HR Benefits and Leave of Absence Manager
Austin, Texas
HR /
Full Time /
On-site
Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing defense autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations for the Department of Defense (DoD) through autonomous and intelligent platforms.
Job Overview
The HR Benefits and Leave of Absence (LOA) Manager at Saronic is responsible for managing and administering comprehensive employee benefits and leave programs. This includes oversight of health and welfare plans, workers' compensation, leaves of absence (FMLA, ADA, etc.), and continuous learning benefits. The role ensures benefits delivery is compliant, equitable, and aligned with both employee needs and business priorities.
In addition to daily program management, this position is responsible for ensuring compliance with government regulations including those specific to federal contractors and defense-related employers. The HR Benefits Manager will play a critical role in maintaining auditable processes, supporting reporting and disclosures, and preparing the organization for external audits or regulatory reviews.
Responsibilities
- Benefits Administration
- Manage employee benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, 401(k), HSA/FSA, and more.
- Oversee annual open enrollment and life event processing in collaboration with vendors and brokers.
- Maintain compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and IRS guidelines.
- Prepare and support required annual filings such as Form 5500, Summary Annual Reports, and nondiscrimination testing.
- Deliver clear, accessible benefits communications to employees across all levels.
- Partner with HRBPs and Recruiting to integrate benefits education into onboarding, offboarding, and manager training.
- Provide 1:1 support to employees navigating complex claims, appeals, or leave transitions.
- Track benefit-related compliance records (ACA, FMLA, workers' comp, ERISA) in accordance with statutory retention timelines.
- Stay informed of changes in laws or guidance from the DOL, EEOC, IRS, and other regulatory agencies; recommend policy and process updates accordingly.
- Leave of Absence (LOA) & FMLA
- Administer leave programs in compliance with FMLA, ADA, state-specific laws, and internal policies.
- Track eligibility, approvals, communications, and return-to-work plans with accurate documentation.
- Coordinate interactive processes for ADA accommodations and maintain compliant case files.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state leave legislation applicable to defense contractors.
- Workers’ Compensation
- Serve as the internal point of contact for workplace incidents and workers’ comp claims.
- Help EHS to maintain OSHA logs and assist with required reporting and safety audits.
- Partner with legal, compliance, and facilities on incident review and risk reduction.
- Ensure claims management aligns with both insurance requirements and DOL regulations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or a related field; or equivalent combination of experience and education.
- 5+ years of benefits administration experience, ideally in a government contractor or defense-related environment.
- Strong working knowledge of ERISA, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, and other federal regulations.
- Familiarity with DOL and OFCCP audits, and with recordkeeping requirements for federal contractors.
- Experience managing LOA and workers' comp cases across multiple states.
- Proficiency in HRIS and benefit systems (e.g., Paycom, Workday, ADP, or similar).
- Exceptional attention to detail and data accuracy; strong documentation habits.
- Clear communicator with an employee-focused approach.
- Preferred Qualifications
- CEBS, CBP, or PHR/SPHR certification.
- Experience working in defense, aerospace, or government contracting settings.
- Familiarity with federal acquisition regulations (FAR) or Service Contract Act compliance.
- Working knowledge of OFCCP requirements related to employee benefits and leave.
Benefits
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
- Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
- Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
- Saronic pays 99% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
- Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
- Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
- Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
- Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
- Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
- Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
- Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office
Physical Demands
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Occasional standing and walking within the office.
- Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
- Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports.
- Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies.
- Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).
This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
