Senior Engineer - Chassis - Suspension

Senior Engineer – Chassis - Suspension

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc (HATCI) is seeking a Senior Chassis Engineer to lead and support the design, development, and validation of Front and Rear Suspension Systems for U.S. SUV, pickup truck and off-road vehicles. In this role, you will leverage your deep mechanical engineering expertise to create robust, high-performance suspension architectures. 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 8–10 years of hands-on Chassis - Suspension experience in an automotive OEM or Tier-1 environment, is highly proficient in CATIA V5, and demonstrates strong leadership and mentoring skills. 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

• Lead Suspension Design: Drive the end-to-end design of front and rear suspension components (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 our CAE groups to ensure designs meet strength, stiffness, durability, and ride/handling targets. Analyze loads (static, dynamic, fatigue) 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. Ensure concepts align with project requirements and standards.
• Validation Planning & Testing: Define, support and execute validation plans for suspension systems. This includes supporting the creation of test plans, leading prototype builds, and supporting bench and full-vehicle tests (durability, NVH, ride comfort, handling, off-road performance etc). 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 & Documentation: Lead and participate in design reviews, DFMEA/PFMEA sessions, and design-for-manufacturing discussions. Prepare and maintain engineering documents (specifications, test reports, control plans, etc.) and ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards.
• Problem Solving & 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 & 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. Participate in APQP/PPAP type processes to support vehicle program launches.

• Leadership & 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.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

• Valid Driving License and satisfactory driving record are required.

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 8–10 years of professional experience in chassis and suspension design, with a focus on Front and Rear Suspension 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 Suspension 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.
• Physical Demands: Walking, standing, sitting, driving, general engineering activities (8 hours / day, 5 days / week)
• 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 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.

• Vehicle Lease Allowance

• Vehicle Gas Allowance

• 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?