Purpose:The Senior Human Resources Manager for the Engineering Research & Development Center provides strategic and operational HR leadership to support highly skilled technical, scientific, and engineering teams. This role partners closely with R&D leadership to attract, develop, and retain top technical talent while ensuring compliance, organizational effectiveness, and a high-performance, innovation-driven culture.
Key Responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned as needed)
:- Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with the R&D center's technical roadmap and long-term innovation goals
- Partner with engineering and research leadership on workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational design
- Lead recruitment strategies for highly specialized engineering, scientific, and technical roles
- Oversee performance management systems tailored to project-based and research-driven work
- Manage employee relations, investigations, and conflict resolution within a professional, technical environment
- Ensure compliance with employment laws, government research regulations, and corporate policies
- Support compensation and incentive programs competitive with engineering and R&D labor markets
- Guide learning and development initiatives, including technical career paths, leadership development, and knowledge retention
- Oversee HR operations, HRIS, policy development, and reporting for the R&D center
- Lead change management initiatives related to new programs, funding cycles, reorganizations, or growth
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, safety, and continuous improvement
Qualifications:Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)
- 10+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably supporting engineering, R&D, or technical organizations
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Proven experience partnering with senior technical leaders and research executives.
- Strong knowledge of employment law, compliance, and HR best practices in regulated environments.
- Experience supporting project-based, matrixed, or multi-disciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Able to guide, motivate, and direct the team without any direct reports.
- Being insightful, collaborative, and optimistic.
- Managing conflicts amongst team members, being part of the solution facilitation.
- Establishing relationships and building trust amongst team and Stakeholders.
Legal Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age due to federal labor law requirements.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Supervisory Responsibility: Manage and lead HR USA-2 Team
Working Conditions: • Primarily office-based with periodic travel to company locations as required.
• Occasional exposure to R&D environments.
Physical Requirements: • Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to travel as needed.
Remote Work: Eligible for hybrid remote work schedule at management's discretion.
Flexible Work: Flexible working hours if/as required to support two R&D Centers in Michigan.
Travel Frequency: Up to 20% travel.
Compensation and Benefits: - Competitive Salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package that include:
- Medical, dental & vision insurance coverage
- Company-paid life and disability insurance and other Guardian supplemental benefits
- 401 (k) retirement savings plan with company match
- Paid time off (PTO) and company-recognized holidays
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
