Durability Program Planning Engineer
About The Position
Research, develop, and oversee full-vehicle durability testing at an automotive proving ground. The Durability Department conducts in-market durability and corrosion testing for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models sold in North America, using internally developed objective and subjective test modes aligned with the North American environment and customer expectations. This work supports safety, customer satisfaction, warranty-cost reduction, and the public image of HMG products in its largest sales market. The engineer plans and supports vehicle durability programs from advanced development through mass production and beyond; investigates vehicle incidents and field issues; inspects vehicles and monitors performance degradation; develops research projects, measurement programs, and accelerated test modes; and coordinates with global, internal, and external stakeholders. The role may also oversee proving-ground facility construction, collect and analyze vehicle data, develop procedures, and support project administration. The position includes mentoring junior staff and representing the North American customer’s environment, usage, and expectations. Travel may be required up to 20% domestically or internationally. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, including harsh weather and a shop environment with specified physical demands and safety hazards.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; Mechanical, Industrial, or Systems Engineering preferred.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word.
- Proficiency with data and numerical analysis tools such as MATLAB, R, or Python.
- Proficiency in using automotive data-acquisition tools and sensors.
- Proficiency in issue investigation and root-cause analysis.
- Proficient project-management skills.
- Proficient time-management and organizational skills.
- Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
- Ability to work in a culturally diverse team environment.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified at hire.
Nice To Haves
- Six or more years of experience in vehicle testing and development preferred.
- Two or more years of experience in an automotive proving-ground environment preferred.
- Mechanical, Industrial, or Systems Engineering degree preferred.
Responsibilities
- Follow up daily on vehicle incidents reported by test drivers and technicians; determine the required level of follow-up, elevate significant incidents to issue status, investigate and report issues through resolution, coordinate countermeasures with global stakeholders, and assess countermeasure effectiveness.
- Conduct periodic static and dynamic vehicle inspections and monitor degradation in vehicle performance, handling, NVH, and other areas; quantify degradation using subjective scales or objective measurements and improve inspection processes and metrics.
- Independently conceive, plan, conduct, and report research projects, field studies, and measurement programs concerning passenger-vehicle durability and the Pan-American market customer; apply findings to develop and improve accelerated durability test modes.
- Consult on full-vehicle durability test program development and plan and budget vehicle testing from advanced development through mass production and beyond.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including Program Management and local plant QA/QC, to secure budgets, test vehicles, and engineering resources.
- Conceive, design, and oversee construction of proving-ground facilities, including durability surfaces, obstacles, buildings, and structures; prepare documentation for budgets and approvals, obtain vendor bids, oversee project completion, and validate completed test surfaces analytically.
- Coordinate and participate in on-site and field inspections of used vehicles; collect and report real-world customer-condition data and use survey data to inform accelerated proving-ground test modes.
- Monitor and track field durability issues using sources such as warranty claims, port claims, FSE reports, customer surveys, automotive press, and social media.
- Install and configure data-acquisition equipment; work with vehicle CAN bus, thermocouples, strain gauges, accelerometers, and other data inputs; retrieve and analyze data and provide high-level commentary on results.
- Support third-party data-collection requests for test-mode development, CAE model correlation, research, market understanding, and design requirements.
- Develop and write procedures that define and organize tasks and responsibilities for engineering, technician, and test-driver staff; communicate procedures clearly and professionally.
- Complete administrative tasks such as purchasing and vacation requests and business travel plans; plan and oversee project work such as fixed-asset purchases and facility or equipment repairs.
- Mentor and provide project leadership to junior Engineers, Technicians, and Test Drivers to support their career development.
- Represent the North American customer by providing local perspective on environment, customer usage, and expectations.
Benefits
- Zero-dollar employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and family.
- 100% employer-paid disability and life insurance.
- Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and abundant holidays.
- Retirement savings and planning benefits.
- Flexible work hours and hybrid work schedule options.
- Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts.
- A global environment that fosters diversity.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
