Compensation Manager.

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Compensation Manager based in the United States.

The Compensation Manager will lead the development and evolution of global compensation programs for a fast-growing company operating at the intersection of aerospace, hardware, and autonomous electric aviation. This individual contributor role will shape compensation strategies that attract, motivate, and retain highly skilled technical and operational talent. You will own salary structures, job frameworks, variable pay, and equity programs across the United States and Brazil, while helping prepare the organization for expansion into new markets. Working closely with People, Finance, Legal, and senior leadership, you will ensure compensation practices remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with business objectives. You will also help employees and candidates understand compensation decisions through clear communication and transparent resources. As the organization grows, you may have the opportunity to take ownership of its benefits programs as well.

Accountabilities

In this role, you will oversee global compensation strategy and operations, ensuring programs can scale with the organization while remaining competitive, equitable, and compliant. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Develop and refine the compensation philosophy and overall pay strategy in partnership with People leadership and business stakeholders.

• Own and continuously improve salary bands, job families, and variable compensation programs for engineering, manufacturing, flight operations, and general and administrative teams across the United States and Brazil.

• Manage and optimize compensation platforms and tools used for salary planning, benchmarking, merit reviews, and compensation cycles.

• Administer equity compensation programs, including grant guidelines, equity bands, and grant sizing, while collaborating with Finance and Legal on cap table alignment.

• Support candidates and employees in understanding equity awards and the value of their compensation packages.

• Conduct ongoing market research using technology and hardware industry compensation data, recommending adjustments to maintain competitiveness across operating markets.

• Lead annual compensation reviews, merit increases, and promotion cycles in collaboration with People Operations and leadership.

• Ensure compensation programs comply with applicable federal, state, local, and international regulations, including the FLSA, pay transparency requirements, and Brazilian labor laws.

• Develop clear compensation communications, documentation, and resources that explain pay structures and decisions to employees and candidates across different regions and cultures.

• Depending on your interests and experience, potentially oversee benefits programs, including plan design, broker and vendor relationships, and open enrollment.

Requirements

The ideal candidate combines strong compensation expertise, analytical capabilities, and experience building scalable programs in fast-moving international environments. You should bring:

• At least 5 years of dedicated compensation experience, ideally within a technology, hardware, aerospace, or startup environment.

• Demonstrated experience managing compensation programs across multiple countries, with substantial experience supporting US operations.

• At least 3 years of experience administering startup equity programs, including grant sizing, market benchmarking, and structured grant frameworks.

• Familiarity with compensation benchmarking databases such as Radford, Option Impact, or Mercer.

• Advanced analytical skills and strong proficiency in Google Sheets or Excel, including building compensation models, salary bands, and market analyses.

• A solid understanding of US employment regulations and pay transparency requirements, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex compensation and equity concepts clearly to employees and candidates across different regions and cultures.

Additional experience that would be valuable includes:

• Compensation management experience in Brazil or elsewhere in Latin America.

• Experience launching or expanding compensation programs in new countries, including local benchmarking, salary band design, and regulatory compliance.

• Hands-on experience implementing or optimizing compensation planning software such as Pave, Pequity, or Comprehensive.

• Knowledge of cross-border equity arrangements, international taxation, global mobility, and equity compensation considerations.

• Familiarity with the tax, accounting, and legal implications of domestic and international stock options, exercise windows, and equity structures.

• Experience building or leading a compensation team, or serving as the first dedicated compensation hire in a growing organization.

Candidates do not need to meet every preferred qualification to be considered. Different backgrounds and strengths are welcome, and applicants who are excited about the opportunity are encouraged to apply even if their experience does not align perfectly with every point listed.

Benefits

• Annual base salary ranging from $140,000 to $200,000, plus equity.

• Final compensation will depend on location, relevant knowledge, skills, and experience; salary ranges may change.

• Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with employer matching.

• 401(k) retirement plan.

• Paid holidays and generous paid time off, with additional unpaid time off available.

• Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.

• Pre-tax commuter benefits.

• Free catered lunch and snacks.