HR Benefits Specialist (Contract)

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, 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.

What you get to do:

• Own day-to-day HR operations across the U.S., UK, and global EOR populations

• 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 leave of absence programs (FMLA, parental leave, disability, and statutory leaves)

Benefits Administration (U.S.)

• 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

Benefits Administration (UK)

• Partner with UK providers to administer benefits and pension programs

• Manage the Annual Pension & Salary Exchange Update Period, including communications and coordination

Compliance & Operations

• 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

HR Systems & Reporting

• Process employee changes and support payroll cycles in partnership with finance

• Maintain data integrity in Workday and run standard People reports

• Identify and address operational inefficiencies where feasible

What you bring to the role:

• 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

Bonus points if you have:

• Experience in a high-growth or startup environment

• Experience supporting global or EOR populations

• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements within HR systems

This is a contract role with an hourly rate of $35 per hour.

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At Astronomer, we value diversity. We are an equal opportunity employer: we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.