Proving Ground Vehicle Test Development Engineer I

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is currently looking for a Proving Ground Vehicle Test Development Engineer I at our California Proving Ground in California City, California:

• Evaluate, Test and Develop the Chassis Controls / Thermal Systems / Durability performance of North American Market Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles as a member of one of the Vehicle Test & Development groups.
• The groups oversee chassis control, thermal systems, and durability test and development activities in support of prototype and pilot vehicle development to assure that development vehicle performance meets or exceeds customers’ expectations in all road and environmental conditions in North America.
• The groups’ main function of evaluation, testing, and developing the performance of HMG vehicles aligns with our corporate goal of delivering the best vehicles for the North American customer through regional technical leadership and global collaboration.

• Evaluate, Test and Develop the Chassis Controls / Thermal Systems / Durability performance of North American Market Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles as a member of one of the Vehicle Test & Development groups.
• Perform subjective evaluations & objective testing, calibrate, investigate problem root cause, and develop appropriate countermeasures in all weather and road conditions in North America.
• Develop and execute test plans, coordinate test vehicles, and manage supplier activities.
• Benchmark competitor vehicle performance and the establishment of development direction and performance targets.
• Analyze customer feedback results from internal and external media sources (J.D. Power IQS, Consumer Reports, social media, traditional media, and internal & external customer clinics).
• Evaluate, test, and calibrate vehicle chassis control systems for North America market, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles:
• • Electronic chassis control performance development: ESC, TCS, active lateral dynamic controls, certification test (ex. FMVSS/NCAP)
  • EV motor torque control based active chassis control performance development
  • Brake performance development: brake system base performance validation, brake pedal feel calibration, regenerative brake blending calibration, ABS tuning and validation, brake performance related research, and field issue improvement
• Conduct field testing of vehicle thermal systems (A/C, heater, defrost/defog, engine/transmission cooling and electric vehicle thermal management).
• Seasonal performance testing in extreme North American climates (Death Valley: 120F, Northern Minnesota: -30F, Pacific Northwest: heavy rain/snow, …)
• Analyze data, identify HVAC or cooling issues, report findings, and support real-time software tuning and calibration to enhance customer safety and comfort.
• Plan and lead vehicle durability testing; identify root causes, report findings, and support countermeasure development to closure.
• Analyze field durability using warranty data, customer surveys, and dealership/auction visits; report and track emerging issues.
• Develop and update full-vehicle durability test procedures, aligning with test capability, vehicle lineup, new technologies, and field trends.
• Interface regularly with Engineering Design departments and with counterparts in our R&D Headquarters in Korea.
• Support the identification and development of new technologies, strategies, and methods for improving the performance of current and future Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles.
• Create and present clear & concise project status and technical reports.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, or a related field of study
• 0 to 3 years of relevant engineering experience in the automotive industry
• 0 to 1 year engineering internship experience
• Coursework in Vehicle Dynamics, Signal Analysis, Controls, Thermodynamics, and Durability, a plus
• Good understanding of vehicle dynamics, chassis systems, thermal systems, electrical systems and powertrain systems
• Experienced with experimental data acquisition systems and analysis software including Matlab
• Excellent computer skills
• Experience in root cause analysis and problem-solving methods
• Good written communication and presentation skills
• Flexibility in handling multiple projects and changing priorities
• Proficient with Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
• Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record

• Zero-dollar Employee Premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for You and Your Family
• 100% Employer-paid Disability and Life Insurance
• Hybrid Work Schedule
• Generous Paid Time Off, Including Vacation, Sick, and Abundant Holidays
• Competitive Salaries
  • Range of Position: $70,000 ~ $78,000/Year
• A Global Environment that Fosters Diversity
• Retirement Savings and Planning Benefits
• Access to Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts 
• Flexible Work Hours

Physical Demands, Work Environment, Travel Expectations:

• Able to work in a culturally diverse team environment and in harsh climate conditions (Winter -40F, Summer +120F, altitude up to 14,000 ft)
• Travel up to 35%, domestically and internationally to support product development and testing

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.

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer included Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.