HR Benefits Specialist (Contract)

Astronomer•San Francisco, CA

1d•Remote

About The Position

Astronomer empowers data teams to bring mission-critical software, analytics, and AI to life and is the company behind Astro, the industry-leading unified DataOps platform powered by Apache Airflow®. Astro accelerates building reliable data products that unlock insights, unleash AI value, and powers data-driven applications. Trusted by more than 800 of the world's leading enterprises, Astronomer lets businesses do more with their data. To learn more, visit www.astronomer.io. About this role: Astronomer is seeking an experienced HR Benefits Specialist to provide full coverage during a critical 4–5 month period. This role ensures continuity across global HR operations, benefits administration, compliance, payroll support, and employee lifecycle processes. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role responsible for maintaining compliance, leading time-sensitive initiatives (including U.S. Open Enrollment and the 401(k) audit), and ensuring day-to-day HR operations in Workday run smoothly and accurately. This role is remote but requires availability during Eastern Time (EST) business hours to effectively support global teams and cross-functional partners. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced, global environment.

Requirements

2–3 years of experience in People Operations or HR
Strong experience with U.S. benefits administration and leave management
Experience supporting 401(k) audits and Form 5500 filings
Experience running full-cycle Open Enrollment processes
Familiarity with UK pension administration
Working knowledge of Workday
Strong understanding of U.S. employment laws and compliance requirements
High attention to detail with strong organizational and project management skills
Ability to work independently in a remote, fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Experience in a high-growth or startup environment
Experience supporting global or EOR populations
Experience identifying and implementing process improvements within HR systems

Responsibilities

Own day-to-day HR operations across the U.S., UK, and global EOR populations
Administer leave of absence programs (FMLA, parental leave, disability, and statutory leaves)
Maintain accurate employee data in Workday and ensure proper documentation
Identify and implement improvements to HR processes and system configurations
Manage the HR ticketing system and respond to employee inquiries
Administer health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs
Lead U.S. Open Enrollment, including broker/vendor coordination, renewals, employee communications, and system setup
Support the annual 401(k) audit in partnership with Finance and external auditors
Ensure timely completion and filing of Form 5500
Partner with UK providers to administer benefits and pension programs
Manage the Annual Pension & Salary Exchange Update Period, including communications and coordination
Conduct annual employee handbook review and manage acknowledgment process
Oversee compliance training rollout and track completion
Ensure compliance with U.S., UK, and applicable global employment laws
Maintain audit-ready documentation and reporting
Support payroll cycles in partnership with Finance
Process employee changes impacting payroll (benefits, leaves, compensation updates)
Maintain data integrity in Workday and run standard People reports
Identify and address operational inefficiencies where feasible