Class-A Modeler

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI); Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Zero premium medical

Disability & life insurance

Generous PTO

Global work environment

Competitive salary

Retirement planning

Health savings accounts

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Kia Design Center America (KDCA) is seeking a Chief Class-A Digital Modeler for DSO/CAD model development in California. The role expands to Approval and pre-production models, requiring Class-A production experience and strong collaboration with global partners.

You will lead visualization efforts across tools like Alias, VRED, Blender, Unreal Engine, and more, delivering photo-real renderings and animations that align with KDCA's design vision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• 3-5+ years in automotive Exterior and Interior model visualization.

Responsibilities

• Lead visual design from ideation to mock-ups and implementation.
• Develop and maintain a coordinated visualization database.
• Ensure attributes and program requirements align with design vision.
• Support workload distribution within Design and CAS teams.
• Create renderings and animations using key visualization tools.
• Prepare presentations with visualization tools for reviews.

Skills

Visualization tools

Autodesk Alias

VRED

Blender

Unreal Engine

Data management

Team collaboration

Design principles

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Alias

VRED

Blender

Unreal Engine

Job description

Kia Design Center America (KDCA) is seeking a Chief Class-A Digital Modeler for DSO/CAD model development. KDCA plans to expand its modeling support to include Approval and DSO pre-production models, which requires modelers with Class-A production experience.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead visual design work, from ideation to mock-ups and implementation
• Develop and maintain a coordinated database
• Ensure incorporation of technical attributes and program requirements whilst maintaining Design vision
• Support workload distribution and prioritization of assignments within Design and CAS teams
• Utilize Autodesk VRED, Unreal Engine, Blender, Premier Pro, AfterEffects, Photoshop - and other new or relevant software – to develop and deliver renderings and animations that communicate the KIA brand coherently across digital and print mediums
• Prepare and execute presentations with various visualization tools, including: Video Wall and mixed Augmented and Virtual reality
• Prepare and translate 3D data to and from applications, such as: Alias, Catia, VRED, Blender, Unreal Engine, etc
• Create photo-realistic renderings of projects, including animations, creative lighting, atmospherics, texturing, unwrapping, and 3D modeling of scene assets
• Work closely with cross-disciplinary teams to understand their needs, and anticipate and prepare for visualization needs
• Oversee and identify new technologies, strategies, and methods for improving visualization process
• Establish and support strong communication with our partners overseas and at HATCI
• Organize and prepare files for Design reviews and presentation materials

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

• Educational Requirements:
  • Bachelors or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
  • 3-5+ years of experience in automotive Exterior and Interior model visualization
• Required Skills and Knowledge:
  • Demonstrate creative and artistic insight
  • Strong technical skills in visualization tools (Autodesk Alias, VRED, Blender, Unreal Engine, etc), Data Management, and project milestones
  • Ability to work in a collaborative team atmosphere, with an open, positive attitude
  • Possess knowledge in the elements and principles of design, composition, 3D modeling, real-world lighting, and visual storytelling
  • Proven ability to evaluate visual alternatives and provide recommendations when necessary
  • Demonstrate interpersonal skills, including ability to plan and organize within a team structure
  • Working knowledge of vehicle construction
  • Strong communication skills and collaborative behavior for daily interaction with Design, Engineering, and local and overseas colleagues
  • Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision-making abilities
  • Proficiency in planning, executing, and closing projects
  • Flexibility in handling multiple projects concurrently

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
• A global environment that fosters diversity
• Competitive salaries
• Retirement savings and planning benefits
• Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts
• California Salary Range: $105,000-$170,000

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.VEVRAAFederal contractor.