Body-in-White Design Release Engineer

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI); Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Zero-dollar medical premiums

Employer-paid disability & life

Generous paid time off

Vehicle allowances

Flexible work hours

Health savings accounts

Job summary

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is seeking a Body-in-White Design Release Engineer to support design, release, validation, and continuous improvement of closure structures for SUVs and body-on-frame trucks for North American Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis programs.

The role collaborates with global engineering, studio design, manufacturing, testing, and supplier partners to deliver high-quality solutions from concept to production, with frequent travel and cross-functional teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in mechanical or automotive engineering.
• 0–7 years BIW design experience.
• Experience with CAD/3D design; CATIA V5 preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and release body closure systems for BIW.
• Create/modify 3D data and 2D drawings.
• Manage system BOMs.
• Support testing, validation, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with global teams and suppliers.
• Travel up to 20% domestically and internationally.

Skills

CAD and 3D design

CATIA V5

Problem solving

Communication

Time management

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/automotive engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

CATIA V5

3D CAD software

Job description

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.