R&D Engineer, Tire Prototyping & Validation

Kumho Tire of Georgia; Rutland (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kumho Tire Georgia in Macon, Georgia, seeks a Research & Development Engineer to support prototype tire development, OEM testing, and product validation. You will coordinate inspections, manage documentation, and collaborate with international R&D teams to ensure tire quality aligns with customer requirements.

The role emphasizes reviewing specifications, analyzing results, and maintaining quality records, with exposure to PFMEA, APQP, and cross-functional problem-solving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a science-related field required.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing, product testing, engineering, quality assurance, or product development preferred.
• Knowledge of automotive quality systems and Core Tools, including FMEA, Control Plans, and APQP, preferred.
• Experience supporting automotive manufacturer (OEM) audits preferred.
• Ability to review engineering specifications, technical documents, and product testing requirements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate test results and identify potential quality concerns.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects, testing schedules, and technical requirements simultaneously.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual Korean/English proficiency preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate prototype tire production, OEM tire testing, and product inspections with Production, Quality Assurance, and R&D teams.
• Review technical specifications, engineering requirements, and testing procedures to ensure products meet established standards.
• Coordinate tire testing schedules, test requests, and product validation activities.
• Analyze tire testing results, identify potential quality concerns, and communicate findings to appropriate teams.
• Maintain accurate test data, engineering reports, technical documentation, and product testing records.
• Track specification changes and maintain accurate revision histories.
• Support product development activities and testing requirements for new and existing tire products.
• Coordinate tire inspections (visual, X-ray, and shearography) to evaluate tire quality.
• Maintain PFMEA documentation, Control Plans, and APQP-related activities.
• Communicate with Korean R&D centers and external testing facilities regarding technical specifications, testing requirements, schedules, and results.
• Coordinate testing activities and communicate project updates across multiple departments.
• Manage test tire shipments, including product identification, traceability, packing, and shipping documentation.
• Maintain organized records of testing activities, shipment information, and technical communications.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a science-related field

Job description

Kumho Tire Georgia in Macon, Georgia, seeks a Research & Development Engineer to support prototype tire development, OEM testing, and product validation. You will coordinate inspections, manage documentation, and collaborate with international R&D teams to ensure tire quality aligns with customer requirements.

The role emphasizes reviewing specifications, analyzing results, and maintaining quality records, with exposure to PFMEA, APQP, and cross-functional problem-solving.