Compensation Specialist

Saronic · Defense · Austin, TX · People

This role is for a Compensation Specialist at Saronic Technologies, a company focused on maritime autonomy. The specialist will design, implement, and manage compensation programs, including equity, market analysis, and global compliance. They will collaborate with leadership, HR, Finance, and Legal to ensure competitive and equitable compensation structures. The role requires 5+ years of experience, with a focus on equity and global compensation for pre-IPO companies.

What you'd actually do

  1. Compensation Strategy & Design: Collaborate with leadership to develop and refine compensation strategies that align with company goals, industry benchmarks, and talent needs. Ensure that compensation packages are competitive and equitable across the organization, both domestically and internationally.
  2. Equity Compensation Management: Manage and administer the company’s equity compensation programs, including stock options, RSUs, and other equity-based incentives. Work with finance and legal teams to ensure compliance with tax and securities regulations.
  3. Market Analysis & Benchmarking: Conduct regular salary benchmarking and compensation market analysis to ensure competitive pay practices. Evaluate compensation trends, emerging practices, and geographical variances to adjust and recommend compensation strategies.
  4. Global Compensation & Compliance: Execution of compensation programs for international teams, taking into account regional market trends, currency differences, taxation, and local compliance requirements. Ensure compliance with all international labor laws, tax regulations, and DoD contracting standards.
  5. Compensation Analytics & Reporting: Use data analytics to provide insights and recommendations on compensation trends, program effectiveness, and employee retention. Provide regular reporting to senior leadership on compensation expenses, equity grants, and pay equity.

Skills

Required

  • 5+ years of experience in compensation
  • at least 2 years focused on equity compensation management
  • at least 2 years focused on global compensation strategies for Pre-IPO companies
  • Proven experience designing and implementing compensation programs in a startup or high-growth environment
  • Deep knowledge of compensation principles, job evaluation, salary benchmarking, and equity compensation programs (stock options, RSUs, ESPPs, etc.)
  • Expertise in domestic and international compensation practices, including regulatory requirements and tax implications
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret compensation data and present insights to leadership
  • Experience with compensation management software (e.g., Workday, PayScale, Carta, or similar)
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams

Nice to have

  • Master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g., CCP, GRP)

What the JD emphasized

  • global compensation
  • equity compensation
  • compliance with global compensation regulations
  • compliance with all international labor laws, tax regulations, and DoD contracting standards