Body-in-White Design Release Engineer

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI); Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Zero-dollar premiums

Employer-paid disability & life

Generous PTO

Competitive salaries

Global environment

Retirement savings

Vehicle allowance

Health Savings Accounts

Flexible work hours

Job summary

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to support BIW closure systems for North American vehicles.

You will design, release, validate and improve closure structures such as hoods, doors, liftgates, and tailgates, collaborating with global engineering, studio design, manufacturing, testing, and suppliers. The role requires a Bachelor’s in mechanical/automotive engineering, 0–7 years BIW design experience, CATIA V5 familiarity, and strong problem-solving

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or automotive engineering required.
• 0–7 years BIW design and development experience.
• Familiarity with CAD/3D design; CATIA V5 preferred.
• Strong problem solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and release body closure systems including doors, hoods, trunks and liftgates.
• Perform design-releasing duties for NA vehicle projects and manage BOMs.
• Create/modify 3D data and 2D drawings via CATIA V5 and other tools.
• Develop innovative solutions to improve cost, weight, performance, and durability.
• Support vehicle testing, benchmarking, regulatory compliance and validation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and affiliates in the U.S. and Korea.
• Travel up to 20% domestically and internationally for development and pre-production.

Skills

BIW design

Problem solving

Communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/automotive engineering

Master’s degree in mechanical/automotive engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

Job description

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is seeking a mechanical design engineer to support the development of next-generation body-in-white (BIW) closure systems (e.g., hood, side door, liftgate, tailgate, etc.) for North American Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles

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 Body-in-White Design Release Engineer would support design, release, validation, and continuous improvement efforts concerning closure structures for SUVs and body-on-frame trucks, collaborating with global engineering, studio design, manufacturing, testing, and supplier partners to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions from concept through production

Job description:

Body-in-White Design Release Engineer

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is seeking a mechanical design engineer to support the development of next-generation body-in-white (BIW) closure systems (e.g., hood, side door, liftgate, tailgate, etc.) for North American Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles

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 Body-in-White Design Release Engineer would support design, release, validation, and continuous improvement efforts concerning closure structures for SUVs and body-on-frame trucks, collaborating with global engineering, studio design, manufacturing, testing, and supplier partners to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions from concept through production

What You Will Do:

• Design and develop body closure systems, including side doors, hoods, trunk lids, tailgates, liftgates, hinges, sealing interfaces, and advanced closure technologies
• 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
• Develop innovative engineering solutions to improve the cost, weight, performance, quality, durability, and manufacturing of body closure components
• Identify and develop innovative solutions for future body-on-frame vehicle programs
• Support vehicle testing, benchmarking, regulatory compliance, and product validation activities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and Hyundai Motor Group affiliates in the U.S. and Korea to ensure successful program execution
• Remain current with new technologies and best practices to drive innovation
• Travel up to 20% of the time, both domestically and internationally
  • South Korea: Travel for early development
  • North American Plants: Travel for pre-production build support

What You Will Bring to the Role:

• Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field
  • 0–7 years of professional experience in BIW design and development
  • Familiarity with CAD and 3D design software
    • CATIA V5 experience is preferred, but not required
    • Note: In-house training will be provided
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills through coursework, internships, engineering projects, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, research, and/or professional experience
  • Ability to explain technical topics to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Familiarity with 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
  • Flexibility with program and process changes. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis may make late changes to satisfy customer needs.
  • Willingness to attend training sessions, workshops, or conferences to enhance skills and knowledge
  • Valid Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field
  • Knowledge of part and assembly datum schemes and dimensional tolerance application

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
• Vehicle Fuel Allowance
• Vehicle Lease Allowance
• 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.