Sr. Wheels & Tires Engineer

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is looking for a Senior 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 Sr. Wheels & Tires Engineer would lead design, development, and validation-related efforts concerning wheel and tire systems for U.S. SUV, pickup truck, and off-road vehicles to create a robust, high-performance wheel and tire architecture. Additionally, one would work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration, meet customer requirements, and achieve durability and reliability goals.

• Design and Development: Lead the end-to-end engineering of wheel and tire systems (i.e., wheels, tires, and related components) from concept through production. Use CATIA V5 to create 3D models and 2D drawings of wheels, tire/rim interfaces, and integration of TPMS (tire-pressure monitoring system) sensors. Ensure designs meet all performance targets (i.e., strength, weight, and cost) and integrate seamlessly with braking and suspension systems.
• Specialty Off-Road Systems: Develop and implement specialized off-road tire technologies such as beadlock wheel systems (for low-pressure off-road usage), mud-terrain and all-terrain tire packages, run-flat tire inserts, and central tire inflation/TPMS solutions. Work with suppliers to customize these systems for Hyundai's vehicle applications, enhancing off-road capability and durability.
• Validation and Testing: Define validation plans for wheel and tire designs by leading test plan creation and criteria efforts concerning durability, fatigue, impact, and off-road abuse testing of wheel and tire systems. Support vehicle-level testing for ride and handling, including ride tuning and handling dynamics evaluations on various terrains. Analyze test data and failure modes and iterate designs to meet rigorous Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and SAE performance standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all wheel and tire systems comply with relevant regulations and industry standards, including adhering to FMVSS for wheels/tires and TPMS, as well as SAE and other applicable standards for tire sizing, load ratings, and performance. Oversee documentation and reports to demonstrate compliance and support homologation for targeted markets.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with vehicle dynamics, suspension, brake, and body engineering teams to integrate wheel/tire systems without issues (e.g., brake caliper clearance, suspension travel, fender clearance, etc.). Work with electrical/control teams on TPMS and any active tire pressure management. Coordinate with manufacturing and service teams to ensure the wheel and tire designs are feasible to produce, assemble, and service (including spare tire and jack/tool provisions).
• Supplier Coordination: Liaise with OEM and Tier 1 suppliers for wheels and tires. Develop specifications and requirements for supplier-designed components (e.g., custom tire compounds, wheel castings/forgings, etc.) and manage supplier deliverables. Lead design reviews with suppliers and resolve technical issues in development or production (e.g., tire uniformity problems, wheel finish issues, etc.).
• Project Leadership: Manage wheel and tire subsystem projects on new vehicle programs. Develop timing plans, track progress of design and testing milestones, and ensure on-time delivery of components for prototype builds and production. Conduct design reviews, DFMEAs (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), and DVP&R (Design Verification Plan & Report) for wheel/tire systems. Provide regular status updates to program management and proactively address any risks or roadblocks.
• Mentorship and Technical Guidance: Mentor junior engineers on best practices and facilitate on-the-job learning
• Travel:Travel up to 20% of the time, both domestically and internationally
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• Basic Qualifications:
  
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field
  • 7+ years of professional experience in chassis and suspension design, with a focus on wheel and tire systems
    
    • Experience specifically with pickup trucks, SUVs, or off-road vehicles is highly preferred
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  • 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 wheel and tire systems, durability, set-up, articulation, etc., is advantageous
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  • 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
  • Strong understanding of GD&T and tolerance stack-ups in wheel hubs and rim interfaces
  • Knowledge of solid axle and independent suspension systems in off-road conditions
  • Proficiency in CATIA V5
    • Familiarity with other CAD software (e.g., CATIA V6, NX, Solidworks, etc.) is beneficial
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  • 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
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  • Flexibility withprogram and process changes, as Hyundai/Kia/Genesis is willing to make late changes to satisfy customer needs
  • Excellent time management, self-management, and organization skills
  • Strong written, oral, interpersonal, and leadership skills
  • Strong problem-solving skills
    • An ability to diagnose complex issues (e.g., failure analysis) and develop robust solutions under tight timelines and in cooperation with adjacent teams
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  • Ability to remain current with new technologies and best practices
  • Willingness to attend training sessions, workshops, or conferences to enhance skills and knowledge
  • Valid Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record
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• 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
  • Experience with vehicle program launches (from concept to production)
  • Project management experience
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• 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
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• 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.