Senior HR Generalist - Portland - PAE Consulting

Description

The Opportunity
PAE is a growing, nationwide professional services firm with 420+ employees across 8 offices. As we continue to scale, we are strengthening our People & Culture team to ensure our people systems, performance practices, and employee experience grow with us.
We are seeking a Senior HR Generalistto play a key role in performance management, employee lifecycle support, culture initiatives, and scalable HR programs. This role is a critical contributor to how we support managers, engage employees, and reinforce PAE's culture.
This is a senior, hands-on role for someone who brings sound judgment, strong execution, and the ability to independently own core HR processes in a fast-paced, project-driven environment. We are looking for someone who wants real ownership, responsibility, and the opportunity to help shape how People & Culture operates as PAE grows.
Who We Are
PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.
What You'll Do

• Manage and maintain performance evaluation processes to support employee growth and productivity
• Support managers through performance conversations, development planning, and underperformance situations
• Develop and deliver Performance Improvement Plans and participate in termination meetings with Supervisors as needed
• Assess development needs using performance reviews, engagement survey data, and employee feedback, and conduct development conversations with Supervisors
• Lead and manage employee offboarding processes with professionalism, consistency, and insight
• Support employee relations matters with sound judgment and appropriate escalation
• Assist in cultivating an employee-oriented culture that supports engagement, retention, and accountability
• Support engagement surveys, analyze results, and prepare reports and presentations for leadership and staff
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Review, recommend, and update HR policies and practices to align with best practices and company values
• Identify opportunities to improve HR systems, workflows, and documentation to support scale
• Utilize HR metrics and analytics to inform decisions and recommend process improvements
• Manage expectations and communication throughout project lifecycles
• Participate in and lead special projects, strategic initiatives, and group goals as assigned
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders to create trust and partnership

What You Bring
We're looking for someone who is comfortable operating at a senior level and enjoys both strategic thinking and execution.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum 4-6 years of Human Resources Generalist or HRBP experience
• Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment regulations and HR best practices
• Demonstrated experience supporting performance management processes
• Experience coaching managers through performance and people challenges
• Strong business acumen and ability to balance people needs with organizational priorities
• Comfortable adjusting to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Action-oriented, results-focused, and able to work independently
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information
• Project and process management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; advanced Excel skills preferred
• HR certification (SHRM, HRCI, PHR) or coaching/development certification is a plus

What Success Looks Like
Within the first 12-18 months, success in this role looks like:

• Performance management processes that are consistent, timely, and effective
• Managers who feel supported, challenged, and accountable
• People programs that are well-run, relevant, and valued by employees
• Clear, compliant, and practical HR policies and systems
• Strong partnerships with leaders across the organization

What We Offer

• Hiring Base Salary Range: $73,100 - $97,700annual
  • This position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay

The base salary is one component of PAE's competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, employees are eligible for annual compensation reviews based on performance and business needs. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:

• Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit for the year and account contribution
• Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues
• Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
• Cell phone stipend
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• Hybrid work schedule
• Employee Assistance Program
• 9 paid holidays including an additional employee-selected day
• Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays and vacation
• To learn more about our comprehensive benefits package, visit This information is provided per the Equal Pay Act

Our commitment to pay equity
PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity - paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: Living Future: Just Label Certification.
To find out more visit our website.
What We're Made Of
Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Learn more at pae-
Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water.
Fine Print
Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.