Director, Compensation & Benefits

Axiom Space is a human space exploration company, building era-defining space infrastructure and delivering technology-driven solutions that will empower civilization to transcend Earth. Beginning with Axiom Station, successor to the International Space Station, the company is pioneering a next-generation orbital settlement that will foster groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity and drive the global space economy of tomorrow. Today, guided by the vision of leading humanity's expansion off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and beyond. For more information about Axiom Space, visit www.axiomspace.com. Axiom Space fosters a work environment inclusive of all perspectives. We are the pioneers of commercial space, leading the transformation of low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace. Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and agile Director, Compensation & Benefits who is fueled by high ownership, execution horsepower, growth mindset, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond. POSITION SUMMARY The Director, Compensation & Benefits is a strategic HR leader, with hands-on expertise, responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining total rewards programs that attract, retain, and motivate top talent. This role ensures competitive, equitable, and performance-driven compensation structures aligned with business objectives. This leader will bring both analytical rigor and business acumen balancing market competitiveness, internal equity, regulatory compliance, and financial stewardship. KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Compensation Strategy and Program Design Lead enterprise-wide compensation strategy, including base pay, short-term incentives plans, and long-term incentive plans to include Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) programs. Conduct market benchmarking and recommend pay positioning aligned to talent strategy. Design and manage salary structures, job architecture, and pay equity initiatives. Partner with Finance to support budgeting, forecasting, and compensation modeling. Oversee annual compensation planning cycle to include base pay increases and incentives. Executive & Incentive Programs Design and administer executive compensation programs, including equity, perks and executive perquisites. Prepare materials and analysis for executive leadership and Board/Compensation Committee. Ensure alignment between pay-for-performance philosophy and business outcomes. Benefits Strategy & Administration Lead benefits strategy including health & welfare, retirement, wellness, and leave programs. Evaluate vendors and negotiate contracts to optimize cost and value. Drive employee education and engagement around total reward offerings. Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits inquiries, clarifications, and issue resolution. Compliance & Governance Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (FLSA, ERISA, ACA, Payroll, etc.). Maintain pay equity and transparency compliance. Develop and maintain compensation policies and governance frameworks. Stay abreast of industry trends and regulatory updates to ensure compliance across all total rewards programs. Prepare and maintain reports, metrics, dashboards to track trends and inform decision-making. Leadership & Stakeholder Partnership Partner with senior leadership and other People & Culture team members to align total rewards with workforce planning. Collaborate and coach People & Culture team members and leaders to provide guidance on compensation strategies, decisions, and practices. Build and lead a lean, high-performing total rewards team. HRIS & Payroll Oversight Provide support for HRIS and payroll processing, ensuring maximum, seamless functionality. Coordinate HRIS, payroll, and finance team to reconcile and resolve challenges. Partner with other People & Culture team members to foster attraction and retention programs that are dependent on systems capability.   To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each key duty and responsibility satisfactorily. Perform other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS:  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in human resources, finance accounting or possesses an approved combined equivalent of education and experience. 10+ years of progressive human resources, compensation and benefits experience. 3+ years leading compensation strategy at a manager or director level. Experience working in a publicly traded company is preferred. Experience supporting executive compensation and Board reporting. Strong financial acumen and advanced analytics capability to include using advanced systems to automate tasks, perform in-depth data analysis, create dynamic visualizations, and build complex financial or business models for sophisticated data manipulation and reporting for informed, smarter decision-making. Deep knowledge of compensation design, job architecture, and market pricing. CCP, CEBS, or related certification preferred. Experience with Workday. Experience in International Global Compensation Administration (non-US) is preferred. Functional Competencies Strategic thinker with operational execution capability with precision and pace Data-driven decision maker Executive presence and influencing skills High integrity and sound judgment Strong project management discipline, highly organized, and takes ownership Ability to balance employee experience with financial discipline Understands compensation programs aligned to business performance Successfully differentiates high performers in high-growth Aerotech company Forges strong partnership with Finance and Executive leadership Measures improvements in attraction and retention outcomes Strong agility and adaptability to integrate quickly into a small team Maintains a high level of discretion with confidential matters Core Skills Passion for space and the mission Entrepreneurial, growth mindset High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally Tech-solutioning in using systems and tools to move smarter and faster Core Competencies: Embody our core values of Leadership, Innovation, and Teamwork. In addition, to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: Accountability Technical Rigor Execution Discipline Pride of Delivery WORK ENVIRONMENT: Generally, an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requirements  Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation. Management has the discretion to select at any level for which the position is advertised. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones. Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.