Closures BIW Engineer

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is looking for an experienced engineer to join the BIW (body-in-white) and Mixed Materials Team of the Closures Engineering Design Department

The Team:

Closures Engineering Design is a collaborative and innovation-driven team at a leading automotive company. The Closures Engineering Design Team values open communication, continuous learning, and a hands-on approach. Additionally, the Closures Engineering Design Team fosters a culture where senior engineers guide less experienced colleagues, share knowledge freely, and work together to solve complex engineering challenges. The team is committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and reliable Closure systems, encouraging creative problem-solving and ownership at all levels. As part of the Closures Engineering Design Team, one would work closely with a diverse group of designers, testers, and manufacturing engineers in an environment that rewards initiative, technical excellence, and professional growth.

The Position:

The Closures BIW Engineer would support the development of advanced closure systems for Hyundai's next-generation vehicles. This position plays a critical role in the end-to-end engineering of functional, innovative, and aesthetically integrated closures, including hoods, tailgates, side doors, liftgates, hinges, and special Closure moving panels. The ideal candidate combines hands-on product development expertise with strong leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration skills in the U.S. SUV, pickup truck, and off-road vehicle marketplace. 

What You Will Do:

• Design and develop Closure systems (i.e., side doors, hood, trunk lid, tailgate, liftgate, body side sealing flanges, hinges, and innovative advanced closures)
• Perform design-releasing duties for North American-based vehicle projects and manage system BOMs
• Create and modify 3D data and 2D drawings via CATIA V5 and other engineering tools
• Lead system cost/mass target reduction studies for components/parts
• Lead investigations into system quality, assembly obstacles, and durability issues, suggest engineering improvements, and mentor and guide junior engineers on best practices to mitigate future issues
• Lead cross-functional team interface actions with other engineering design teams, suppliers, etc., both domestically and within Korea
• Lead design and issue resolution actions with US-based Korean Coordinators
• Review and advise on part/system performance and regulatory testing
• Lead system benchmarking activities for future product development opportunities
• Liaise between North American affiliates and Korean headquarters
• Recommend engineering improvements for assessed field claims based on customer feedback and other sources
• Support the interpretation of regulations and crash performance requirements
• Support the advanced development of closure systems and components for future vehicles
• Remain current with new technology and best practices to drive innovation
• 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 engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field
  • 4+ years of work experience concerning sheet metal (i.e., steel and aluminum), polymers & elastomer design, forming, welding, joining, and production assembly techniques
  • 4+ years of professional experience with Closure BIW and mixed material design and release responsibilities
  • Proficiency in Catia V5 for 3D modeling, including surface modeling, assemblies, and 2D drawing generation
  • Good working knowledge of closure mechanisms
  • Sound understanding of sealing design, assembly, and tooling
  • Experience in cradle-to-grave product development best practices and processes
  • OEM product launch experience
  • Familiarity with part and assembly Datum schemes and dimensional tolerance application
  • Experience with truck, SUV, off-road, and electric vehicle BIW Closures architecture
  • Experience planning and executing vehicle or component tests (e.g., durability rigs, track testing, and NVH evaluations)
  • Exposure to innovation concerning advanced technology development projects
  • Ability to explain technical topics to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Adept in Microsoft programs, such as Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word
    • An ability to prepare reports/spreadsheets (when needed) to support project-related work
  • Excellent time management, self-management, and organization skills
  • Strong written, oral, interpersonal, and leadership skills
  • Strong problem-solving skills
    • Ability to diagnose complex issues (e.g., failure analysis) and develop robust solutions under tight timelines and in cooperation with adjacent teams
  • Willingness to attend training sessions, workshops, or conferences to enhance skills and knowledge
  • Project management experience
  • Valid Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field
  • Experience with side door closure and specifically with pickup trucks, SUVs, or off-road vehicles
  • Familiarity with FMVSS, SAE standards, and global regulatory requirements
  • Ability to develop test plans, interpret data, and implement design improvements
  • Track record of leading technical projects or teams
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or Six Sigma certification
  • Prior patents or significant contributions to new product development 

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
• 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. VEVRAA Federal contractor.