Human Resources Generalist

Role overview

This contract HR Generalist I role is based in Indianapolis, Indiana (46204) and runs for 6 months with a possibility of extension or conversion to full-time employment. The pay rate is $39.00 to $41.24 per hour on W2. The schedule is Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Because most of the team works in EST, occasional early meetings may be needed for team members in other time zones.

Position summary

The HR Business Partner for Central Engineering acts as a strategic advisor to engineering leaders, helping shape people strategies that support business goals. The role covers a broad range of HR responsibilities, including talent management, organizational design, employee relations, change management, and workforce planning within a technically complex and fast-moving engineering environment. The HRBP is expected to turn business priorities into practical people initiatives that strengthen organizational capability and engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Work closely with Central Engineering leadership to understand business priorities and build aligned HR and workforce plans.
• Collaborate with HR business partners supporting LOB Engineering in the business unit as well as broader CMI HRBP peers.
• Act as a coach and trusted adviser to managers and leaders on people, organizational, and leadership topics.
• Convert engineering talent needs such as deep technical expertise, specialized skills, and succession exposure into proactive HR actions.
• Lead talent reviews, succession planning, and identification of high-potential employees across the engineering group.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition on difficult-to-fill and business-critical technical positions to maintain a healthy candidate pipeline.
• Support career development structures and advancement paths for both technical and leadership growth in engineering.
• Advise on team structure, role clarity, and span of control to improve effectiveness across the organization.
• Support and help drive change management efforts tied to reorganizations, transformations, and new operating models.
• Work with Central and LOB Engineering leaders, finance, and resource management office partners on resourcing discussions, using data and strategic insight to prioritize business-unit needs.
• Provide guidance on complex employee relations issues and help ensure fair, consistent, and compliant resolutions.
• Review engagement data and work with leaders to develop actions that improve retention and workplace culture.
• Promote an inclusive, high-performing work environment.
• Support the performance management process, including goal setting, expectation alignment, data review, and feedback quality.
• Partner with Total Rewards on compensation planning, equity reviews, and retention approaches for technical talent.
• Use workforce analytics to spot trends, assess risks, and guide decisions related to attrition, headcount, diversity, and engagement.

Qualifications

The employer is looking for a candidate with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Organizational Psychology, or a closely related field, along with at least 8 years of progressive HR experience. Strong experience as an HRBP supporting technical, engineering, or R&D teams is required. Prior success advising senior leaders on talent, organization, and change programs is important, and experience in a global, matrixed organization is preferred.

Skills and competencies

The ideal applicant should bring strong business understanding, the ability to connect people strategy with business outcomes, and excellent consulting, coaching, and influencing skills with senior stakeholders. They should also be comfortable handling complex employee relations and organizational issues, working with HR data and workforce analytics, navigating ambiguity, and leading through change. A solid grasp of employment law and current HR best practices is also expected.

Employment details

This is a contract onsite position in Indianapolis, IN 46204. The engagement is expected to last 6 months, with a chance of extension or transition to a permanent role. Compensation is hourly at $39.00 to $41.24 on W2. The work schedule follows standard weekday business hours.

Equal opportunity statement

The employer states that it is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.