Kia Design - Senior Studio Engineer

Hyundai Motor Company; Irvine, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Hyundai Motor Company’s Kia Design Center in Irvine seeks a studio engineer to bridge design and engineering for innovative vehicle concepts. You will design and engineer body structures and packaging for concept programs, and translate requirements into 3D design guides for feasible execution.

The role requires 5+ years in automotive engineering, strong English and Korean communication, and proficiency in CATIA V5 and MS Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering.
• 5+ years in automotive engineering; studio experience preferred.
• Deep understanding of vehicle architecture and production constraints.
• Excellent English and Korean communication skills.
• Proficient in CATIA V5 and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer body structures and packaging for concept programs.
• Create compelling technical concept proposals to drive design solutions.
• Interpret requirements into 3D design guides for feasible execution.
• Ensure proposals align with brand identity, feasibility, and regulations.
• Foster collaboration between Korea and US design teams.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

English communication

Korean communication

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

MS Office

Job description

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Kia Design Center is seeking a studio engineer to bridge design and engineering for innovative, feasible vehicle concepts.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Design and engineer body structures and advanced packaging for concept programs.
• Create compelling and innovative technical concept proposals to drive new design solutions.
• Interpret engineering requirements and translate them into 3D design guides, demonstrating a strong understanding of how legal, feasibility, and cost requirements correlate with design proportions and execution.
• Ensure engineering requirement proposals align with Kia’s brand identity, feasibility standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Find innovative solutions to help designers meet production program engineering requirements.
• Foster seamless communication between the Engineering Department in Korea and the US Design Team.
• Create detailed studies and propose alternative technical solutions to support and enhance design concepts.
• Create model check documents, generate design model and competitor comparisons, and effectively communicate results to design counterparts.
• Organize and manage 2D and 3D production data.
• Analyze concepts through both 3D digital simulations and physical prototypes.
• Collaborate with design, digital modeling, clay modeling, visualization, and global engineering teams to support project development up to design freeze.
• Handle multiple engineering design tasks independently, ensuring timely delivery while coordinating cross‑functional activities across departments.
• Communicate technical information, project updates, and results clearly to project owners, leadership, and relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate show cars, special projects, and the organization of relevant project data on a technical level.
• Support Kia’s long‑term strategic vision by contributing to innovation and advanced design studies, while fostering strong collaboration in a multicultural, cross‑functional environment.
• Proactively study and monitor new technologies and structures that could be implemented into design proposals.
• Research new developments in platforms, engineering, and emerging technologies that could influence the design of future vehicles.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience working in automotive engineering (studio experience preferred).
• Deep understanding of vehicle architecture, engineering feasibility, and production constraints.
• Excellent communication skills in both English and Korean.
• Strong appreciation for design and creative processes.
• Passion for vehicles and future mobility solutions.
• Advanced proficiency in CATIA V5 and MS Office.
• Proven ability to manage 2–3 concurrent design tasks or projects efficiently.
• Proactive, independent, and collaborative working style.
• Strong interpersonal skills to thrive in multicultural and cross‑functional environments.

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
• Retirement savings and planning benefits
• Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts
• California Annual Compensation Range: $130,000-$170,000. (please note, compensation ranges may vary)

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.