Sr. Durability Test and Thermal Performance Test Manager

Sr. Durability Test and Thermal Performance Test Manager

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is seeking a Senior Manager for the Durability Test and Thermal Performance Test Department

The Team:

The Durability Test and Thermal Performance Test Department consists of a Durability Team, which focuses on full-vehicle durability testing and product assurance, and a Thermal Systems Team, which oversees testing and development efforts concerning the performance of integrated thermal management systems for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis NA vehicle models, accounting for the weather and road conditions that are specific to the North American market

The Position:

The Sr. Durability Test and Thermal Performance Test Manager would oversee and support the respective team efforts of the Durability and Thermal Systems Teams of enhancing vehicle durability and the performance of integrated thermal management systems for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis North American vehicles

What You Will Do:

• Provide leadership and technical guidance for the multidisciplinary Durability Test and Thermal Performance Test Team in testing, tuning, and development efforts concerning vehicle durability and the performance of integrated thermal management systems for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis North American vehicles
• Manage engineering groups and their evaluation, testing, tuning, and countermeasure development efforts within the Durability Test and Thermal Performance Test Department concerning vehicle durability and the performance of integrated thermal management systems for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis NA vehicle models, accounting for the weather and road conditions that are specific to the North American market
• Lead all prototype and pilot vehicle durability testing projects. Development includes general durability, powertrain durability, corrosion testing, product assurance testing, countermeasure development, and test mode development.
• Oversee all thermal systems testing, tuning, and development activities in support of prototype and pilot vehicle development
• Lead benchmarking efforts concerning competitors' vehicles to gauge their level of durability and the performance of their integrated thermal management systems, in addition to setting development direction and performance targets
• Align the department's goals and objectives with the corporate direction and see them to completion
• Continuously improve the department's testing resources, capabilities, and procedures concerning vehicle durability and the development of integrated thermal management systems
• Oversee vehicle lifecycle for the Durability test fleet. Responsible for vehicle operation, security, regulatory compliance, importation trade policy compliance, inventory, transfer, and destruction. 
• Develop and manage the department's strategies, plans, human resources, and budgets
• Guide the development of technical and soft-skills training plans for engineers and managers
• Mentor direct reports and recruit new technical talent
• Oversee customer feedback analysis and research activities via internal and external sources (i.e., J.D. Power IQS, Consumer Reports, social media, general media, and internal and external customer clinics)
• Facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing throughout the division, the Korean R&D Center, and counterpart teams
• Provide technical guidance and support for vehicle durability and integrated thermal management system performance-related deficiencies for development and post-production vehicles
• Provide technical support to the North American HQ and plants with vehicle durability and thermal performance-related issues and inquiries
• Support the identification and development of new technologies, strategies, and test methods for improving the vehicle durability and the performance of integrated thermal management systems of current and future Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles
• Work with the Legal and Purchasing departments to develop and maintain contracts with technical outsourcing providers
  • Write proposals, manage the department's budget, and research and negotiate potential outsourcing vendors
• Work with multi-functional teams to plan and implement testing facility improvements
  • Plan and propose new and updated test facilities to meet the evolving needs of new mobility technologies
• Lead the creation and presentation of clear and concise project statuses via technical reports
• Travel up to 25%, both domestically and internationally, to support product development and testing efforts

What You Will Bring to the Role:

• Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field of study
  • 15+ years of vehicle testing and development experience
  • 5+ years of experience developing and testing vehicle durability and/or the performance of integrated thermal management systems
  • 5+ years of experience managing engineers
  • Experience in gathering in-vehicle objective measurements
  • Extensive knowledge of vehicle durability, thermal systems, powertrain systems, chassis systems, and body systems development
  • Understanding of durability and thermal simulation systems
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, R, and Python
  • Adept at working with automotive data acquisition tools and sensors
  • Data and root cause analysis skills
  • Comfortable operating in settings with the following conditions and expectations: 
    • Exposure to extreme temperatures, ranging from -40º F (in the winter) to +120º F (in the summer)
    • Working up to an altitude of 14,000 feet
  • Familiarity with Microsoft programs, such as Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word
  • Flexibility with program and process changes, as Hyundai/Kia/Genesis is willing to make late changes to satisfy customer needs
  • Excellent time management, self-management, and organization skills
  • Project management experience
  • Strong written, oral, interpersonal, and leadership skills
  • Ability to explain technical topics to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Valid Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field of study
  • Documented professional high-performance vehicle driving 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
  • Range of Position: $170,000 ~ $190,000/Year
• 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. VEVRM Federal contractor.