Thermal Systems Senior Engineer

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI); California City (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Zero-premium health

Employer-paid disability and life

Paid time off

Global environment

Competitive salary

Retirement benefits

Health savings accounts

Job summary

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) seeks a Thermal Systems Senior Engineer to lead thermal testing on prototype vehicles, focusing on engine cooling, HVAC, and battery thermal management.

You will validate climate control through field tests and wind tunnel work, calibrate auto climate systems, and analyze data to propel performance improvements. The role demands hands-on testing, data acquisition expertise, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to meet NA customer

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical or Electrical) required.
• 6+ years automotive engineering experience in vehicle testing or calibration preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with data acquisition and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of thermal systems testing for engine cooling, HVAC, and battery management on pre-production vehicles.
• Conduct HVAC performance tests, including field validation and wind tunnel development as needed.
• Calibrate automatic climate control to North American customer expectations with validation testing.
• Perform cooling tests for engine, transmission, EV motor/inverter, and battery; include seasonal testing.
• Prepare test instrumentation documents, configure data acquisition, retrieve data, analyze results, and report findings.
• Create test reports to drive improvements and communicate improvements collaboratively.
• Handle administrative tasks and oversee project work such as asset purchases or facility repairs.

Skills

Communication skills

Data acquisition experience

Climatic chamber testing

MS Office

Project management

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical)

Tools

ETAS INCA

IPetronik

Vector

Job description

Job description:

Thermal Systems Senior Engineer

• Research and develop thermal system performance through vehicle testing.
• The Thermal Performance Test Team is responsible for test and calibration of vehicle thermal systems, including HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), Automatic Temperature Control, Powertrain Cooling and Battery Thermal Management for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models sold in the North American market using internally-developed and industry standard test procedures.
• Thermal test activities support corporate goals of ensuring safety and improving customer satisfaction.

What You Will Do

• Lead development of thermal systems testing related to engine cooling, HVAC, and battery thermal management for pre-production (prototype) vehicles.
• Participate in and conduct HVAC performance tests of pre-production (prototype) vehicles. This includes seasonal field validation testing in hot and cold climates, and climate wind tunnel development testing as needed.
• Calibrate Automatic Temperature Control (or auto climate control) for cabin comfort according to North American customer expectations. This includes field validation testing and climate wind tunnel development testing as needed.
• Participate in and conduct cooling performance tests of pre-production (prototype) vehicles, including engine, transmission, electric motor and inverter, and battery cooling. Conduct battery thermal management testing for developing EV performance. This will incorporate seasonal field testing, trailer tow validation field testing and climate wind tunnel development testing as needed.
• Plan for effective testing by preparing test instrumentation documents and configuring data acquisition equipment, working competently with a wide range of sensors and signals including vehicle CAN buses, thermocouples, pressures, voltages and more. Retrieve data, perform analysis, and provide high-level commentary on results.
• Create test reports that drive forward improvements in performance and communicate opportunities to solve problems in a collaborative environment.
• Complete administrative tasks such as purchasing requests, vacation requests, business travel plans, etc. Plan and oversee project work such as purchase of fixed assets or facility/equipment repair.

What You Will Bring to the Role

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferred)
• 6+ years of automotive engineering experience in vehicle testing or calibration preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Data Acquisition Experience (ETAS (INCA), IPetronik, Vector)
• Climatic Chamber Testing Experience is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word
• Project management, time management and organizational leadership skills
• Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record

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 (commensurate with experience)
  • Range of position: $98,000.00 ~ $125,000.00
• Retirement savings and planning benefits
• Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts

Other Details

• Able to work in a culturally diverse team environment
• Travel up to 20~40% of time domestically or internationally in support of off-site testing or evaluation
• Work indoors and outdoors in harsh weather conditions (Winter -40F, Summer +120F, altitude up to 10,000 ft)
• Shop Environment: Exposure to fuel, compressed air/gas, emissions and exhaust fumes; pinching, tripping, electrical, and chemical hazards; bending and stooping required; must be able to lift up to 75 lbs and work safely with hand power tools. Use of personal protective equipment required where prescribed.
• May require bending, stooping and lifting while removing and attaching trailers to vehicles, installing instrumentation and repairing vehicle failures.
• May require operation of vehicles for long distance driving over multiple days.

Note: As full-vehicle validation requires constant hands‑on activity, this is not a hybrid or remote role.

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.

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer included Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.