People Operations Generalist; Senior

Location: In-office – Santa Clara, California
Job Type: People Operations Generalist (Senior Preferred)
Company: Upscale AI
Team Size: +100 employees
Industry: High-Tech / Emerging Infrastructure

We are a brand-new, cutting-edge startup in build mode. There is no “this is how we’ve always done it” here, because we’re creating it now.

This role blends hands-on execution with collaborative problem-solving. You’ll help turn big-picture people initiatives into reality, from systems and processes to employee experience and culture, while also owning day-to-day People Operations.

If you thrive in ambiguity, love turning ideas into reality, and see People Ops as a product to be built (not just administered), you’ll feel at home here.

As our People Operations Generalist, you will play a foundational role in shaping how our company works, grows, and feels. This is not a maintenance role, it’s a design-and-build role.

You’ll partner closely with the Director of People to design and implement people systems from the ground up, support employees across the full lifecycle, and help build a culture that scales with intention.

This role is ideal for someone who is equal parts strategic thinker and hands-on executor.

• Partner on People Strategy & Execution
  • Partner closely with the Director of People to build, administer, and support key people initiatives across the company
  • Help translate people strategy into scalable, practical processes and programs
  • Act as a thought partner, bringing ideas, raising risks, and helping shape decisions
• Build & Implement Core People Operations
  • Design and own onboarding experiences that make new hires feel confident, connected, and excited from Day 1
  • Support the evaluation, implementation, and administration of people systems and tools (ATS, performance, engagement, etc.)
  • Build and document people processes while keeping things lightweight and human
  • Support compliance efforts and day-to-day administration without over complicating systems
• Execute & Operate
  • Support the full employee lifecycle: hiring support, onboarding, employee relations, performance processes, offboarding
  • Act as a trusted point of contact for employees and managers on people-related questions
  • Create clarity where none exists and improve what’s already there
• Culture & Experience Building
  • Partner with the Director of People to help intentionally build and reinforce company culture, values, and ways of working
  • Support the design and execution of people programs that foster connection, growth, and belonging

You might be a great fit if you are:

• A builder at heart: excited by starting from zero and shaping something meaningful
• Creative, curious, and always asking “is there a better way?”
• Comfortable with ambiguity and energized by figuring things out as you go
• Someone who cares deeply about people and business outcomes
• A clear communicator who can bring structure without rigidity

• 5+ years of experience in People Operations, HR Generalist, or similar roles (startup experience strongly preferred)
• Experience building or significantly improving people processes and systems
• Strong understanding of US employment practices and compliance
• Experience implementing or managing HR tools and platforms
• Ability to work independently and prioritize in a fast-moving environment

• You’ll help build the foundation of how our company operates
• You’ll have real ownership and influence
• You’ll get to create, experiment, and leave your mark early

The base salary range for this role is $100,000 – $150,000 USD
. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, location, and role level. This role may also be eligible for additional benefits and equity, consistent with company offerings.

Our goal is to hire and promote an exceptional workforce as diverse as the global populations we serve. Upscale AI is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of our organization. We value and celebrate diversity in thought, beliefs, talent, expression, and backgrounds. We know that our individual differences make us…