Chassis Driveline Engineer

Chassis Driveline Engineer

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is looking for an engineer to join the Chassis Engineering Design Team/Department.

The Team: Chassis Engineering Design is a collaborative and innovation-driven team at a leading automotive company. The Chassis Engineering Design Team values open communication, continuous learning, and a hands-on approach. Additionally, the Chassis Engineering Design Team fosters a culture where senior engineers guide less experienced colleagues, share knowledge freely, and work together to solve complex engineering challenges. The team is committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and reliable Chassis systems, encouraging creative problem-solving and ownership at all levels. As part of the Chassis Engineering Design Team, one would work closely with a diverse group of designers, testers, and manufacturing engineers in an environment that rewards initiative, technical excellence, and professional growth.

The Position: The Chassis Driveline Engineer would support design, development, and validation-related efforts concerning chassis driveline systems for U.S. SUV, pickup truck, and off-road vehicles to create a robust, high-performance driveline architecture. Additionally, one would work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration, meet customer requirements, and achieve durability and reliability goals.

Responsibilities:

• Driveline Design and Development:
• Engage in the end-to-end design and engineering of driveline systems and components for 4WD and AWD vehicles, including transfer cases, power transfer units, and related mechanisms, to achieve performance and reliability targets
• Engage in the end-to-end design and development of axle assemblies and shaft components (e.g., solid rear axles, front/rear half-shafts, prop shafts, and driveshafts), ensuring they can withstand high-torque loads and off-road conditions while meeting weight and durability goals
• Differentials and Torque Management:
• Engage in the end-to-end design and development of advanced differential systems (i.e., front and rear), including limited-slip units, torque-vectoring differentials, and electronic-locking differentials, to optimize traction, handling, and stability for both on-road and extreme off-road usage
• Validation and Testing:
• Support comprehensive DVP&R (Design Verification Plan & Report) test plans for driveline components
• Support bench tests, dynamometer tests, and vehicle field tests (on-road and off-road) to validate performance, durability, and NVH characteristics
• Analyze test data and drive iterative design improvements based on results
• Problem Solving:
• Support with troubleshooting driveline-related issues throughout the development cycle
• Support root cause analysis for any failures or performance gaps (using techniques such as 5-Whys, Fishbone, etc.) and implement effective design or process changes to resolve issues promptly
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Work closely with cross-functional teams - including Vehicle Dynamics, Suspension, Powertrain, NVH, Manufacturing, and Quality - to ensure seamless integration of driveline systems into Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles
• Coordinate packaging studies, interfaces, and systems integration to avoid conflicts and achieve performance objectives
• Supplier Coordination:
• Collaborate with suppliers for driveline components
• Review and validate supplier designs or design-related changes, ensuring they meet all specifications and quality standards
• Engage in supplier development activities and support the sourcing and manufacturing process for driveline parts
• Standards and Compliance:
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant regulatory and industry standards, including Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and applicable SAE standards for chassis and driveline systems
• Incorporate these requirements into the design specifications and validation plans
• Documentation and CAD Modeling:
• Create and maintain detailed engineering documentation
• Develop 3D models and 2D drawings in CATIA V5 for all components and assemblies (including applying GD&T as needed)
• Author and update technical specifications, DFMEAs (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), design review materials, and engineering reports to support program milestones and production readiness
• Leadership and Mentorship:
• Provide technical guidance and support to other engineers and team members
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement:
• Remain current with emerging technologies and trends of driveline and off-road vehicle systems
• Drive innovation by proposing new solutions or improvements (such as novel torque management systems or lightweight materials) to keep the company's truck and off-road platforms at the forefront of performance and reliability
• Lead or contribute to advanced engineering projects aimed at improving driveline efficiency, durability, and functionality

Requirements:

• Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field

• 0-7 years of professional experience in chassis and suspension design, with a focus on driveline systems

• Experience specifically with pickup trucks, SUVs, or off-road vehicles is highly preferred

• Experience working on electric or hybrid vehicle suspension systems

• Prior experience with pick-up trucks, SUVs, or off-road vehicles and knowledge of their specific driveline systems, durability, set-up, articulation, etc., is advantageous

• In-depth understanding of vehicle ride and handling, off-road performance, and NVH considerations specific to heavy-duty trucks and SUVs

• Good working knowledge of vehicle body and NVH performance

• Knowledge of solid axle and independent suspension systems in off-road conditions

• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., CATIA V6, NX, Solidworks, etc.)

• CATIA V5 experience highly preferred, but not required

• Experience using engineering tools to create and modify 2D and 3D drawings

• Familiarity with PDM (e.g., ENOVIA V6) or Windchill PLM systems

• Knowledge of mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering design and processes

• Knowledge of tooling design variables and processes, along with related materials

• Innovative thinking and proactive approaches to the technical direction of chassis components

• Ability to explain technical topics to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Adept in Microsoft programs, such as Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word

• An ability to prepare reports/spreadsheets (when needed) to support project-related work

• Excellent time management, self-management, and organization skills

• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal skills

• Valid Drivers License and a satisfactory driving record

• Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field

• Proficiency in utilizing CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, Nastran, and MATLAB/Simulink) for advanced suspension modeling, dynamic simulations, and/or product optimization

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Six Sigma certification

• Project management experience

What Hyundai Can Offer You:

• Zero-dollar Employee Premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for You and Your Family
• 100% Employer-paid Disability and Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off, Including Vacation, Sick, and Abundant Holidays
• Competitive Salaries
• A Global Environment that Fosters Diversity
• Retirement Savings and Planning Benefits
• Access to Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Flexible Work Hours

Other Details:

• Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
• HATCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Veteran.
• VEVRAA Federal contractor.