Exterior Trim Mechanical Design Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Zero-premium medical

Disability & life insurance (employer‑

Job summary

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is seeking a Senior Engineer to join the Production Vehicle Optimization (PVO) Team in Vehicle Engineering. The role focuses on improving Initial Quality, warranty prevention, and cost efficiency for North American production vehicles through design optimization.

The incumbent will work with HMMA, KaGA, HMGMA, KMX, and suppliers to lead cross-functional design improvements, generate technical reports, and manage project plans with travel up to 25%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• 0–10 years of experience in engineering design for the automotive functional area.
• Experience with CATIA V5 or similar system software is preferred.
• Strong project management, communication, and data analysis skills required.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering design concepts for production vehicle optimization across Genesis, Hyundai, and KIA vehicles.
• Collaborate with North American teams and suppliers as an onsite liaison for production vehicles.
• Ensure design for manufacturability and quality, focusing on warranty claim prevention.
• Oversee component testing and validate feasibility for production implementation.
• Develop and present technical reports and detailed project plans.
• Travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.

Skills

Automotive engineering

Project management

Data analysis

MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

Time management

Communication skills

CATIA V5

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

Job description

Exterior Trim Mechanical Design Engineer

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is seeking a Senior Engineer for the Production Vehicle Optimization (PVO) Team.

The PVO Team is a part of the Vehicle Engineering Department, which focuses on optimizing North American produced vehicles for Initial Quality, Warranty Claim (Durability) and Cost Efficiency by Engineering Design.

What You Will Do

• Apply Functional Area expertise to continuously develop (Sample → Mass Production Application) improvement concepts for Genesis, Hyundai, and KIA vehicles.
• Collaborate with HMMA, KaGA, HMGMA, KMX, Suppliers, HMG R&D and other HATCI teams by serving as an onsite technical design liaison for North American production vehicles.
• Confirm design for manufacturability, focus on warranty claim prevention and overall design for quality customer products.
• Oversee component testing on design concepts to assess their feasibility and manufacturability for production implementation.
• Summarize investigation results and apply to current products where applicable to improve quality, reduce warranty claims and improve vehicle J.D. Power IQS results.
• Provide technical design support for current production and new vehicle launch builds as assigned.
• Generate issue lists, propose countermeasures, validate improvement recommendations, and issue engineering changes as required.
• Modify and/or create assembly structure utilizing the Bill of Material (BOM) system.
• Modify/Create 2D engineering drawings and associated 3D geometry (surface/solid) based on design change (as applicable) for non-supplier sourced systems.
• Review 2D drawings and 3D data from suppliers to ensure that components meet design specifications, make recommendations for changes and obtain appropriate management approvals.
• Utilize CAE as required.
• Benchmark competitor best in class vehicles to better understand design methodologies and customer preferences.
• Develop strong supplier contact base within commodity area of responsibility.
• Understand component manufacturing processes and capabilities that influence design improvement direction.
• Manage suppliers as part of design improvement process by leading cross functionally: Share design information, lead testing, review output and enforce timelines.
• Respond to special requests from HMG R&D: Investigations, reports on plant or supplier quality trends, Task Force Team participation, new concept evaluation, part testing and other topics as requested.
• Develop and present technical reports as assigned.
• Prepare detailed project plans, develop supporting budget, and prepare reports for management as required.
• Travel up to 25% of time domestically and internationally.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Required Skills and Knowledge:
  • Basic knowledge of automotive industry engineering design and related manufacturing methods
  • Basic knowledge of functional area components and related parts
  • Knowledge of vehicle safety standards and testing methods/requirements
  • Experience using CATIA V5 or similar system software
  • Strong Project Management skills
  • Strong Data Analysis skills
  • Strong skills in MS Office – Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
  • Proficient time management and organization skills
  • Proficient oral and written communication skills
• Additional Requirements:
  • Experience working in culturally diverse team environment
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior

What You Will Bring to the Role

• Educational Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field of study
• Related Industry Experience Requirements:
  • 0-10 years of experience in Engineering Design for responsible functional area
• Valid Driver's License & satisfactory driving record
• 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

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
• Flexible work hours, and hybrid work schedule options
• Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts

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.