Sr. FRT & RR Suspension Engineer

Sr. FRT & RR Suspension Engineer

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is searching for a Senior Engineer for the Chassis Engineering Team I

The Team:

The Chassis Engineering Team I would oversee the design, development, and release efforts of the following disciplines: front and rear suspension, steering systems, and wheels and tires

The Position:

The Sr. FRT and RR Suspension Engineer would lead and support the design, development, and validation of Front and Rear Suspension Systems for U.S. SUVs, pickup trucks, and off-road vehicles. In this role, one would leverage their deep mechanical engineering expertise to create robust, high-performance suspension architectures, as one would work closely with other chassis groups and HATCI teams (e.g., powertrain, body, electrical, manufacturing, etc.) to ensure seamless integration, meet customer requirements, and achieve durability and reliability goals

What You Will Do:

• Lead Suspension Design: Drive the end-to-end design of front and rear suspension components (e.g., control arms, springs, dampers, linkages, subframes, bushings, etc.) using CATIA V5, generate detailed 3D models and 2D drawings, and oversee CAD release for prototyping and production
• Mechanical Analysis: Coordinate FEA and kinematic/dynamic analyses with Hyundai's CAE groups to ensure designs meet strength, stiffness, durability, and ride/handling targets, analyze loads (static, dynamic, fatigue, etc.), and iterate designs for weight, cost, and performance
• Concept Development: Develop and document suspension concepts and packaging layouts, considering vehicle geometry, articulation, ground clearance, steering geometry, and off-road requirements, and ensure concepts align with project requirements and standards
• Validation Planning and Testing: Define, support, and execute validation plans for suspension systems by creating test plans, leading prototype builds, and supporting bench and full-vehicle tests (e.g., durability, NVH, ride comfort, handling, off-road performance, etc) and support correlation of test data with simulation results and make design refinements as needed
• Supplier Coordination: Collaborate with Tier-1 suppliers on component design and development; provide technical direction and review supplier CAD models and drawings; manage the supplier design review process and ensure supplier deliverables meet specifications and quality standards
• Design Review and Documentation: Lead and participate in design reviews, DFMEA/PFMEA sessions, and design-for-manufacturing discussions; prepare and maintain engineering documents (e.g., specifications, test reports, control plans, etc.) and ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards
• Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement: Investigate and resolve engineering issues during development and support after production launch issues (if requested); implement corrective actions and drive continuous improvement of suspension designs and development processes; review IQS, VDS, JP Power, and Consumer reports to support warranty and quality issues
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with manufacturing, quality, and product engineering teams to ensure designs are feasible for production and service, and participate in APQP/PPAP-type processes to support vehicle program launches
• Leadership and Mentorship: Act as a technical lead within the chassis/suspension team; mentor and train junior engineers, providing guidance on engineering best practices and project management; demonstrate leadership by setting high standards for quality and innovation and by fostering a collaborative team atmosphere
• Travel up to 20% of the time, both domestically and internationally

What You Will Bring to the Role:

• Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, automotive, or a related field of engineering
  • 8-10 years of chassis or suspension design experience, with a focus on front and rear suspension systems
  • Proficiency with 3D modeling, assemblies, and 2D drawing generation via CATIA V5
  • Experience with CAD data management and revision control
  • Understanding of formal development processes (e.g., APQP, DFMEA, PFMEA, PPAP, etc.)
  • Strong foundation in mechanical engineering fundamentals (i.e., statics, dynamics, vibrations, and materials)
  • Hands-on experience with mechanical analysis (i.e., FEA and analytical calculations) and suspension kinematics
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes for chassis components (i.e., stamping, forging, welding, and machining) and design-for-manufacture principles
  • Experience in planning and executing vehicle or component tests (i.e., durability rigs, track testing, and NVH evaluation)
  • Ability to develop test plans, interpret data, and implement design improvements
  • Flexibility with program and process changes, as Hyundai/Kia/Genesis is willing to make late changes to satisfy customer needs
  • Good written, oral, interpersonal, and leadership skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft programs, such as Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word
  • Excellent time management, self-management, and organization skills
  • Ability to remain current with new technologies and best practices
  • Willingness to attend training, workshops, or conferences to enhance skills
  • Ability to diagnose and resolve complex, section-related issues 
  • Valid Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in mechanical, automotive, or a related field of engineering
  • Experience working on electric or hybrid vehicle suspension systems
  • Familiarity with EVs, pickup trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles 
  • Experience performing advanced suspension modeling, simulations, and optimization via CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, Nastran, MATLAB/Simulink, etc.)
  • In-depth understanding of vehicle ride & handling, off-road performance, and NVH considerations specific to heavy-duty trucks and SUVs
  • Knowledge of solid axle and independent suspension systems in off-road conditions
  • Familiarity with CATIA V6 and PDM (i.e., ENOVIA V6) or Windchill PLM systems
  • Prior involvement in vehicle program launches (from concept through production)
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or Six Sigma certification

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
• Hybrid Work Schedule
• 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. VEVRM Federal contractor.