Drivability Engineer

Hyundai Motor Company • Chino, CA

5d • $75,000 - $155,000

About The Position

As a powertrain drivability engineer, you will calibrate vehicle parameters that affect acceleration characteristics, shift performance, fuel economy, and powertrain behavior for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles in the North American market. The role uses in-vehicle testing, customer research, and subjective performance evaluation to define and achieve targets across internal-combustion and hybrid-electric propulsion systems and vehicle segments.

The position develops drivability and performance calibration for HEV, PHEV, and ICE applications; defines brand and powertrain-segment targets; leads vehicle testing and calibration; develops modeling and analysis tools; supports quality and issue resolution; and collaborates with vehicle-test and controls teams. It also supports North American headquarters with all-electric vehicle drivability inquiries and issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 4–8 years of experience in automotive testing, calibration, or controls development.
• Experience in powertrain-controls calibration or logic development.
• Expertise in powertrain systems and knowledge of performance testing and validation processes.
• Strong understanding of ICE and HEV powertrain systems and vehicle dynamics.
• Background in prototype-vehicle on-road testing and performance measurement.
• Excellent computer skills and experience with measurement and calibration using ETAS/Vector tools, including INCA, MDA, and CANoe.
• Working knowledge of vehicle communication networks such as CAN, LIN, and Ethernet.
• Proficiency with simulation and controls-development tools such as MATLAB/Simulink.
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in planning, executing, and closing projects.
• Flexibility to handle multiple projects concurrently.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified at hire.

Responsibilities

• Develop drivability and performance calibration for HEV, PHEV, and ICE powertrain applications for North America.
• Define drivability character and performance targets for HMG brands and individual powertrain segments.
• Lead proving-ground and on-road vehicle test and calibration activities, including extreme-weather, off-road, and towing validation.
• Support benchmarking investigations and monitor technology trends for North American light-duty HEV, PHEV, and ICE applications.
• Develop vehicle-performance modeling and simulation tools and automated test-data analysis tools.
• Support creation and maintenance of test procedures, calibration guides, and development guides.
• Collaborate with vehicle-test teams and controls teams to enhance vehicle integration and controls-software development.
• Support quality initiatives, root-cause analysis, issue resolution, and recurrence prevention for drivability issues.
• Provide calibration release documentation (DCM, CSV) to the calibration manager before calibration-fix milestones.
• Review and improve logic in collaboration with the controls-development team.
• Conduct competitor-vehicle benchmarking and controls analysis.
• Lead validation of vehicle performance on-road in extreme cold, extreme heat, and towing conditions.
• Formulate countermeasure strategies and proposals to enhance vehicle drivability.
• Manage vehicle-test events, including proving-ground tests, cross-functional seasonal tests, chamber/dyno tests, and towing tests.
• Ensure drivability-performance development activities adhere to internal quality standards.
• Support North American headquarters with all-electric vehicle drivability-related inquiries and issues.

Benefits

• Zero-dollar employee premiums on medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and family.
• 100% employer-paid disability and life insurance.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Competitive salaries.
• Retirement savings and planning benefits.
• Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts.
• A global environment that fosters diversity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level