Closures BIW Engineer
Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is looking for an experienced engineer to join the BIW (body-in-white) and Mixed Materials Team of the Closures Engineering Design Department.
The Team:
Closures Engineering Design is a collaborative and innovation-driven team at a leading automotive company. The Closures Engineering Design Team values open communication, continuous learning, and a hands-on approach. Additionally, the Closures 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 Closure systems, encouraging creative problem-solving and ownership at all levels. As part of the Closures 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 Closures BIW Engineer would support the development of advanced closure systems for Hyundais next-generation vehicles. This position plays a critical role in the end-to-end engineering of functional, innovative, and aesthetically integrated closures, including hoods, tailgates, side doors, liftgates, hinges, and special Closure moving panels. The ideal candidate combines hands-on product development expertise with strong leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration skills in the U.S. SUV, pickup truck, and off-road vehicle marketplace.
Responsibilities:
- Design and develop Closure systems (i.e., side doors, hood, trunk lid, tailgate, liftgate, body side sealing flanges, hinges, and innovative advanced closures)
- Perform design-releasing duties for North American-based vehicle projects and manage system BOMs
- Create and modify 3D data and 2D drawings via CATIA V5 and other engineering tools
- Lead system cost/mass target reduction studies for components/parts
- Lead investigations into system quality, assembly obstacles, and durability issues, suggest engineering improvements, and mentor and guide junior engineers on best practices to mitigate future issues
- Lead cross-functional team interface actions with other engineering design teams, suppliers, etc., both domestically and within Korea
- Lead design and issue resolution actions with US-based Korean Coordinators
- Review and advise on part/system performance and regulatory testing
- Lead system benchmarking activities for future product development opportunities
- Liaise between North American affiliates and Korean headquarters
- Recommend engineering improvements for assessed field claims based on customer feedback and other sources
- Support the interpretation of regulations and crash performance requirements
- Support the advanced development of closure systems and components for future vehicles
- Remain current with new technology and best practices to drive innovation
- Travel up to 20% of the time, both domestically and internationally
Requirements:
- Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field
- 4+ years of work experience concerning sheet metal (i.e., steel and aluminum), polymers & elastomer design, forming, welding, joining, and production assembly techniques
- 4+ years of professional experience with Closure BIW and mixed material design and release responsibilities
- Proficiency in Catia V5 for 3D modeling, including surface modeling, assemblies, and 2D drawing generation
- Good working knowledge of closure mechanisms
- Sound understanding of sealing design, assembly, and tooling
- Experience in cradle-to-grave product development best practices and processes
- OEM product launch experience
- Familiarity with part and assembly Datum schemes and dimensional tolerance application
- Experience with truck, SUV, off-road, and electric vehicle BIW Closures architecture
- Experience planning and executing vehicle or component tests (e.g., durability rigs, track testing, and NVH evaluations)
- Exposure to innovation concerning advanced technology development projects
- 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, interpersonal, and leadership skills
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to diagnose complex issues (e.g., failure analysis) and develop robust solutions under tight timelines and in cooperation with adjacent teams
- Willingness to attend training sessions, workshops, or conferences to enhance skills and knowledge
- Project management experience
- Valid Drivers License and a satisfactory driving record
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field
- Experience with side door closure and specifically with pickup trucks, SUVs, or off-road vehicles
- Familiarity with FMVSS, SAE standards, and global regulatory requirements
- Ability to develop test plans, interpret data, and implement design improvements
- Track record of leading technical projects or teams
- Professional Engineer (PE) license or Six Sigma certification
- Prior patents or significant contributions to new product development
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.