Jennifer Haynes
Jennifer Haynes is a seasoned technical recruiting leader with over 13 years of experience building high-impact AI/ML, engineering, product, design, and research teams across some of the most innovative organizations in technology. Known for her data-informed approach and her ability to thrive in fast-moving, ambiguity-rich environments, she has led hiring strategies for Meta, Esri, high-growth startups, and now Relativity Space, where she serves as Senior Technical Recruiter for Manufacturing Engineering. Throughout her career, Jennifer has excelled at defining what exceptional talent looks like within complex technical domains and partnering closely with leadership to scale teams that accelerate organizational vision.
Jennifer’s recruiting philosophy is rooted in empathy, rigor, and a deep commitment to candidate experience. She is recognized for designing equitable hiring frameworks, improving pass-through rates using structured processes and AI-supported insights, and building communities within her teams that strengthen culture and collaboration. Her ability to blend data analytics with human-centered recruiting has earned her a reputation as both a strategic builder and a trusted talent advisor. Colleagues consistently describe her as a cultural ambassador—someone who elevates a team not only through expertise but through authenticity, curiosity, and a bias toward action.
Beyond her day-to-day work, Jennifer is dedicated to advancing DEI in technical hiring, mentoring early-career recruiters, and creating scalable processes that outlast periods of hypergrowth and organizational change. She holds an MBA in Human Resource Management from the University of Redlands, as well as certifications in AI-powered talent acquisition and The Predictive Index system. With a background that spans psychology, theatre arts, and world-class recruiting leadership, Jennifer brings a rare blend of analytical insight, creativity, and people-first leadership to every role she takes on.
• LinkedIn Recruiter: AI-Powered Talent Acquisition
• Licensed Analyst of the Predictive Index system
• University of Redlands- M.B.A.
• California State University, San Bernardino
• UCLA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my resilience and willingness to keep moving forward, especially during challenging moments like navigating a layoff and rebuilding through entrepreneurial work that helped grow other people’s dreams. I’m also incredibly proud of my transition into the aerospace industry—a leap that pushed me to evolve, trust my abilities, and step into some of the most meaningful work of my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from leaders like Denise Young Smith, who taught me the power of leading with compassion and treating your team like family, and Sheryl Sandberg, who demonstrated what it means to be a strong, balanced, and impactful woman in leadership. Their examples showed me that empathy and strength can—and should—coexist in every stage of a career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Consider the lifestyle you want to live, then apply what you’re good at and enjoy, and choose a career path that aligns with both
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my work and personal life, I value continuous growth, meaningful connections with the people (and pets) I love, and making room for the passions that energize me—from tennis and EDM events with friends to true-crime deep dives and pursuing my MBA in HR strategy.