Human Resource Generalist

About Cosmicport
Cosmicport is a space-tech startup developing methalox rocket propulsion and launch systems from Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. We operate a cryogenic propulsion test facility and are building a team of engineers and operators working at the frontier of Indian private spaceflight. We are looking for an HR professional who can build people systems from the ground up in a fast-moving, engineering-driven environment.

Role Summary
You will own the full people function for a growing deep-tech team: recruitment, onboarding, statutory compliance, policy, performance frameworks, and culture. This is a builder role — you will set up processes where none exist, and you will work directly with the founders on organizational decisions.

Educational Qualification:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field. MBA/PGDM with HR specialization preferred. Certification in labor law or statutory compliance (e.g., PF/ESI/POSH-related courses) is an added advantage.

Responsibilities:

Talent Acquisition

• Own end-to-end recruitment for engineering, operations, and support roles: sourcing, screening, interview coordination, offer negotiation, and closing.
• Build sourcing pipelines for niche aerospace talent (propulsion, aerodynamics, avionics, manufacturing etc), including outreach into ISRO/DRDO-adjacent networks, premier engineering institutes, and industry referrals.
• Maintain structured hiring documentation: JDs, interview scorecards, and candidate trackers.
• Onboarding & Employee Lifecycle
• Run structured onboarding covering documentation, facility safety induction, confidentiality/IP agreements, and role expectations.
• Maintain complete and audit-ready employee records, contracts, and exit documentation.
• Statutory Compliance & Payroll Support
• Ensure compliance with applicable Indian labor law: Shops & Establishments registration, PF, ESI, gratuity, professional tax, POSH Act obligations, and contract labor requirements where applicable.
• Coordinate with external counsel and accountants on employment contracts, payroll inputs, and filings.

Policy & Performance

• Draft and maintain the employee handbook, leave policy, code of conduct, travel policy, and facility conduct rules aligned with a safety-critical test environment.
• Administer review cycles, probation confirmations, and performance documentation in coordination with functional leads.
• Culture & Employee Relations
• Act as the first point of contact for employee grievances and workplace concerns, escalating to founders where necessary.
• Support team communication, engagement, and retention in a demanding, high-ownership environment.

Required Qualities:

• 2–5 years of HR experience, with at least 2 years in a startup, manufacturing, engineering services, or industrial environment.
• Working knowledge of Indian labor law and statutory compliance (PF/ESI/POSH at minimum).
• Demonstrated end-to-end recruitment ownership, ideally for technical/engineering roles.
• Strong written English; ability to draft policies, contracts inputs, and formal communication independently.
• Fluency in English; willingness to be based full-time in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.
• High discretion — comfort handling confidential information in an IP-sensitive, export-control-aware company.

Preferred Qualities:

• Experience hiring in aerospace, defence, automotive, or heavy engineering sectors.
• Exposure to HRMS/ATS tools (Keka, greytHR, or similar).
• Experience setting up HR functions from scratch (0→1).

Location: On-site — Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India
Experience Level: 1-5 years
Compensation: Competitive, aligned with experience and ownership level