KIA Senior Clay Modeler
Date: Jun 12, 2025
Location: Irvine, CA, US, 92618
Company: Hyundai Motor Company
JOB TITLE
KIA Senior Clay Modeler
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Summary
- Construct scale-size and full-size clay and hard foam models, including armature fabrication and CMF fabrication. Input and evaluate surface data for design review and engineering specifications review.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT
Essential Duties and Responsibilities, including but not limited to:
- Create clay models and develop surfaces by CNC mill and by hand for design evaluation by designers and engineers following verbal instructions, CAS data, and drawings.
- Cut, bond, and weld metals, plastics, foam and wood to create parts for armatures and clay models. Apply paint, modeling film and tape applications for clay model presentations.
- Operate and program small milling machines for cutting Alias data and scan data.
- Fabricate CMF presentation models from wood, plastics, foam and metals.
- Work with outside vendors for project needs.
- Input and evaluate computerized surface data with Autodesk - Alias Studio software for engineering and modeling feasibility.
- Perform general shop maintenance, organize tools, clean shop, crate and uncrate models, and operate forklift to load and unload trucks.
- Perform administrative functions such as timecard, vacation requests, travel requests, ….etc.
- Perform additional studio projects as assigned.
- Travel up to 5% of time domestically and internationally.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
Qualifications and Requirements
- Expert knowledge and understanding of manual surface development
- Expert knowledge of model making techniques, tools, materials, and equipment
- Knowledge of milling software and CNC mill operation
- Knowledge of scanning equipment operation
- Knowledge of automobile industry engineering and manufacturing
- Knowledge of safe operation of hand tools, power tools, and fabrication equipment
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior
Education and Experience
- High School Diploma
- Associate's degree in Industrial, Automotive/Transportation Design, Sculpting (Preferred)
- 8 years hands on experience creating clay models for major automotive manufacturer
- 5 years experience coordinating work with Design Managers, Senior Engineers, CMF Designers, and Chief Designer to understand design and engineering requirements
- Experience working in culturally diverse team environments
Required Skills
- Expert skills in sculpting and building clay models from verbal instructions, blueprints, and engineering drawings
- Proficient in using shop tools to build armatures and fabricate models - band saws, lathes, drills, grinders, etc.
- Proficient in using various materials in creating models - clay, wood, bondo, automotive paint, resins, etc.
- Some experience in Autodesk Alias software; and /or CATIA software; and/or Majics software
- Proficient skills in MS Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
- Proficient time management and organization skills
- Proficient self-management skills
- Proficient oral and written communication skills
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Studio Environment - exposure to wood, plastics, metals, clay, foam, paints and resins. Exposure to temperature changes indoors and outdoors. May be required to work in awkward and unusual body positions for extended periods of time. May be required to lift and push items up to 50 lbs. Must be able to work safely with hand and power tools and equipment.
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
- Flexible work hours, and hybrid work schedule options
- Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts
- Up to 00% travel (domestic and international)
Compensation Range : $130K~$150K
* Candidates applying for positions with Kia must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
HATCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor
Nearest Major Market: Irvine California
Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles