People Operations Manager

Location: New York, NY, with company presences in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Relocation support is provided.

Salary: $100,000–$190,000 per year, plus equity and benefits.

Company

Arena Physica builds Atlas, an AI platform that applies physics-grounded intelligence to verify, debug, and optimize hardware throughout its lifecycle.

What you will do

• Own employee onboarding from offer paperwork and I-9 verification through equipment, workspace, and the first week.
• Administer medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and leave programs, including open enrollment and benefits issue resolution.
• Own the HRIS and maintain accurate people data, headcount, attrition, and compensation reporting.
• Maintain handbooks, policies, and postings while supporting employment compliance across New York, California, and future locations.
• Manage employment-based immigration cases with outside counsel, including H-1B and O-1 filings, transfers, extensions, and permanent residency.
• Drive the performance evaluation process and improve rubrics and processes with team leaders.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in people operations or as an HR generalist, including experience at a company with fewer than 100 employees.
• Direct experience owning payroll and benefits administration.
• Experience implementing or meaningfully rebuilding a modern HRIS.
• Working knowledge of employment law and multi-state compliance.
• Experience managing employment-based immigration cases with outside counsel.
• Strong operational judgment and discretion when handling compensation, medical information, and sensitive employee matters.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental premiums fully covered for employees and dependents.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Unlimited paid time off.
• Daily lunch from local restaurants through Sharebite.
• Relocation support.
• Equity package available in addition to base salary.