- Identify opportunities to improve recruiting processes, reduce time-to-hire, and strengthen our employer brand.
Human Resources & People Operations
- Coordinate employee onboarding and offboarding, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience.
- Maintain accurate employee records, personnel files, and HR documentation.
- Support administration of employee benefits, leave policies, and HR programs.
- Assist with performance review cycles, employee development initiatives, and feedback processes.
- Respond to employee questions regarding company policies, benefits, and HR procedures.
- Help maintain and improve employee handbooks, internal policies, and HR processes.
- Support compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations.
- Assist with employee relations matters, maintaining professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
Employee Experience & Company Culture
- Help foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture.
- Coordinate employee engagement initiatives, team-building activities, and company events.
- Support internal communications and company-wide announcements.
- Identify opportunities to improve employee satisfaction, retention, and the overall employee experience.
- Partner with leadership to implement people-focused initiatives that support company growth.
- Serve as an approachable and trusted resource for employees across the organization.
HR Administration & Process Improvement
- Maintain and improve HR systems, workflows, and administrative processes.
- Track and report key HR and recruiting metrics.
- Assist with organizational planning, headcount tracking, and workforce reporting.
- Support the development of scalable HR processes as the company grows.
- Take ownership of special projects and jump in wherever needed to support the broader Business Operations team.
Qualifications
Required
- 2–5 years of experience in human resources, recruiting, talent acquisition, or a related role.
- Experience managing recruiting processes and coordinating multiple open positions.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of an organization.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to handle sensitive employee information with discretion and confidentiality.
- Working knowledge of HR practices and federal and state employment regulations.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with HRIS or applicant tracking systems.
- Self-starter mentality with the ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and work independently.
Preferred
- Experience working in a startup, technology, engineering, or other fast-growing organization.
- Experience recruiting for technical and engineering positions.
- Experience supporting employee benefits, performance management, and onboarding programs.
- Experience developing or improving HR processes and systems.