Chassis Steering Systems Engineer II

Chassis Steering Systems Engineer II

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is seeking a passionate Design Engineer II to support the design, development, and validation of Steering 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 – Steering System 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

• Steering System Development: Be engaged in the end-to-end concept, architecture, and detail design of hydraulic and electric power steering systems (including pumps, valves, racks, columns, motors, and actuators) for pickup trucks and off-road vehicles.
• 3D CAD Modeling: Support, create and refine complex 3D models and assemblies in CATIA V5. Develop full steering-system package layouts, mounting brackets, and interfaces with chassis and suspension components.
• System Requirements and Analysis: Support definition of steering system requirements (steering effort, feedback, kinematics, durability, NVH, etc.) and help perform engineering analysis. Support analysis of CAE/FEA tools as needed to validate structural stiffness, fatigue life, and thermal performance of steering components.
• Prototyping and Testing: Support plans and execute prototype development and testing. Support test plans for component and system validation (bench tests, road tests, durability rigs). Help analyze test data to verify performance, calibrate variable-assist features, and identify any issues.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all steering designs comply with relevant FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) and SAE regulations. This includes considerations like steering-column collapse, steering wheel lash, electronic stability control inputs, and integration with braking and safety systems.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with electrical engineers, vehicle dynamics experts, suspension and brake teams, manufacturing, and quality assurance to integrate the steering system into the overall vehicle. Participate in design reviews, tolerance stack-ups, and system integration meetings to ensure compatibility and performance.
• Supplier Coordination: Collaborate with Tier-1 suppliers of steering components. Support technical packages, review supplier designs, and drive supplier testing and validation to meet our specifications.
• Documentation: Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including system design specifications, component drawings, bills of materials (BOM), DFMEA/FMEA, DFSS documentation, and validation test reports.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Act as technical support within the chassis/Steering System team. Mentor and train junior engineers, providing guidance on engineering best practices and project management.

• Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: Help investigate and resolve engineering issues during development and support after production launch issues if requested. Support implementation of corrective actions and work with other team members on continuous improvement of suspension designs and development processes. Review IQS, VDS, JP Power & Consumer reports to support warranty and quality issues.

• 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 Steering Systems. Experience specifically with pickup trucks, SUVs, or off-road vehicles is highly preferred.
• Experience working on electric or hybrid vehicle Steering systems. Prior experience with pick-up trucks, SUVs or off-road vehicles and knowledge of their specific Steering Systems / durability / set up / articulation etc is a plus.

Advanced Steering Technologies: Familiarity with variable-assist steering mechanisms (hydraulic flow controls or adaptive electronic steering algorithms) and experience tuning them. Hands-on knowledge of steering dampers and their role in ride/handling is desirable.
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?