Chassis Driveline Engineer II

Chassis Driveline Engineer II

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is seeking a passionate Design Engineer II to support the design, development, and validation of Chassis Driveline Systems for U.S. SUV, pickup truck and off-road vehicles. In this role, you will leverage your mechanical engineering skills to create robust, high-performance suspension architecture. You will work closely with cross-functional teams (Other Chassis groups, powertrain, body, electrical, manufacturing, etc.) to ensure seamless integration, meet customer requirements, and achieve durability and reliability goals. The ideal candidate has a minimum of 3 years of hands-on Chassis - Suspension experience in an automotive OEM or Tier-1 environment, is proficient in a CAD system (CATIA V5 preferred, will accept NX or Solidworks), and demonstrates mentoring skills and the willingness to be taught. 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.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Driveline Design & Development: Be engaged in the end-to-end design and engineering of driveline systems and components for 4WD and AWD vehicles, including transfer cases, power transfer units, and related mechanisms, to achieve performance and reliability targets.
• Axles and Shaft Components: Be engaged in the end-to-end design and develop of axle assemblies and shaft components (e.g. solid rear axles, front/rear half-shafts, prop shafts and driveshafts) ensuring they can withstand high torque loads and off-road conditions while meeting weight and durability goals.
• Differentials & Torque Management: Be engaged in the end-to-end design and develop of advanced differential systems (front and rear), including limited-slip units, torque vectoring differentials, and electronic locking differentials, to optimize traction, handling, and stability for both on-road and extreme off-road use.
• Validation & Testing: Support comprehensive DVP&R (Design Verification Plan & Report) test plans for driveline components. Support bench tests, dynamometer tests, and vehicle field tests (on-road and off-road) to validate performance, durability, and NVH characteristics. Analyze test data and drive iterative design improvements based on results.

• Problem Solving: Help troubleshoot driveline issues throughout the development cycle. Support root cause analysis for any failures or performance gaps (using tools like 5-Why, Fishbone, etc.) and implement effective design or process changes to resolve issues promptly.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams – including Vehicle Dynamics, Suspension, Powertrain, NVH, Manufacturing, and Quality – to ensure seamless integration of the driveline systems into the overall vehicle. Coordinate packaging studies, interfaces, and systems integration to avoid conflicts and achieve performance objectives.
• Supplier Coordination: Collaborate with suppliers for driveline components. Review and validate supplier designs or design changes, ensuring they meet all specifications and quality standards. Engage in supplier development activities and support the sourcing and manufacturing process for driveline parts.
• Standards & Compliance: Ensure all designs comply with relevant regulatory and industry standards, including Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and applicable SAE standards for chassis and driveline systems. Incorporate these requirements into the design specifications and validation plans.
• Documentation & CAD Modeling: Create and maintain detailed engineering documentation. Develop 3D models and 2D drawings in CATIA V5 for all components and assemblies, including applying GD&T as needed. Author and update technical specifications, DFMEAs (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), design review materials, and engineering reports to support program milestones and production readiness.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Act as technical support within the chassis/suspension team. Mentor and train junior engineers, providing guidance on engineering best practices and project management.

Travel: Occasional domestic and international travel (approximately 20%) to our Korean HQ, supplier facilities, chassis component manufacturers, and CA test tracks are expected. Travel may also include collaboration with off-site engineering teams or attendance at industry events.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
  
  
• Experience: Minimum 3 years of professional experience in chassis and suspension design, with a focus on Driveline Systems. Experience specifically with pickup trucks, SUVs, or off-road vehicles is highly preferred.
• Experience working on electric or hybrid vehicle Suspension systems. Prior experience with pick-up trucks, SUVs or off-road vehicles and knowledge of their specific Driveline Systems / durability / set up / articulation etc is a plus.
  Advanced Analysis: Proficiency in CAE tools (e.g. ANSYS, Nastran, MATLAB/Simulink) for advanced suspension modeling, dynamic simulations, or optimization is a plus.
  Vehicle Dynamics: 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.
  Additional CAD/CAE: Familiarity with CAD software (e.g. CATIA V6) and PDM (ENOVIA V6) or Windchill PLM systems.
• Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) license or Six Sigma certification, if applicable, are advantageous.

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.

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.

STILL INTERESTED? WHY NOT APPLY?