Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) · 1 day ago
Sr. Wheels & Tires Engineer
Superior, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
7+ years expHyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is looking for a Senior Engineer to join the Chassis Engineering Design Team. The Sr. Wheels & Tires Engineer will lead design, development, and validation-related efforts concerning wheel and tire systems for U.S. SUV, pickup truck, and off-road vehicles.
Automotive
Responsibilities
Lead the end-to-end engineering of wheel and tire systems (i.e., wheels, tires, and related components) from concept through production
Use CATIA V5 to create 3D models and 2D drawings of wheels, tire/rim interfaces, and integration of TPMS (tire-pressure monitoring system) sensors
Ensure designs meet all performance targets (i.e., strength, weight, and cost) and integrate seamlessly with braking and suspension systems
Develop and implement specialized off-road tire technologies such as beadlock wheel systems (for low-pressure off-road usage), mud-terrain and all-terrain tire packages, run-flat tire inserts, and central tire inflation/TPMS solutions
Work with suppliers to customize these systems for Hyundai's vehicle applications, enhancing off-road capability and durability
Define validation plans for wheel and tire designs by leading test plan creation and criteria efforts concerning durability, fatigue, impact, and off-road abuse testing of wheel and tire systems
Support vehicle-level testing for ride and handling, including ride tuning and handling dynamics evaluations on various terrains
Analyze test data and failure modes and iterate designs to meet rigorous Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and SAE performance standards
Ensure all wheel and tire systems comply with relevant regulations and industry standards, including adhering to FMVSS for wheels/tires and TPMS, as well as SAE and other applicable standards for tire sizing, load ratings, and performance
Oversee documentation and reports to demonstrate compliance and support homologation for targeted markets
Collaborate closely with vehicle dynamics, suspension, brake, and body engineering teams to integrate wheel/tire systems without issues (e.g., brake caliper clearance, suspension travel, fender clearance, etc.)
Work with electrical/control teams on TPMS and any active tire pressure management
Coordinate with manufacturing and service teams to ensure the wheel and tire designs are feasible to produce, assemble, and service (including spare tire and jack/tool provisions)
Liaise with OEM and Tier 1 suppliers for wheels and tires
Develop specifications and requirements for supplier-designed components (e.g., custom tire compounds, wheel castings/forgings, etc.) and manage supplier deliverables
Lead design reviews with suppliers and resolve technical issues in development or production (e.g., tire uniformity problems, wheel finish issues, etc.)
Manage wheel and tire subsystem projects on new vehicle programs
Develop timing plans, track progress of design and testing milestones, and ensure on-time delivery of components for prototype builds and production
Conduct design reviews, DFMEAs (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), and DVP&R (Design Verification Plan & Report) for wheel/tire systems
Provide regular status updates to program management and proactively address any risks or roadblocks
Mentor junior engineers on best practices and facilitate on-the-job learning
Travel up to 20% of the time, both domestically and internationally
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field
7+ years of professional experience in chassis and suspension design, with a focus on wheel and tire 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 wheel and tire systems, durability, set-up, articulation, etc., is advantageous
In-depth understanding of vehicle ride and handling, off-road performance, and NVH considerations specific to heavy-duty trucks and SUVs
Good working knowledge of vehicle body and NVH performance
Strong understanding of GD&T and tolerance stack-ups in wheel hubs and rim interfaces
Knowledge of solid axle and independent suspension systems in off-road conditions
Proficiency in CATIA V5
Familiarity with other CAD software (e.g., CATIA V6, NX, Solidworks, etc.) is beneficial
Experience using engineering tools to create and modify 2D and 3D drawings
Familiarity with PDM (e.g., ENOVIA V6) or Windchill PLM systems
Knowledge of mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering design and processes
Knowledge of tooling design variables and processes, along with related materials
Innovative thinking and proactive approaches to the technical direction of chassis components
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
Flexibility with program and process changes, as Hyundai/Kia/Genesis is willing to make late changes to satisfy customer needs
Excellent time management, self-management, and organization skills
Strong written, oral, interpersonal, and leadership skills
Strong problem-solving skills
An ability to diagnose complex issues (e.g., failure analysis) and develop robust solutions under tight timelines and in cooperation with adjacent teams
Ability to remain current with new technologies and best practices
Willingness to attend training sessions, workshops, or conferences to enhance skills and knowledge
Valid Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record
Preferred
Master's degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field
Proficiency in utilizing CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, Nastran, and MATLAB/Simulink) for advanced suspension modeling, dynamic simulations, and/or product optimization
Professional Engineer (PE) license or Six Sigma certification
Experience with vehicle program launches (from concept to production)
Project management experience
Benefits
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
Company
Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI)
Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (9)
2024 (10)
2023 (3)
2022 (13)
2021 (4)
2020 (4)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
John Juriga
Director of Powertrain and Electrified Propulsion
Recent News
2025-02-26
Help Net Security
2024-12-04
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