KDA, Inc, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has been operating in the United States for more than 20 years. We produce world-leading Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for the US Army, Marine Corps, and allies at our Johnstown, Pennsylvania factory. We have delivered more than 20,000 PROTECTOR RWS to 28 countries. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) is a highly mobile and tailorable capability that protects the airspace of 13 countries and Washington, DC. In 2027, we will do final assembly, test, and sustainment of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile systems at a new factory in southern Virginia.

Join us, and you’ll be part of a high performing team that develops advanced technology solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure in countries around the world. Explore your potential and discover what your future could be with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is establishing a new, state‑of‑the‑art missile production facility in James City County, Virginia—and we are seeking an experienced, forward‑thinking HR Manager to help build and shape this operation. This is a rare opportunity to play a foundational role in standing up a critical manufacturing site, supporting a rapidly growing U.S. footprint, and partnering closely with leadership to develop a high‑performing, mission‑driven workforce.

Human Resources leaders at KONGSBERG US are trusted advisors who help employees and leaders thrive in complex, highly regulated manufacturing environments. Under the direction of the Vice President, Human Resources, the Human Resources Manager will serve as the foundational HR leader for KDA’s new production facility, KMS, in Toano, Virginia, supporting the organization through facility construction, workforce ramp-up, and transition to full production operations.

This role will lead and implement the site people strategy, including employee relations, performance management, policy interpretation and enforcement, health and safety partnership, organizational development and training, compensation administration, and local risk management. As the face of HR at KMS, the HR Manager will play a critical role in shaping culture, building trust, and ensuring a positive and compliant employee experience from day one.

Responsibilities:

Manages future members of the KMS HR team, ensuring their growth, continuous development, and success. Leverages a strong understanding of the business and talent to coach leaders and influences strong decision-making, fostering long-term organizational growth and resilience. Uses insights to guide decisions, uncover trends, and improve organizational health.
Formulates and recommends HR policies and objectives for the KMS production facility in under direction from the Vice President, Human Resources.
Explains HR department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves confidential, sensitive and controversial issues, and escalates to senior leadership when required for assistance.
Manages and maintains employee data in company HRIS, ADP Workforce Now, and acts as system SME for the KMS HR department.
Identifies legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting the HR function (e.g., OSHA, EEO, ERISA, FMLA, Affirmative Action and Wage & Hour). Helps to monitor exposure and liability of the company and provides recommendations to limit risk.
Responsible for conducting wage surveys within relevant labor markets to determine competitive wage rates.
Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates the HR department staff's work plan; assigns projects and program responsibilities; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems
Represents the Company at legal, workers compensation, and unemployment compensation hearings as needed
Coordinates with HR counterparts in Norway to ensure effective data sharing and workforce planning.
Complies with all existing government reporting requirements including any related to the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the FMLA, the Department of Labor, and so forth. Ensures minimal company exposure to lawsuits. Trains employees in compliance laws.
In conjunction with the greater KONGSBERG US HR team, develops annual Key Performance metrics for KMS HR team and manages performance to Key Performance Indicators.

ANY ADDITIONAL, PERIODIC OR OCCASIONAL DUTIES:

May require periodic travel to Alexandria, VA or Johnstown, PA
May require 1-2 trips to Norway per year

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Business, or related area
HR certification (SHRM-CP/PHR or SHRM-SCP/SPHR) preferred

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & BACKGROUND:

Minimum of 5 years of progressive HR experience partnering with senior business leaders.
At least 2 years of people management experience, with demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and scale HR teams.
Prior experience in a manufacturing environment, including workforce planning and operational HR support.
Experience supporting workforce ramp-up for new or expanding production facilities, including headcount planning, shift design, and labor mix optimization.
Demonstrated knowledge of state and federal employment law, including compliance in highly regulated environments (e.g., OSHA, EEO, FMLA, Wage & Hour).
Experience supporting HR operations in a government contracting or defense manufacturing environment, including audit readiness and heightened compliance requirements.

CORE CAPABILITIES & SKILLS:

Proven ability to act as a trusted HR business partner, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution in fast-paced environments.
Demonstrated success managing ambiguity and competing priorities in a scale-up or growth environment; flexibility is a non-negotiable.
Strong understanding of key HR domains, including compensation and market pay analysis, performance management, employee relations, employee engagement, and health & safety.
Experience partnering with EHS leaders to reinforce a strong safety culture in production settings.
Proficiency in using HR data and analytics to identify trends, guide decision-making, and implement impactful organizational changes.
Strong working knowledge of HRIS systems, preferably ADP Workforce Now, with ability to serve as a system subject matter expert.

LEADERSHIP & INTERPERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS:

Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization.
High degree of professional maturity, discretion, and diplomacy, including the ability to navigate sensitive and complex employee situations.
Proven leadership and supervisory skills, including coaching, developing, and holding teams accountable for results.
Strong prioritization, planning, and organizational skills, with keen attention to detail.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

International HR experience, particularly within a FOCI-mitigated organization, is highly preferred.
Experience supporting expatriate populations, policy development, and cross-border HR coordination.
Demonstrated ability to navigate multi-cultural environments and collaborate effectively with global stakeholders.

MINIMUM LEARNING TIME FOR THIS POSITION PROVIDED EMPLOYEE HAS NECESSARY EXPERIENCE:

6 months +

OTHER POSITION CONSIDERATIONS:

May be required to work a flexible schedule that provides needed coverage for time-sensitive projects.
Follow established confidentiality policy, safety standards and applicable regulations.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software.
High energy level, comfortable performing multifaceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities.
Demonstrated prioritization skills and time management skills to ensure that work related activities are completed in an accurate and timely manner.
Participative management style – advocate of team concept.
Ability to establish credibility and be decisive in addition to recognizing and supporting the organization's preferences and priorities.
Results and people oriented, but have sound judgment—ability to balance other business considerations.
Service oriented but must be assertive/persuasive.
Possess effective listening skills to ensure understanding of instructions and directions and effectively communicate progress and problems to co-workers and management.
Ability to work effectively in a team oriented, high demand and fast paced environment.
Travel, both domestic and international, is required.
Must possess valid Drivers’ license.

U.S. PERSON REQUIREMENT: “To comply with U.S. national security requirements mandated under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. will consider only applicants who are U.S. Persons for this position.” OR “Applicant must be a U.S. Person within the meaning of United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) governing export control.” “A U.S. Person is a United States Citizen or National, Lawful Permanent Resident, Lawful Temporary Resident, Refugee or Asylee.”

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is part of Kongsberg Gruppen (KONGSBERG), an international knowledge-based group that supplies high technology systems and solutions to its customers engaged in oil and gas production, the merchant marine, and the defense and aerospace industries. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. performs final assembly and testing of Remote Weapon Stations. The company also performs repair and overhaul (R&O) of Remote Weapon Stations that come back from field operations. In addition to competitive wages, we provide an excellent package of benefits, which presently include company-paid health, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) with competitive match, a 9/80 work schedule, life insurance, sick time and paid time off (PTO).

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discount
Flexible schedule
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance

Schedule:

Day shift
Monday to Friday
9/80
Anticipated training period: 6 months (+)

Ability to commute/relocate:

James City County, VA - Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace Inc

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