The Team + The RoleAs a Workday Systems Engineer, you'll own and evolve Workday as a core part of Pendo's HCM infrastructure. You'll manage configuration across key Workday modules, translate People and Recruiting requirements into scalable solutions, and maintain the reporting, security, integrations, and processes that keep the platform reliable. This role sits at the intersection of HR and technology, requiring a strong understanding of both People processes and the technical configuration behind them.
This role is based in our Raleigh or New York City office.
What this looks like day-to-day- Workday platform ownership: Serve as the primary systems owner for Workday, managing configuration across HCM, Advanced Compensation, Time Tracking, and Time & Attendance. Maintain and evolve the platform as business needs change.
- People and Recruiting partnership: Partner directly with Recruiting and the broader People organization to understand business requirements and translate them into scalable Workday solutions. Balance stakeholder needs with sustainable system configuration.
- Open Enrollment: Lead or support annual Open Enrollment configuration, testing, and go-live activities. Help ensure Workday is configured and ready to support the enrollment process.
- Compensation cycles: Manage Workday setup for compensation cycles, including merit, bonus, and equity review processes. Support the configuration needed to run these programs effectively.
- System reliability and security: Troubleshoot Workday issues, manage security configurations, and maintain data integrity across integrations. Investigate problems and drive them through resolution.
- Reporting and analytics: Build and maintain reports, dashboards, and calculated fields that support People organization reporting needs. Translate reporting requirements into reliable Workday solutions.
- Workday releases: Evaluate new Workday releases and features to understand their potential impact and value. Recommend adoption where new capabilities benefit the business.
- Documentation and enablement: Document Workday processes and configurations and help HR team members understand system capabilities. Provide training that enables partners to use the platform effectively.
- Vendor and partner management: Manage relationships with Workday support and third-party implementation partners. Coordinate with external resources when additional expertise or support is required.
Who You AreBeyond the qualifications, we hire through a specific lens. These aren't buzzwords; they're the things we'll actually look for in how you talk about your work.
You're a builder, not a maintainer.
You're most energized when there isn't a clear path yet, and you get to define it. You don't wait for direction; you identify gaps, shape solutions, and drive them forward. At Pendo, great Workday Systems Engineers don't just follow instructions; they operate as strategic advisors, influencing decisions, guiding stakeholders, and elevating how we work.
You're AI-curious - genuinely.
You're not using AI tools occasionally. You're rewiring how you work around them. You're faster, sharper, and more prolific because of it, and you bring that energy to everything - how you approach your work, how you prep, how you communicate, how you think. We want someone who sees AI as a multiplier, not a shortcut.
Must-haves- 3+ years of hands-on Workday experience, ideally spanning HCM, Advanced Compensation, Time Tracking, and Time & Attendance.
- Experience configuring Workday business processes, security roles, and reporting capabilities, including calculated fields and custom reports.
- Experience partnering directly with HR, People, and Recruiting stakeholders to translate business needs into technical solutions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to own ambiguous, cross-functional projects.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain technical Workday configurations clearly to non-technical partners.
Nice-to-haves- Experience with Workday integrations, including EIBs, Studio, or Core Connectors.
- Workday Pro certification or certifications.
Location: Pendo is a hybrid culture. In-office 3 days per week unless designated remote.
Compensation: The expected salary range for this role to be performed in the United States is USD $102,000 - $140,000.