Exterior Mechanical Design Engineer I

Date: May 21, 2026

Location: Ellabelle, GA, US, 31308

Company: Hyundai Motor Company

JOB TITLE

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is seeking a Design Engineer for the Production Vehicle Optimization (PVO) Team. The PVO Team is a part of the Vehicle Engineering Department, which focuses on optimizing North American produced vehicles for Initial Quality, Warranty Claim (Durability) and Cost Efficiency by Engineering Design.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Apply Functional Area expertise to continuously develop (Sample → Mass Production Application) improvement concepts for Genesis, Hyundai, and KIA vehicles.
  • Collaborate with HMMA, KaGA, HMGMA, KMX, Suppliers, HMG R&D and other HATCI teams by serving as an onsite technical design liaison for North American production vehicles.
  • Confirm design for manufacturability, focus on warranty claim prevention and overall design for quality customer products.
  • Oversee component testing on design concepts to assess their feasibility and manufacturability for production implementation.
  • Summarize investigation results and apply to current products where applicable to improve quality, reduce warranty claims and improve vehicle J.D. Power IQS results.
  • Provide technical design support for current production and new vehicle launch builds as assigned.
  • Generate issue lists, propose countermeasures, validate improvement recommendations, and issue engineering changes as required.
  • Modify and/or create assembly structure utilizing the Bill of Material (BOM) system.
  • Modify/Create 2D engineering drawings and associated 3D geometry (surface/solid) based on design change (as applicable) for non-supplier sourced systems.
  • Review 2D drawings and 3D data from suppliers to ensure that components meet design specifications, make recommendations for changes and obtain appropriate management approvals.
  • Utilize CAE as required.
  • Benchmark competitor best in class vehicles to better understand design methodologies and customer preferences.
  • Develop strong supplier contact base within commodity area of responsibility.
  • Understand component manufacturing processes and capabilities that influence design improvement direction.
  • Manage suppliers as part of design improvement process by leading cross functionally: Share design information, lead testing, review output and enforce timelines.
  • Respond to special requests from HMG R&D: Investigations, reports on plant or supplier quality trends, Task Force Team participation, new concept evaluation, part testing and other topics as requested.
  • Develop and present technical reports as assigned.
  • Prepare detailed project plans, develop supporting budget, and prepare reports for management as required.
  • Travel up to 25% of time domestically and internationally.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

  • Educational Requirements:
    • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field of study
  • Related Industry Experience Requirements:
    • 0-5 years of experience in Engineering Design for responsible functional area
  • Required Skills and Knowledge:
    • Knowledge of automotive industry engineering design and related manufacturing methods
    • Knowledge of functional area components and related parts
    • Knowledge of vehicle safety standards and testing methods/requirements
    • CATIA V5 or similar experience
    • Proficient Project Management skills
    • Proficient Data Analysis skills
    • Proficient skills in MS Office – Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
    • Proficient time management and organization skills
    • Proficient oral and written communication skills
  • Additional Requirements:
    • Experience working in culturally diverse team environment
    • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior

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
  • Retirement savings and planning benefits
  • Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts

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.


Nearest Major Market: Savannah