Proving Ground Vehicle Test Development Engineer I

Location: California Proving Ground, California City, California

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, test, and develop chassis controls, thermal systems, and durability performance for North American market Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles.
• Perform subjective evaluations and objective testing, calibrate systems, investigate root causes, and develop countermeasures in all weather and road conditions.
• Develop and execute test plans, coordinate test vehicles, and manage supplier activities.
• Benchmark competitor vehicle performance and establish development direction and performance targets.
• Analyze customer feedback from internal and external media sources (J.D. Power IQS, Consumer Reports, social media, traditional media, and customer clinics).
• Evaluate, test, and calibrate vehicle chassis control systems, including ESC, TCS, active lateral dynamic controls, and certification tests (e.g., FMVSS/NCAP).
• Develop EV motor torque‑control‑based active chassis control performance.
• Validate brake system base performance, calibrate brake pedal feel, regenerative brake blending, ABS tuning, and conduct brake‑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).
• Perform seasonal performance testing in extreme climates (e.g., Death Valley 120°F, Northern Minnesota ‑30°F, Pacific Northwest heavy rain/snow).
• Analyze data, identify HVAC or cooling issues, report findings, and support real‑time software tuning and calibration.
• 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; track emerging issues.
• Develop and update full‑vehicle durability test procedures aligned with test capability, vehicle lineup, new technologies, and field trends.
• Interface regularly with Engineering Design departments and R&D Headquarters in Korea.
• Support identification and development of new technologies, strategies, and methods for improving current and future vehicle performance.
• Create and present clear, concise project status and technical reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, or a related field.
• 0–3 years of relevant engineering experience in the automotive industry.
• 0–1 year of 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.
• Experience with experimental data acquisition systems and analysis software, including MATLAB.
• Excellent computer skills; proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Experience in root‑cause analysis and problem‑solving methods.
• Strong written communication and presentation skills.
• Flexibility in handling multiple projects and changing priorities.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Benefits

• 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 leave, and abundant holidays.
• Competitive salaries.
• Global environment that fosters diversity.
• Retirement savings and planning benefits.
• Access to health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Flexible work hours.

Pay

Competitive salary range: $70,000 – $78,000 per year.

Physical Demands & Travel

• Ability to work in a culturally diverse team environment and in harsh climate conditions (winter ‑40°F, summer +120°F, altitude up to 14,000 ft).
• Travel up to 35 % domestically and internationally to support product development and testing.