Kia Engineering Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Company

Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc. ("HATCI") is the North American headquarter of Hyundai Motor Company's R&D, serving the North American market needs of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands. HATCI's activities include product planning, design, quality, testing/evaluation, new technology development and innovation for vehicle systems. In addition to the Michigan HQ, HATCI also operates engineering test & development facilities and proving ground in California.

Our Team

Powertrain Testing Lab is the Engineering Departments Electrified Propulsion Test (ePST) division at HATCI. PTL focuses on testing for energy efficiency, durability, and performance improvement of Hyundai/Kia/Genesis propulsion.

The Position

HATCI is currently seeking an Engineering Manager - Powertrain Testing Laboratory (PTL) for our Superior Township, MI facility (near Ann Arbor). This position will lead a team of Engineers and Technicians in the testing of new vehicle propulsion technology and the validation of new vehicle propulsion hardware. Work with and support all Powertrain team members (calibration, certification, and manufacturing) to accomplish the project targets. Collaborate with internal and external teams (Design, Vehicle Evaluation, & Planning) to support the strategic goals established by the Hyundai/Kia senior management.

This position reports to ePST Department's Sr. Manager.

 Core Responsibilities

• Understand ICE and EV/HEV applications from system to components.
• Responsible specifically for lab components such as the dyno controller, dyno, high power and high voltage power supply, thermal management systems/chambers, data acquisition system and dyno mechanical setup/alignment.
• Vehicle propulsion dyno validation supporting manufacturing and quality of new vehicle propulsion technology and NAFTA content.
• Conducting competitive assessments and benchmarking of new vehicle propulsion technologies, defining how competitive technologies work, and providing recommendations on how these types of concepts could be applied.
• Provide supplier support (product engineering perspective) to aid in the manufacturing and quality issues of components and systems.
• Support manufacturing to assure supplier readiness for production.
• Manage teams focused on vehicle propulsion mapping, calibration, and development of current production as well as R&D projects.
• Manage, train, evaluate, discipline, and make recommendations for hire, pay changes, promotions, or terminations.
• Perform administrative functions such as completing purchasing requests, and approvals of timecards, vacation requests, travel requests, etc.
• Provide planning and monitoring of department budget and fixed assets as well as establishing requirements for future years.
• Lead, motivate, and mentor team members.
• Collaborate and coordinate activities with other staff members (Engineers/ Managers) and overseas R&D.
• Issue bi-weekly reports to management staff and project summary reports to top management.
• Track project timing and status to targets based on established project deliverables.
• Collaborate with other HATCI and Korean development teams, share information, generate execution plans, and manage the project deliverables including project targets and timing.
• Participate in meetings with preferred test system component suppliers.
• Interface with suppliers to review system and component functional requirements and ensure alignment with specific requirements.
• Travel up to 10% (Domestic and International).

Core Capabilities

• History of strong project leadership and a proven track record for timely project delivery and project management
• Experience and detailed understanding of vehicle propulsion systems, propulsion system operation, interactions and performance under various driving conditions, and calibration/control of propulsion systems for simulation of vehicle/propulsion system.
• Effective communication and people skills to develop/keep good relationships with tech experts from R&D Center and counterpart teams.

Basic Qualifications

• A.S. or B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or other related fields.
• 8+ years of automotive testing experience.
• 2+ years of project management experience.
• Knowledge in vehicle propulsion/powertrain principle/operation and propulsion control system.
• A proven history of engineering projects related to development, testing or simulation of vehicle propulsion/powertrain systems.
• Knowledge of standardized vehicle test procedures such as EPA, and SAE.
• Good written, oral communication and people skills.
• Valid Driver's License with satisfactory driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of people management experience (as an supervisor or a manager).
• 2+ years of experience managing a test lab.

• 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
• A global environment that fosters diversity
• Competitive salaries
• Retirement savings and planning benefits
• Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts
• Opportunity to shape the success of a growing R&D organization
• Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic initiatives
• High-impact role with visible results

• 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.