Senior HR Operations & Compliance Specialist

Overview

The Senior HR Operations and Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring the integrity, compliance, and operational effectiveness of Human Resources programs, policies, and processes. This role serves as the primary owner of HR compliance activities, reporting, policy management, audit readiness, contract administration, and HR operational controls. The position partners closely with internal stakeholders and external organizations, including Princeton University and the Department of Energy (DOE), to monitor regulatory requirements, proactively manage change, and ensure adherence to applicable federal, state, local, contractual, and organizational requirements.

 

A proud U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a longstanding leader in the science and innovation behind the development of fusion energy — a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. With an eye on the future and in response to national priorities, PPPL also has begun a strategic shift from a singular focus on fusion energy to a multi-focus approach that includes microelectronics, quantum information science, and sustainability science. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to make their mark on our world. Come join us!

Responsibilities

The Senior HR Operations and Compliance Specialist leads HR reporting, coordinates internal and external audits, and maintains critical HR governance documentation and communication channels. The role continuously evaluates HR processes to identify opportunities for improvement, strengthen controls, mitigate risk, and enhance operational efficiency.

In addition, the position provides oversight and administration of employee leaves, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies while delivering effective support to employees and managers. While leave administration remains an important responsibility, the primary focus of the role is HR compliance, governance, risk management, audit preparedness, and operational excellence.    

    

Given the highly sensitive nature of human resources information, this role serves as a trusted steward of confidential employee, organizational, and regulatory data. The position is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of discretion, integrity, and professional judgment, fostering trust across all levels of the organization while ensuring information is handled, communicated, and protected in accordance with legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements. A strong commitment to confidentiality is essential to preserving employee confidence, mitigating risk, and upholding the credibility and integrity of the Human Resources function.

 

CORE Duties Include:

 

HR Compliance, Governance, Audit & Contract Management (80-85%)

Policy Management and Regulatory Compliance• Own the development, review, implementation, and management of HR policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, contractual, and organizational requirements.• Establish and maintain a policy review framework, including review schedules, version control, and change management processes.• Monitor regulatory and contractual developments and proactively assess impacts to HR programs, policies, and practices.• Partner with Princeton, DOE, legal counsel, and internal stakeholders to interpret requirements, implement changes, and mitigate compliance risks.• Develop communication and training plans to ensure employee and management understanding of policy updates and compliance obligations.

Compliance Reporting and Contract Administration• Serve as the primary owner of all HR compliance reporting requirements, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission of required reports, including Appendix A and other contractual deliverables.• Develop and maintain reporting calendars and documentation to ensure ongoing compliance with contractual obligations.• Identify compliance risks and develop corrective action plans to address gaps and strengthen organizational controls.

Audit and Risk Management• Lead HR audit readiness efforts by establishing and maintaining documentation, records, controls, and processes necessary to support internal and external audits.• Coordinate HR participation in audits, including payroll, benefits, compliance, compensation, and governmental reviews.• Conduct periodic internal compliance reviews and process audits to assess adherence to policies, procedures, contractual requirements, and regulatory standards.• Develop and implement corrective action plans to address audit findings and strengthen compl