Principal HR Business Partner, R&D

About the role

We are seeking a Principal HR Business Partner (HRBP) for Research and Development (R&D) who will serve as a transformational consultant and trusted advisor to our Engineering, Product, and Design leadership. This role is not a traditional HRBP role; instead, you will architect and lead enterprise-wide people transformations that enable our R&D organization to compete at the forefront of AI-enabled product development.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale R&D transformations including platform engineering reorganizations, product-led growth initiatives, and technical architecture realignments
• Architect organizational structures that optimize for speed, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration in complex technical environments
• Serve as internal management consultant to VP+ and C-level R&D leaders on the most complex people challenges
• Design and execute end-to-end change strategies for major transitions including global expansion, hybrid/distributed engineering model optimization, and cultural transformation initiatives
• Guide R&D organizations through platform transformation journeys, understanding the talent implications of establishing platform teams
• Translate complex technical initiatives into organizational design, capability building, and talent acquisition roadmaps
• Achieve organizational readiness for platform shifts and proactively design workforce planning, skills development, and team restructuring to accelerate technical transformation outcomes
• Pioneer the adoption of AI and intelligent tooling in all aspects of R&D talent management
• Leverage real-time data and advanced analytics to diagnose systemic organizational health issues, identify leading indicators of performance or engagement concerns, and drive preemptive interventions
• Champion responsible AI adoption in talent processes while ensuring ethical use, transparency, and continuous validation of AI-enabled tools and insights
• Support ELT discussions on R&D effectiveness, technical talent strategy, innovation velocity, and competitive positioning in the talent market
• Shape company-wide people practices by piloting innovative approaches in R&D that can be scaled enterprise-wide
• Develop multi-year talent strategies aligned with R&D product roadmaps, including workforce planning for emerging skill needs
• Design capability frameworks and competency models for technical roles that enable clear career progression, accurate leveling, and strategic hiring decisions
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to reimagine sourcing strategies, candidate experience, and hiring processes that attract top technical talent in competitive markets
• Guide leadership on complex talent decisions including organizational restructuring, reduction-in-force planning, span-of-control optimization, and succession planning for critical technical roles
• Provide high-touch coaching and development to VP and Director-level R&D leaders on people leadership, organizational effectiveness, and executive presence
• Design and facilitate leadership development programs tailored to the unique challenges of technical leaders
• Mentor and develop other HRBPs and People team members, elevating decision-making quality and strategic thinking across the function
• Cultivate change resilience in leadership teams during periods of uncertainty, helping technical leaders navigate ambiguity while maintaining team stability and productivity

Requirements

• 12+ years of HRBP or consulting experience supporting Engineering, Product, or R&D organizations in high-growth tech companies
• Led R&D organizations through platform transformations—technical migrations or organizational platform models
• Deep organizational design and consulting expertise including systems thinking, change management, and hypothesis-driven problem-solving
• Strategic consultant to C-suite/VP leaders influencing complex decisions through data and business acumen
• Advanced people analytics skills with AI fluency for HR applications including implementing AI tools and understanding responsible AI principles
• Understanding of modern software development
• Credibility with technical leaders and ability to engage in architecture and engineering effectiveness conversations
• Global/multi-site experience with distributed engineering teams
• High-growth environment experience (Series B through IPO)
• Strong executive presence and exceptional communication skills
• Self-driven, autonomous, and collaborative in ambiguous, fast-paced environments

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• Proven track record of successfully leading large-scale organizational transformations
• Experience with AI and data analytics in HR applications
• Ability to work effectively with technical teams and stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Skills

• Strategic thinking and systems-level perspective
• Change management and organizational design expertise
• Data analysis and interpretation skills
• Leadership and mentorship capabilities
• Technical knowledge and understanding of modern software development
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively

Benefits

• Access to BetterUp coaching
• Competitive compensation plan
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible paid time off
• Volunteer days
• Summer and winter breaks
• Charitable contribution
• 401(k) self contribution

Pay

The base salary range for the role is as follows:

• New York and San Francisco: $216,000 - $270,000
• Austin and Arlington (D.C. Area): $194,400 - $243,000

Schedule

Full-time position