Sr. Chassis Driveline Engineer

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc.; Superior Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Zero-dollar medical premiums for you &

Job summary

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is seeking a Senior Chassis Driveline Engineer to lead design, development, and validation of driveline systems for U.S. SUVs, pickups, and off-road vehicles.

You will collaborate with Vehicle Dynamics, Powertrain, NVH, and Manufacturing to ensure robust integration, durability, and NVH targets, while mentoring junior engineers. The role requires hands-on CAD with CATIA V5, strong analytical skills, and willingness to travel up to 20% for supplier

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or automotive engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in chassis and suspension design focused on driveline systems.
• Experience with pickup trucks, SUVs, or off-road vehicles is highly preferred.
• Experience on electric or hybrid vehicle suspension systems.
• In-depth understanding of vehicle ride and handling, NVH, and off-road performance for heavy-duty trucks and SUVs.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of driveline systems for 4WD and AWD vehicles, including transfer cases and power transfer units.
• Design and develop axle assemblies and shaft components to withstand high-torque, off-road conditions.
• Engineer advanced differential systems for traction, handling, and stability in on- and off-road scenarios.
• Define and execute DVP&R test plans; support bench, dynamometer, and vehicle tests; analyze data for design improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration into Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles.

Skills

CATIA V5

ENOVIA V6/PDM

Windchill

3D CAD modeling

Analytical calculations

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or automotive engineering

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Nastran

MATLAB/Simulink

NX

SolidWorks

Job description

Sr. Chassis Driveline Engineer

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is looking for a Senior Engineer to join the Chassis Engineering Design Team/Department.

The Team

Chassis Engineering Design is a collaborative and innovation-driven team at a leading automotive company. The team values open communication, continuous learning, and a hands‑on approach. 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 chassis systems, encouraging creative problem‑solving and ownership at all levels.

The Position

The Sr. Chassis Driveline Engineer will lead design, development, and validation of chassis driveline systems for U.S. SUV, pickup truck, and off‑road vehicles, creating a robust, high‑performance driveline architecture. The role will work closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless integration, meet customer requirements, and achieve durability and reliability goals.

What You Will Do

• Driveline Design and Development: Lead the engineering of driveline systems and components for 4WD and AWD vehicles, including transfer cases, power transfer units, and related mechanisms, to achieve performance and reliability targets.
• Axles and Shaft Components: Design and develop axle assemblies and shaft components (e.g., solid rear axles, front/rear half‑shafts, prop shafts, and driveshafts), ensuring they can withstand high‑torque loads and off‑road conditions while meeting weight and durability goals.
• Differentials and Torque Management: Engineer advanced differential systems, including limited‑slip units, torque‑vectoring differentials, and electronic‑locking differentials, to optimize traction, handling, and stability for both on‑road and extreme off‑road usage.
• Validation and Testing: Define, support, and execute comprehensive DVP&R test plans for driveline components. Support bench tests, dynamometer tests, and vehicle field tests (on‑road and off‑road) to validate performance, durability, and NVH characteristics. Analyze test data and drive iterative design improvements based on results.
• Problem Solving: Monitor and troubleshoot driveline‑related issues throughout the development cycle. Support root cause analysis for failures or performance gaps using techniques such as 5‑Whys and Fishbone, and implement effective design or process changes.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross‑functional teams – Vehicle Dynamics, Suspension, Powertrain, NVH, Manufacturing, and Quality – to ensure seamless integration of driveline systems into Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles. Coordinate packaging studies, interfaces, and systems integration.
• Supplier Coordination: Liaise with OEM and Tier 1 suppliers for driveline components. Review and validate supplier designs or design‑related changes, ensuring compliance with all specifications and quality standards. Oversee supplier development activities and support sourcing and manufacturing processes.
• Standards and Compliance: Ensure all designs comply with relevant regulatory and industry standards, including FMVSS and applicable SAE standards for chassis and driveline systems.
• Documentation and CAD Modeling: Create and maintain detailed engineering documentation. Develop 3D models and 2D drawings in CATIA V5 for all components and assemblies, author technical specifications, DFMEAs, design review materials, and engineering reports to support program milestones and production readiness.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Mentor junior engineers on best practices and facilitate on‑the‑job learning.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Stay current with emerging technologies and trends in driveline and off‑road vehicle systems. Propose new solutions or improvements to maintain performance and reliability leadership.
• Travel: Travel up to 20% of the time, domestically and internationally.

What You Will Bring to the Role

• Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field.
  • 7+ years of professional experience in chassis and suspension design, focusing on driveline systems.
  • Experience with pickup trucks, SUVs, or off‑road vehicles is highly preferred.
  • Experience working on electric or hybrid vehicle suspension systems.
  • In‑depth understanding of vehicle ride and handling, off‑road performance, and NVH considerations for heavy‑duty trucks and SUVs.
  • Good working knowledge of vehicle body and NVH performance.
  • Knowledge of solid axle and independent suspension systems in off‑road conditions.
  • Proficiency in CATIA V5; familiarity with other CAD software (e.g., CATIA V6, NX, SolidWorks) is beneficial.
  • Experience using engineering tools to create and modify 2D and 3D drawings.
  • Familiarity with PDM (e.g., ENOVIA V6) or Windchill PLM systems.
  • Ability to perform detailed component design and analytical calculations concerning strength, fatigue, and performance.
  • Knowledge of mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering design and processes.
  • Knowledge of tooling design variables and processes.
  • Innovative thinking and proactive approaches to the technical direction of chassis components.
  • Ability to explain technical topics to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
  • Adept in Microsoft programs such as Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.
  • Flexibility with program and process changes.
  • Excellent time management, self‑management, and organization skills.
  • Strong written, oral, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
  • Strong problem‑solving skills, diagnosing complex issues and developing robust solutions.
  • 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.
  • Proficiency in utilizing CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, Nastran, MATLAB/Simulink) for advanced suspension modeling, dynamic simulations, and/or product optimization.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or Six Sigma certification.
  • Experience with vehicle program launches from concept to production.
  • Project management experience.

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.
• 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.