Payroll & Benefits Specialist (HR Generalist)

About viaPhoton

We are changing the norm by being customer-focused, technology-led.

viaPhoton builds custom-engineered fiber optic solutions that power AI infrastructure, data centers, and 5G networks for some of the biggest names in tech. In five years we've grown to a team of 200+ and 4x'd our revenue in the last year alone, and we're just getting started. We're looking for dependable, hardworking people who take pride in their work and want to grow with us.

About the Role

You'll own payroll and benefits at viaPhoton, making sure every employee is paid accurately and on time and that benefits run smoothly and compliantly. Working in Rippling, you'll be the go-to bilingual resource for pay and benefits questions and partner closely with Finance and frontline managers in a fast-growing manufacturing environment.

Own end-to-end U.S. payroll in Rippling for hourly and salaried employees, including overtime, bonuses, commissions, and off-cycle payments

Review and approve time and attendance before each payroll close, partnering with supervisors to resolve exceptions and PTO discrepancies

Administer benefits in Rippling (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, 401(k)), including enrollments, qualifying life events, and carrier connections

Reconcile payroll registers, tax liabilities, benefit invoices, and 401(k) contributions, partnering with Finance on GL reporting, audits, and year-end

Keep payroll and benefits compliant (FLSA, Illinois wage laws, ACA, COBRA, ERISA, FMLA, Workers' Comp, ADA) and serve as the bilingual point of contact for employees

What You'll Bring

Are bilingual in English and Spanish (required), with a bachelor's in HR, Accounting, Business, or a related field preferred

Have 3+ years of hands-on payroll and benefits administration, ideally in manufacturing or distribution with a large hourly workforce

Have processed payroll and administered benefits in Rippling (or comparable platforms like ADP, Paylocity, UKG, or Paycom)

Bring strong knowledge of wage-and-hour law, payroll tax, and benefits compliance (FLSA, ACA, COBRA, ERISA, FMLA, ADA)

Have advanced Excel skills, exceptional attention to detail, and discretion with confidential information (CPP, FPC, or CEBS certification a plus)

Want to read the full job description? HR Generalist, Payroll & Benefits

What's in it for you?

Robust health, dental, and vision coverage that starts on day 1

401(k) with match, vests immediately after a 90-day waiting period

Flexible PTO that grows over time

10 paid holidays, including 2 floating holidays

Monthly team events

Click here to view our full benefits overview.

Location: Naperville, IL

Schedule: Mon–Fri | Onsite

Compensation: $75,000 - $90,000 base, plus annual bonus

We're building something big, and we want good people along for the ride. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today.

At viaPhoton, we are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion. We reinforce this through our core values and beliefs as well as our processes and strategic goals. We remind team members to seek various viewpoints, learn and be hungry with curiosity, and gain trust.

We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit and qualifications. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, health condition, genetic information, marital or family status, military or veteran status, socioeconomic background, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We provide reasonable accommodations and adjustments throughout the hiring process. If you need one, please let us know. Any personal data you share with us is handled confidentially and in line with applicable data protection law.