Staff People Technology Specialist

Perot Jain; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Apptronik is seeking a Staff People Technology Specialist in Austin, TX to manage Workday Payroll configuration and support strategic HR initiatives. You will partner with leadership, Finance, and teams to ensure payroll processes are accurate, compliant, and scalable as we grow.

The role emphasizes payroll configuration and a broad range of People Operations responsibilities, with a focus on system fidelity, security, and continuous improvement of Workday.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in IT, CS, or related field.
• 5–7 years of Workday configuration experience.
• 2+ years specifically with Workday Payroll.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own Workday Payroll configuration, including requirements gathering, testing and deployment.
• Configure earnings, deductions, tax elements, accounting, and pay group setups in Workday Payroll.
• Partner with Finance and payroll vendors to ensure accurate, on-time payroll processing and reconciliation.
• Support payroll compliance, including audits, tax filings, and multi-jurisdictional requirements.
• Lead payroll testing scenarios and defect resolution; ensure effective governance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT/CS or related field

Job description

Apptronik is a human-centered robotics company developing AI-powered robots to support humanity in every facet of life. Our flagship humanoid robot, Apollo, is built to collaborate thoughtfully with people, starting with critical industries such as manufacturing and logistics, with future applications in healthcare, the home, and beyond.

We operate at the cutting edge of Applied AI, applying our expertise across the full robotics stack to solve some of society's most important problems. You will join a team dedicated to bringing Apollo to market at scale, tackling the complex challenges like safety, commercialization, and mass production to change the world for the better.

JOB SUMMARY

As our Staff People Technology Specialist, you'll be at the heart of our People function - managing Workday functional configuration while also supporting strategic initiatives. You'll partner cross-functionally with leadership, finance, and individual contributors to ensure our Workday system is effective, compliant, and aligned with our company direction. This role includes a key focus on payroll configuration, while also covering a broad spectrum of other functional areas.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Payroll Configuration
  • Own the Workday Payroll configuration including requirements gathering, testing, and deployment
  • Configure and maintain earnings, deductions, tax elements, accounting, and pay group setups within Workday Payroll
  • Partner with Finance and outside payroll/tax vendors to ensure accurate, on-time payroll processing and reconciliation each cycle
  • Support payroll compliance, including audits, tax filings, and multi-jurisdictional regulatory requirements
  • Build and validate payroll testing scenarios for new configurations, tax updates, and system releases prior to go-live
  • Lead resolution of defects and root cause analysis
• People Operations
  • Maintain and continuously improve our Workday system, ensuring system fidelity and a strong end-user experience
  • Manage security roles, business process configurations, and system permissions to protect sensitive employee data
  • Document configuration decisions, processes, and standard operating procedures for the team
• Strategic Projects
  • Serve as a trusted thought partner to stakeholders
  • Stay current with HR trends and make proactive recommendations for continuous improvement
  • Assist in organizational programs (workforce planning, organizational design, performance review cycles, etc)

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth setting
• High attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to handle sensitive information with discretion
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in IT, Computer Science, or related field
• Five to seven years of experience in Workday configuration and maintenance, with two years specifically with Workday Payroll

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen
• Hearing and speech to communicate

Apptronik provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.