Wheels & Tires Engineer

Hyundai Motor Company • Ann Arbor, MI

1d

About The Position

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is seeking an engineer to join its Chassis Engineering Design Team. The role supports the design, development, and validation of wheel and tire systems for U.S. SUVs, pickup trucks, and off-road vehicles, with the goal of creating robust, high-performance architectures. The engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to integrate systems, meet customer requirements, and achieve durability and reliability goals.

The position covers wheel and tire engineering from concept through production, including CAD design, specialized off-road systems, testing and validation, regulatory compliance, supplier coordination, and project support. The engineer also provides technical guidance to colleagues and may travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of the time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field.
• Professional experience in chassis and suspension design, with a focus on wheel and tire systems.
• Experience working on electric or hybrid vehicle suspension systems.
• In-depth understanding of vehicle ride and handling, off-road performance, and NVH considerations for heavy-duty trucks and SUVs.
• Good working knowledge of vehicle body and NVH performance.
• Knowledge of solid axle and independent suspension systems in off-road conditions.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as CATIA V6, NX, or SolidWorks.
• Experience using engineering tools to create and modify 2D and 3D drawings.
• Familiarity with PDM systems such as ENOVIA V6 or Windchill PLM.
• Knowledge of mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering design and processes.
• Knowledge of tooling design variables and processes, and related materials.
• Innovative thinking and proactive approaches to the technical direction of chassis components.
• Ability to explain technical topics to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Ability to prepare reports and spreadsheets as needed to support project work.
• Excellent time management, self-management, and organizational skills.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Experience specifically with pickup trucks, SUVs, or off-road vehicles is highly preferred.
• Prior experience with pickup trucks, SUVs, or off-road vehicles and knowledge of their wheel and tire systems, durability, setup, and articulation is advantageous.
• CATIA V5 experience is highly preferred but not required.
• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency with CAE tools such as ANSYS, Nastran, and MATLAB/Simulink for advanced suspension modeling, dynamic simulations, or product optimization.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Six Sigma certification.
• Project management experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop wheel and tire systems and related components from concept through production.
• Create 3D models and 2D drawings of wheels, tire/rim interfaces, and TPMS sensor integration using CATIA V5.
• Ensure designs meet strength, weight, and cost targets and integrate with braking and suspension systems.
• Develop and support specialized off-road tire technologies, including beadlock wheel systems, mud-terrain and all-terrain tire packages, run-flat inserts, and central tire inflation/TPMS solutions.
• Work with suppliers to customize off-road systems for vehicle applications.
• Support validation plans, test-plan creation, and test criteria for durability, fatigue, impact, and off-road abuse testing.
• Support vehicle-level ride and handling testing, including ride tuning and handling evaluations on various terrains.
• Analyze test data and failure modes and iterate designs to meet FMVSS and SAE performance standards.
• Support regulatory compliance, prepare documentation and reports, and support homologation for targeted markets.
• Coordinate with vehicle dynamics, suspension, brake, body, electrical/control, manufacturing, and service teams to integrate and deliver feasible wheel and tire designs.
• Coordinate spare tire and jack/tool provisions with manufacturing and service teams.
• Liaise with OEM and Tier 1 suppliers, develop component specifications and requirements, manage deliverables, participate in design reviews, and resolve technical issues.
• Support wheel and tire subsystem projects on new vehicle programs; develop timing plans, track milestones, and ensure components are delivered for prototype builds and production on time.
• Conduct design reviews, DFMEAs, and DVP&Rs; provide program status updates and address risks or roadblocks.
• Provide technical guidance and support to other engineers and team members.
• Travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of the time.

Benefits

• Zero-dollar employee premiums on medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and family.
• 100% employer-paid disability and life insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and abundant holidays.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time