Sr. Wheels & Tires Engineer

About the Team

The Chassis Engineering Design Team at Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is a collaborative and innovation-driven group within a leading automotive company. The team values open communication, continuous learning, and a hands-on approach, fostering a culture where senior engineers mentor less experienced colleagues and share knowledge freely. Together, they tackle complex engineering challenges to deliver high-quality, safe, and reliable chassis systems, encouraging creative problem-solving and ownership at all levels.

As part of this team, you will work closely with a diverse group of designers, testers, and manufacturing engineers in an environment that rewards initiative, technical excellence, and professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end engineering of wheel and tire systems (wheels, tires, and related components) from concept through production using CATIA V5 to create 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Ensure designs meet all performance targets (strength, weight, cost) and integrate seamlessly with braking and suspension systems.
• Develop and implement specialized off-road tire technologies, including beadlock wheel systems, mud-terrain and all-terrain tire packages, run-flat tire inserts, and central tire inflation/TPMS solutions.
• Customize off-road systems for Hyundai's vehicle applications in collaboration with suppliers to enhance off-road capability and durability.
• Define validation plans for wheel and tire designs, leading test plan creation and criteria for durability, fatigue, impact, and off-road abuse testing.
• Support vehicle-level testing for ride and handling, including ride tuning and handling dynamics evaluations on various terrains.
• Analyze test data and failure modes, iterating designs to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and SAE performance standards.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and industry standards (FMVSS, SAE) for wheels, tires, and TPMS, overseeing documentation and reports for homologation.
• Collaborate 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).
• Work with electrical/control teams on TPMS and active tire pressure management systems.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and service teams to ensure 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, developing specifications and managing supplier deliverables.
• Lead design reviews with suppliers and resolve technical issues in development or production (e.g., tire uniformity problems, wheel finish issues).
• Manage wheel and tire subsystem projects on new vehicle programs, developing timing plans and tracking progress of design and testing milestones.
• 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 risks or roadblocks.
• Mentor junior engineers on best practices and facilitate on-the-job learning.

Requirements

• 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 with pickup trucks, SUVs, or off-road vehicles is highly preferred.
• Experience working on electric or hybrid vehicle suspension systems.
• In-depth understanding of vehicle ride and handling, off-road performance, and NVH considerations specific to heavy-duty trucks and SUVs.
• Strong knowledge of vehicle body and NVH performance.
• Proficiency in 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) 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.
• Understanding 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.
• Proficiency in Microsoft programs (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word) and ability to prepare reports/spreadsheets.
• Flexibility with program and process changes.
• Excellent time management, self-management, and organizational skills.
• Strong written, oral, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to diagnose complex issues (e.g., failure analysis) under tight timelines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with adjacent teams.
• Commitment to staying 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 Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, Nastran, MATLAB/Simulink) for advanced suspension modeling, dynamic simulations, and 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 leave, and holidays.
• Competitive salaries.
• Global environment that fosters diversity.
• Retirement savings and planning benefits.
• Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts.
• Flexible work hours.

Schedule

Travel up to 20% of the time, both domestically and internationally.