Sr Validation Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Emissions & OBD Fleet Validation Engineer
About Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI)
Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) serves as Hyundai Motor Group's North American R&D headquarters, supporting Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis products in one of the world's most competitive automotive markets. Our teams drive innovation across product planning, design, engineering, quality, testing, and advanced technology development.
In our main R&D center in Michigan, testing and development center in Chino, CA and additional engineering, development, and proving ground facilities in California, HATCI provides a dynamic environment where ideas accelerate into real-world vehicle advancements.
About the Team
The Emissions and OBD Validation (EMOV) team is part of the Electrified Propulsion division of HATCI. We advance propulsion efficiency and performance across Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis internal combustion and hybrid powertrains, directly shaping the refinement, competitiveness, and technological leadership of the vehicles our customers drive every day. EMOV leads local market testing and validation of engine and electrified propulsion management systems controlling vehicle emissions and diagnostics.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced innovative, detail oriented and self-driven Vehicle Emissions and OBD Fleet Validation Engineer to join our team in Chino, California. In this role you will support the validation of engine management and on-board diagnostics systems for pre-production vehicles that undergo extensive mileage accumulation and emissions durability testing. You will help ensure that our propulsion systems meet demanding emissions standards, operate with high reliability, and deliver exceptional customer satisfaction. This position offers the opportunity to work directly with prototype vehicles, data intensive development programs, advanced calibration technologies, and cross-functional engineering teams. You will help shape the next generation of internal combustion, hybrid, and electrified propulsion systems through rigorous testing and data-driven insights.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Key Responsibilities
• Lead comprehensive validation activities for engine management, emissions, and On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) systems utilizing pre-production vehicles deployed in long-term fleet testing programs. Ensure testing is executed in real-world operating conditions to support robustness, durability, and regulatory compliance objectives.
• Set up and configure advanced vehicle instrumentation, including data loggers and sensors, and continuously monitor fleet vehicles to ensure accurate data acquisition, data integrity, and reliable test execution throughout the test lifecycle.
• Lead complex and cross-disciplinary debugging activities involving hardware, embedded software, calibration, and full vehicle systems. Drive root cause identification through systematic investigation and collaboration with internal engineering teams.
• Analyze high-resolution, second-by-second vehicle data captured from data loggers to identify early indicators of component degradation, system malfunctions, calibration deficiencies, or emerging reliability risks before customer impact.
• Plan and conduct emissions testing at defined mileage accumulation intervals to verify emissions system durability, confirm compliance with applicable regulations, and ensure consistency with certification targets.
• Analyze exhaust and evaporative emissions data to determine root causes of failures or performance deviations. Develop and communicate proposed countermeasures and corrective actions to technical counterparts and management.
• Perform advanced data analysis using tools such as MATLAB, Python, or equivalent platforms to extract trends, correlations, and actionable insights that support data-driven engineering decisions.
• Support fleet operation activities including calibration updates, software flashing, diagnostic evaluation, issue triage, and vehicle readiness assessments to ensure continuous fleet availability.
• Investigate high-occurrence and emerging warranty issues through data analysis, vehicle history review, and cross-functional collaboration to support long-term quality improvements.
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise technical summaries, reports, and status updates for engineering leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, translating complex data into actionable conclusions.
• Manage administrative aspects of fleet testing programs, including budget tracking, vehicle utilization, test request planning, schedule management, and milestone documentation.
• Evaluate new technologies, tools, and methodologies that support compliance with evolving emissions and OBD regulations while improving efficiency, accuracy, and development speed.
• Plan, coordinate, and track project activities to ensure on-time delivery, high-quality execution, and alignment with program objectives.
• Travel up to 15% domestically and internationally to support testing activities, emissions evaluations, and collaboration efforts.
Core Competencies
• Demonstrated expertise in vehicle testing, calibration methodologies, and advanced data analysis techniques.
• Strong ability to interpret global and regional regulatory requirements and convert them into structured, executable test plans.
• In-depth knowledge of calibration development processes and associated engineering toolchains.
• Proven experience diagnosing electrical, mechanical, software, and system-level issues in complex automotive systems.
• Working knowledge of automotive communication networks including CAN, LIN, and Ethernet.
• Solid understanding of emissions and OBD regulations established by the EPA and CARB.
• Strong foundation in engine controls, combustion principles, and exhaust aftertreatment systems.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
Basic Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline
• 8+ years of experience in powertrain calibration, emissions development, OBD-II calibration, or system validation
• Strong understanding of propulsion system fundamentals, including hybrid powertrain operation
• Hands-on experience with emissions testing, OBD monitor development, and vehicle test procedures
• Working knowledge of automotive communication protocols such as CAN and LIN
• In-depth knowledge of engine control systems, combustion principles, and exhaust aftertreatment fundamentals
• Advanced experience using vehicle calibration and data analysis tools such as ETAS INCA and MDA
• Experience setting up, monitoring, and reporting data from fleet vehicle dataloggers
• Familiarity with emissions and OBD regulatory frameworks
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record
Preferred Qualifications
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in fleet durability management, powertrain calibration, emissions development, OBD-II calibration, or system validation
• Experience with particulate matter (PM) emissions mitigation, including GPF calibration and development
• Proven experience validating OBD-II features through mass-production launch
• Experience with APTIV datalogger equipment
• Strong data analysis capabilities using MATLAB/Simulink and/or advanced Python-based analysis
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
• Hybrid Work Schedule
• 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. VEVRM Federal contractor.
Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is an equal opportunity employer commited to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, other protected veteran status, and any other protected class under law.
Base salary range for this role: $115,000 - $155,000.