People Operations Generalist

About Forterra

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. Amongst some of the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology, Forterra is focused on building systems that protect front-line soldiers and enable civilian workers in our industrial base. Forterra is the go-to provider of ground autonomy solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, which harnesses the technology for asymmetric warfare in critical conditions.

About the role

• Forterra is scaling fast, and our People Ops team is building the infrastructure that enables that growth. We’re looking for a highly capable, high-trust operator who can run at our speed and thrive in ambiguity. This role will report to the Director of People Operations and serve as a force-multiplier - owning core HR administrative processes, solving operational pain points through automation, and helping to shape the employee experience as we grow.
• This is not a role for someone who needs rigid structure or slow, predictable workflows. You will have autonomy, responsibility, and access to sensitive information - so integrity, discretion, and strong judgement are essential. If you’re energized by mission-driven work, love moving quickly, and take pride in being the person who “just gets it done,” you’ll thrive here.

What you'll do

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 Qualifications

• 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.
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