Senior People Advisor

Overview

At PDF Solutions, we are at the forefront of revolutionizing the semiconductor industry. Our cutting-edge technologies and data-driven solutions empower semiconductor manufacturers to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, quality, and innovation. By joining our team, you'll have the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry, tackle complex challenges, and contribute to groundbreaking advancements that shape the future of technology. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, PDF Solutions also operates worldwide in Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

As a Senior People Advisor at PDF Solutions, you will play a key role in shaping the employee experience by providing expert guidance and hands-on support across a wide range of HR functions with our California location.

The ideal candidate is outgoing and demonstrates a natural ability to energize discussions, build trust quickly, and make interactions positive and productive in a crowd or individually. They are comfortable engaging with a wide range of personalities and leadership levels helping others feel comfortable and engaged.

Responsibilities

• Act as one of the trusted and approachable advisor to employees and managers, addressing more complex day-to-day HR inquiries and issues within the Santa Clara office, and supporting other US locations.
• Handle employee relations, including conflict resolution and sensitive conversations.
• Support compliance with U.S. and California employment laws; provide guidance to managers on legal requirements and collaborate with HR leadership to translate this to practical recommendations to implement within the organization.
• Partner within HR and business leaders to provide data-driven compensation recommendations that align with internal equity, market competitiveness
• Expertise in U.S. Benefits structure, and its administration including the ability to answer detailed questions as well as communicate and drive the open enrollment process.
• Be a key player in the employee engagement and retention initiatives to strengthen culture and improve overall experience.
• Communicate HR programs effectively and promote adoption across the organization.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for the work, consistently strives for excellence, and takes ownership to drive projects to completion with accuracy, timeliness, and attention to detail.
• Conduct, document thorough, fact-based investigations while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism, and provide practical recommendations to HR leadership and the business.
• Work with HR leadership and legal to update employee handbooks and HR policies in the US, and abroad.
• Work with HR operations to assist with performance management, compensation cycles.
• Ability to provide support to the HR team when additional bandwidth is needed, assisting with processes and ensuring smooth execution during peak periods.
• Working knowledge of HRIS systems and HR operational processes, with the capability to advise on best practices and, when required, enter and structure data to maintain accuracy and integrity.
• Previous experience managing a team is a plus as this role does not include direct reports but benefits from leadership exposure.
  
  

Qualifications

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10 years of HR experience in advisory, HR business partner or generalist roles.
• Proven experience conducting investigations, coaching managers in leadership, and managing conflict resolution.
• HR certifications (SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CPHR) are a plus.
• Employment Law Expertise: Deep knowledge of California employment law and U.S. compliance requirements.
• Strong communication skills—clear, empathetic, and persuasive.
  
  

Nice to Have

• Friendly and approachable, with the ability to engage a diverse group of individuals and foster a positive environment.
• Skilled at interacting professionally with senior management while building trust across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to handle investigations and conflict resolution with objectivity and discretion.
• Highly organized with strong prioritization skills; thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment, attention to detail, and ability to execute with excellence.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
  
  

Pay Range

USD $130,000.00 - USD $180,000.00 /Yr.