Payroll Specialist

Niron Magnetics is commercializing the first new magnetic material in decades powered by its breakthrough material formulation and advanced manufacturing process. The company's proprietary magnet technology based on Iron Nitride enables magnets that are inherently high magnetization, free of rare earths and other critical materials, and solve supply chain reliability challenges, will drive innovation in various industries. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Niron Magnetics is comprised of a team of professionals with a desire to make a positive impact on the global community. We were named one of "America's Top GreenTech Companies" for 2024 and 2025 by TIME Magazine and the "Innovation of the Year" at the 2025 mHUB Fourth Revolution Awards.

Our team is made up of people who think big, dare to innovate, and strive to impact the planet through technological innovation for our customers. Ready to work alongside amazing people, solve complex problems, and leave a legacy? Join our team.

About the Role

We're looking for a Payroll Specialist who is energized by details, enjoys solving payroll puzzles, and takes pride in accuracy. This person will play a key role in building and supporting our first fully in-house payroll function. It's an opportunity to help shape the foundation of a scalable payroll operation during a period of exciting company growth. If you enjoy a blend of reliable processes, meaningful problem-solving, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment, this role may be exactly what you've been looking for.

What you'll do:

Payroll Processing

- Process accurate, timely payroll for exempt, non-exempt, and shift-based employees.

- Validate timecards, hours worked, shift differentials, and project/labor allocations.

- Maintain and update pay data and earning/deduction codes in payroll system.

- Perform pre-payroll and post-payroll audits to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies quickly.

- Provide clear, responsive support for employee and manager payroll questions.

Payroll Compliance

- Ensure payroll processes follow federal, state, and local wage & hour laws (FLSA, ESST, MN PFML, overtime requirements, etc.).

- Monitor changing regulations and help implement required updates to policies, systems, and workflows.

- Maintain internal controls around payroll accuracy, audit trails, and documentation of changes.

- Support internal and external audits such as workers' compensation audits, financial audits, and grant-related reviews.

Payroll Tax Registration

- Manage multi-state payroll tax registrations, including SUI, withholding, and local tax setup.

- Maintain agency accounts, tax IDs, rate updates, and electronic filing credentials.

- Partner with Finance to review quarterly and annual payroll tax filings and resolve notices or variances.

- Monitor tax compliance requirements and ensure that state and local obligations are met on schedule.

Benefits Administration

- Audit and validate benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations in Ben Admin System.

- Reconcile payroll deductions against monthly insurance carrier invoices.

- Ensure accurate payroll deductions and employer contributions for medical, dental, vision, PFML, HSA/FSA, and other benefit programs.

- Review and validate 401(k) contributions, employer match, and eligibility each pay cycle.

- Perform periodic audits to ensure contributions, vesting, and compensation definitions align with plan rules.

- Support year-end 401(k) compliance processes, including census reporting and nondiscrimination testing.

You might be a great fit if you are:

- Detail-oriented, organized, and energized by accuracy.

- A clear communicator who explains payroll concepts in a friendly, helpful way.

- A problem-solver who enjoys understanding how systems fit together.

- Someone who thrives in a fast-growing, evolving environment.

- A trusted partner who handles confidential information with care.

Preferred Experience:

- 5+ years of payroll experience, ideally multi-state.

- Experience with benefit audits, 401(k) administration, and payroll tax registrations.

- Familiarity with Rippling or other modern HRIS/payroll systems.

- Strong Excel skills for audits, reporting, and reconciliations.

Our pay and benefits

- Salary: $85,000 - $115,000 annually, depending on education, experience and skills

- Equity position in Niron via stock option grant

- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

- Mental healthcare benefits

- 401k plan with 6% company match

- Paid time off to take time for what you need in life

- Experience in a fun, high-performing, manufacturing environment set to change the world