Principal HR Systems Engineer

About the role

Our client seeks a Principal HR Systems Engineer to own Workday and the broader HR systems ecosystem. The role leads Workday architecture, integrations, security, automation, and platform optimization. The selected professional will deliver enterprise-scale initiatives, scalable integrations, and AI-enabled solutions that modernize People Technology and improve operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical owner for Workday administration, configuration, and ongoing support.
• Manage business processes, security roles, access controls, and platform governance.
• Lead Workday enhancements, optimizations, and release management activities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex system issues while ensuring platform stability and performance.
• Support Workday HCM, Compensation, Benefits, Security, and other related modules.
• Design, build, and maintain integrations between Workday and connected enterprise applications.
• Develop solutions utilizing EIBs, REST APIs, SOAP APIs, and other Workday integration technologies.
• Manage end-to-end data flows across the HR technology ecosystem.
• Partner with technical and business teams to implement scalable system enhancements and process improvements.
• Establish integration standards and best practices across the People Technology landscape.
• Lead implementation and adoption of Workday AI capabilities, including Workday Assistant, Illuminate, Extend, and Orchestrate.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual HR processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Build scalable workflows and automation solutions that improve user experience and reduce administrative burden.
• Evaluate emerging Workday technologies and enhancements that can drive business value.
• Own Workday security architecture, role-based access, and audit controls.
• Support SOX ITGC compliance requirements and audit readiness initiatives.
• Maintain documentation for configurations, integrations, security models, and change management processes.
• Ensure system changes follow established governance and compliance standards.
• Lead complex Workday projects, migrations, upgrades, and modernization initiatives.
• Drive solution design and implementation efforts across multiple workstreams.
• Mentor junior HR systems team members and share Workday best practices.
• Collaborate with HR, IT, and cross-functional teams to deliver scalable and sustainable technology solutions.

Experience Requirements

• 10+ years of HRIS and People Technology experience with extensive hands-on Workday expertise.
• Deep experience supporting Workday HCM, Security, Compensation, Benefits, and Business Processes.
• Strong Workday integration experience utilizing EIB, Core Connectors, REST APIs, SOAP APIs, and related technologies.
• Proven experience leading complex Workday implementations, upgrades, or transformation initiatives.
• Experience supporting integrated HR technology ecosystems and third-party applications.
• Knowledge of SOX ITGC controls, security governance, and compliance best practices.
• Experience deploying automation solutions and improving HR operational efficiencies.
• Exceptional troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Experience with Workday Extend, Orchestrate, Illuminate, AI Gateway APIs, and Workday Assistant.
• Workday certifications.
• Experience in public company or highly regulated environments.
• Familiarity with platforms such as Ashby, Pave, Shareworks, Athena, or HC365.
• Experience leading modernization or digital transformation initiatives.

We can facilitate w2 and corp-to-corp consultants. Rate: $77.00 to $87.00/hr. w2