Human Resources Manager

About Applied Angstrom Technology

Applied Angstrom Technology (AAT) is a Singapore-based deep-tech semiconductor equipment company pioneering atomic-scale precision manufacturing. We develop next-generation process equipment that enables semiconductor manufacturers to transcend the limits of conventional scaling, powering advances in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, advanced memory, and next-generation data centre infrastructure.

Our core technological differentiation lies in angstrom-level precision - operating at the atomic scale, a significant leap beyond traditional nanometre-scale fabrication. This unprecedented control over materials and processes enables devices with higher transistor density, superior electrical performance, enhanced energy efficiency, and revolutionary architectures including 3D integration and advanced packaging. These capabilities are essential to meeting the exponential compute demands driven by AI workloads and increasingly complex semiconductor designs.

Our Atomic Precision Innovation Center (APIC) in Singapore serves as the nexus for advanced R&D, prototyping, and early-stage manufacturing. Equipped with state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities and specialized tooling, the center accelerates the transition from research breakthroughs to commercially viable equipment platforms. AAT's strategic position within Singapore's semiconductor ecosystem—one of the world's premier hubs for semiconductor equipment and manufacturing—enables close collaboration with leading global chipmakers, research institutions, and government partners.

AAT's vision is to become a globally significant upstream enabler within the semiconductor value chain, providing critical equipment and process technologies that underpin the next generation of computing infrastructure. By focusing on enabling technologies rather than end products, we position ourselves as a foundational partner to industry leaders across Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Role Overview

The HR Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization's people strategy and building a robust HR foundation that can scale alongside business growth. This is not a traditional HR role, it requires a builder's mindset, operational excellence, and the ability to function effectively in ambiguity.

You will be responsible for establishing HR frameworks, driving talent acquisition, strengthening organizational culture, and enabling leadership to scale teams effectively. The role demands a balance between strategic thinking and hands-on execution, with a strong emphasis on resilience, adaptability, and ownership.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in high-pressure environments, embraces challenges, and is motivated by the opportunity to create impact from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

1. HR Strategy, Workforce Planning & Scaling

• Develop and implement a forward-looking HR strategy aligned with aggressive business growth plans
• Translate business objectives into actionable people strategies and workforce plans
• Design scalable organizational structures that can support rapid expansion
• Establish HR frameworks, policies, and processes that evolve with the company's maturity
• Continuously assess organizational health and recommend improvements

2. Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding

• Own and drive end-to-end recruitment strategies across technical and non-technical functions
• Build and maintain strong talent pipelines in a competitive hiring landscape
• Optimize recruitment processes for speed, quality, and candidate experience
• Develop employer branding initiatives to position the company as a compelling workplace
• Partner with hiring managers to define role requirements and hiring strategies

3. Culture Building, Engagement & Retention

• Define, shape, and reinforce a high-performance, ownership-driven culture
• Champion company values and ensure alignment across all levels of the organization
• Design and implement employee engagement initiatives suited for a fast-paced environment
• Identify retention risks and implement proactive solutions
• Act as a trusted advisor to employees and leadership on cultural and organizational matters

4. Performance Management & Organizational Development

• Design and implement performance management frameworks focused on accountability and impact
• Drive goal-setting processes (e.g., OKRs/KPIs) aligned with business priorities
• Support leadership in building high-performing teams and managing underperformance
• Develop and implement learning & development programs to build organizational capability
• Plan succession and leadership development initiatives as the company scales

5. HR Operations, Systems & Compliance

• Establish and manage efficient HR operations including onboarding, offboarding, payroll coordination, and documentation
• Ensure compliance with Singapore employment laws and regulatory requirements
• Develop and maintain HR policies, employee handbooks, and governance frameworks
• Implement and optimize HR systems (HRIS, ATS, performance tools) to improve efficiency and data visibility
• Utilize HR analytics to inform decision-making and track key metrics

6. Leadership Partnership & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a strategic partner to founders and senior leadership on all people-related matters
• Provide pragmatic, business-focused HR advice and solutions
• Support organizational design, restructuring, and change management initiatives
• Facilitate communication and alignment across teams during periods of rapid change
• Handle sensitive employee relations issues with discretion and sound judgment

7. Change Management & Organizational Agility

• Lead and support change initiatives as the company evolves and scales
• Help teams adapt to new structures, processes, and priorities
• Build organizational resilience and readiness for continuous transformation

What Makes This Role Challenging

• Operating within a high-growth startup environment with evolving priorities and limited structure
• Building HR systems and processes from the ground up while the business is scaling rapidly
• Balancing speed of execution with long-term sustainability
• Managing competing priorities with constrained resources
• Navigating ambiguity, uncertainty, and frequent change
• Supporting leadership while also challenging decisions when necessary

This role requires mental toughness, adaptability, and a strong bias for action.

Requirements

Experience & Professional Background

• 5–10+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally within startups or high-growth environments
• Demonstrated experience in building or scaling HR functions and teams
• Strong track record in talent acquisition, HR operations, and performance management
• Experience working closely with senior leadership or founders
• Familiarity with HR systems and digital tools

Core Competencies

• Strong business acumen with the ability to align HR with organizational goals
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• High level of ownership and accountability
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Critical Traits (Non-Negotiable)

• Grit & resilience – able to sustain performance under pressure and setbacks
• Adaptability – thrives in ambiguity and rapidly changing environments
• Hands-on execution – willing to operate at both strategic and operational levels
• Growth mindset – continuously learning and evolving with the business
• Emotional intelligence – able to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics

Technical Knowledge

• Solid understanding of Singapore employment laws and HR best practices
• Experience with HRIS, ATS, and performance management systems
• Familiarity with data-driven HR and analytics

Key Success Metrics

• Ability to build a scalable HR infrastructure aligned with business growth
• Reduced time-to-hire and improved quality of hires
• High levels of employee engagement and retention
• Strong alignment between organizational goals and people strategy
• Effective leadership support and decision-making through HR insights

What We Offer

• Opportunity to build and lead the HR function from the ground up
• Direct exposure to founders and strategic decision-making
• High-impact role with significant ownership and visibility
• Fast-paced environment with steep learning and growth opportunities
• The chance to shape the culture and future of a growing company

Who Should Apply

This role is best suited for individuals who:

• Are energized by building rather than maintaining
• Thrive in challenging, high-pressure environments
• Want to play a key role in scaling a company
• Are comfortable stepping outside traditional role boundaries