Human Resources Generalist – Build People Systems for Space-Tech Startup

About the role

Cosmicport, a fast‑growing space‑tech startup in Thoothukudi, is looking for a Human Resources Generalist to build and own the people function from the ground up. You will work closely with the founders to design recruitment, onboarding, compliance and performance processes for a deep‑tech engineering team.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end talent acquisition for engineering, operations and support roles, including sourcing niche aerospace talent and managing interview logistics.
• Design and deliver structured onboarding, safety inductions, confidentiality agreements and role‑specific expectations.
• Maintain audit‑ready employee records, contracts and exit documentation.
• Ensure compliance with Indian labour laws such as Shops & Establishments, PF, ESI, gratuity, professional tax and POSH.
• Coordinate with external counsel and accountants for employment contracts, payroll inputs and statutory filings.
• Draft and update the employee handbook, leave policy, code of conduct and other HR policies aligned with a safety‑critical environment.
• Manage performance review cycles, probation confirmations and documentation in partnership with functional leads.
• Act as first point of contact for employee grievances, driving resolution or escalation to founders as needed.

Required profile

• 2–5 years of HR experience, with at least 2 years in a startup, manufacturing, engineering services or industrial setting.
• Working knowledge of Indian labour law and statutory compliance (PF, ESI, POSH at minimum).
• Proven end‑to‑end recruitment ownership, preferably for technical or engineering positions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology or related field; MBA/PGDM with HR focus preferred.
• Certification in labour law or statutory compliance is an advantage.

Required skills

• Knowledge of PF, ESI and POSH statutory frameworks.
• Experience with recruitment tools and candidate tracking.
• Familiarity with HRIS or employee record management systems.